Granby Nature Preschool and Kindergarten serves children ages 3, 4 and 5. Children must be 3 years old and toilet trained by September of their enrolling school year (or when space is available the month after they turn 3 during the school year). For 5-year-olds we offer both Kindergarten and a Transition program (additional year before First Grade*) for those children who might benefit. We offer both half day and full day options although we recommend a full day experience for kindergarten and transition children.  

For the most part we believe in multi-age grouping. Younger children can learn from older ones who, in turn, gain experience and confidence as peer models. Within this model individual lessons are differentiated to meet specific developmental needs of children.  

GNPnK children learn to be open-minded, caring and healthy. They are inquisitive, socially conscious, know how to take turns, ask good questions and respect others and their environment. They have learned the important skills of classifying, comparison, sequencing, and data collection. They have learned the concepts of life cycles and interdependence in nature. They have experienced how to transform their skills, concepts and knowledge through play, music, movement and art. In addition they have been introduced to pre-reading and math activities, and some read and do simple math.  

We want our children to be healthy, curious, observant, reflective and empathetic to each other and to their environment. Guided outdoor exploration is essential to our program, with daily nature hikes and/or working in our outdoor vegetable garden. We plan to be outdoors in all weather except extreme conditions. 

*TRANSITION  

We know that child development can be uneven in young children. Some children who have finished Kindergarten would benefit from an alternative Transition year to give them a firmer foundation before entering first grade. At GNPnK we help children hone their concepts and skills in all the learning domains (cognition, social and emotional development, physical development and health, language and literacy, creative arts, mathematics, science and social studies) within a relaxed nature-based environment that promotes healthy living and learning.  

Size 

Our ideal size is 12 morning, and 8 afternoon children which includes any combination of am, pm and full time children.