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Nature's Way Preschool
Nature’s Way Preschool at the Austin Nature and Science Center is a unique nature preschool enrichment program that provides young children with an immersion experience into the wonders of the natural world. One of a small number of nature-based preschools in the United States, Nature’s Way Preschool was established in the fall of 1992 and has grown to its present size, offering 10 different classes, 5 days a week for ages 3-5.
Classes are held in the historic 1880’s Ashford McGill Trail House which offers ideal space for preschool children with 3 classrooms, a kitchen, bathroom facilities, an outside vegetable garden and a large fenced natural play area. The Trail House is adjacent to Zilker Nature Preserve and the Zilker Botanical Garden, convenient for walking adventures
Educational Philosophy
Children experience daily outdoor adventures with fun, hands on nature and science experiences designed to connect them to the natural world while encouraging curiosity and excitement. Activities may include climbing, digging, mud and water play, balancing on logs, creek exploration, and nature walks. Activities help to develop coordination, promote self-esteem and increase a sense of wonder. In this nurturing safe environment, children are encouraged to take initiative, to express their ideas and to make choices. We help children become more aware of the world around them and to appreciate it as a precious natural resource worth protection. Lessons are created to maximize experiences in the outdoors.
Programs
Preschool programs consist of preschool mornings, which are hour-long programs where you get to come and enjoy the activities with your child. Topics cover butterflies, animals, nature hikes, dinosaurs and much more! There are a variety of class schedules to attend. For more information, please see our Natural Selections Brochure.
Teachers
Nature's Way Preschool is an onsite preschool consisting of four teachers working at a small ratio - one teacher per eight children. Our amazing teachers open up the imaginations of young children by covering such topics as dirt, recycling, oceans, physics, outer space, gardening and much more. Teachers are consistent in using hands-on discovery techniques that allow children to think and discover on their own!
Schedule and Fees
Classes offered 9:00 am to 1:00 pm AGE 3
- 2 days a week Mon. and Wed. $224 per month
- 2 days a week Tue. and Thur. $224 per month
- 1 day a week Fri. $112 per month
Classes offered 9:00 am to 1:00 pm AGES 4-5
- 4 days a week Mon. - Thur. $448 per month
- 3 days a week Mon. Wed. Fri. $336 per month
- 2 days a week Tue. Thur. $224 per month
- 1 day a week Fri. $112 per month
Classes offered 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm AGES 4-5
- 2 days a week Tues./ Thurs. $168 per month
- 1 day a week Tues. $85 per month
- 1 day a week Thurs. $85 per month
- Classes meet from mid-September to early May.
- Teacher to child ratio is 1:8 in all classes.
- Children attend some nearby off site field trips.
Enrollment Policies
- Children must be 3 years old by the first day of classes in September
- All children must be potty trained
Licensing
- Nature’s Way Preschool is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services as a child care facility. State Minimum Standards are followed and all staff must meet state required criteria. All required paperwork for a state licensed facility must be completed for each child before they attend the program.
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