Early Childhood Education
Our Early Childhood Education Programs
Our early childhood education programs at Johnson Nature Center provide young children with place-based learning opportunities to cultivate a love of nature and agriculture while creating a safe place to grow resilience and connections within their world.
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To develop an inquiry-based mindset through seasonal investigations and projects.
To promote the joys of learning through play.
To build confidence through risk-taking and problem-solving.
To nourish a sense of connection and community.
To create meaningful impacts in the local community and natural environment.
Check back for updates as we continue to GROW!
You, Me & the Trees
Ages 2-3 years old with an adult chaperone
Parents and caregivers are invited to explore the outdoors with their toddlers and investigate the many ways nature benefits us. Children 2-3 years old will be able to embrace nature's wonders through their senses and engage in unique learning experiences.
TreeSchool
Ages 3-4 years old (drop-off)
Every child deserves a “happy place” to gain independence, make friends, develop unique skills and interests, and learn to contribute to a community through play. TreeSchool, a state-licensed nature-based preschool program, provides children with such a place.
Acorns & Oaks: Family Workshop
Ages 3-6 years old with an adult chaperone
The best happy places are ones that are shared. In Acorns & Oaks, caregivers will join students on their nature-based learning journey while learning about the impacts of connecting children to the outdoors. Join us to build a toolkit of knowledge for how to adopt these practices in your everyday life.
BHS Developmental Kindergarten
Integrated field-based learning experiences
BHS Developmental Kindergarten classes alternate visits between Bowers School Farm and Johnson Nature Center, aiming to integrate agricultural experiences and nature-based learning into the curriculum, sparking discovery and joy for exploring and learning in the outdoors.