Preschool

Every year, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science welcomes 100,000 visitors to its trails, exhibits, and collections. An increasing number of those visitors bring along young children to climb a tree in the Preschool Room, play with puppets, visit animal habitats, and listen to captivating stories under the guidance of preschool education staff. Find out how early childhood programs fit into the Museum's mission and what advice the Museum has for other natural science institutions that want to better serve young children and their caregivers.

The PlayGarden is a safe, supportive, accessible, and innovative place for children of all abilities.

A preschool in Duluth, MN fosters self-directed play, confidence, and a strong sense of self in relationship with nature and the community.

Turning Sun School, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and place-based education. The children, teachers, and parents work together on year-long projects following the methods of the project approach.

At Boulder, Colorado's Friends’ School, outdoor experiences are considered a vital part of the school day.

Preschoolers roam Golden Gate National Park with Lauryn Smith Demyanovich, lead preschool teacher for NatureBridge. From summer camps to preschool field trips, she helps preschoolers learn to love their public lands.

San Antonio Zoo has been home to nature-based preschool and nature play area for over ten years.

Tiny Trees is planning to open six forest preschools in parks across Seattle.

Vogel Alcove is the only comprehensive early childhood education program in the city of Dallas whose primary focus is to provide childcare and case management for children and families referred by emergency shelters, domestic violence shelters, and organizations that serve homeless families. The Backyard at Vogel Alcove is a natural playground enhanced with garden areas that serve therapeutic and educational goals.

The Blue Waves Preschool is located on the coast of Kuwait, and brings children outdoors to enjoy, and learn to protect, their seaside home daily.