We welcome children 1.5 - 6 years old in Rochester, Minnesota. Our childcare is designed to prepare children to become independent, self-assured, and ready to meet the next challenge through play-based learning. We offer opportunities for children to experience the joy of life while they learn.
Our approach is learning through outdoor play based discovery that is warm and screen free. In addition we help children develop fundamental concepts basic to language, reading, mathematics, science, and social studies through teacher-led activities. Children develop critical-thinking skills toward solving real-world problems, while gaining confidence in their identity, meaning, and purpose.
Our approach is learning through outdoor play based discovery that is warm and screen free. In addition we help children develop fundamental concepts basic to language, reading, mathematics, science, and social studies through teacher-led activities. Children develop critical-thinking skills toward solving real-world problems, while gaining confidence in their identity, meaning, and purpose.
Why Nature Preschool?
Nature School is also referred to as forest school. This school is unique mostly because its a type of early childhood education that is held mostly outdoors in all weather. The curriculum is typically child-led and play-based that's main focus is on fostering curiosity and exploration of the child.
Due to these distinctive and ever-growing schools being led by the children's own interests and curiosity, no two classes are the same. If children are consumed with exploring the land, our planned lesson may be pushed out in order seize that teaching moment and explore different trees we are finding or encourage the building of a fort that has already been started. At Nature Tots Preschool, our lessons are intentionally prepared and presented with our individual students in mind. Our curriculum includes, but is not limited to, themes based on the current season, outdoor education, STEM activities (including art and music), unstructured free play and storytelling.
Due to these distinctive and ever-growing schools being led by the children's own interests and curiosity, no two classes are the same. If children are consumed with exploring the land, our planned lesson may be pushed out in order seize that teaching moment and explore different trees we are finding or encourage the building of a fort that has already been started. At Nature Tots Preschool, our lessons are intentionally prepared and presented with our individual students in mind. Our curriculum includes, but is not limited to, themes based on the current season, outdoor education, STEM activities (including art and music), unstructured free play and storytelling.
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Our Outdoor Classroom
Nestled in the woods, we have a beautiful outdoor space complete with a mud kitchen, sandbox, dinosaur small world, open-ended materials, a meal time area, and more. We spend most of our days immersed in the 11-acres of forest but do take breaks to nap and learn in our indoor classroom.
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Land Acknowledgement
Nature Tots Preschool is located in Mni Sota Makoce (Minnesota), which holds deep significance as the ancestral territory of the Wahpeton tribe, integral members of the esteemed Oceti Ŝakowiŋ — The Seven Council Fires alliance. Within this alliance, the Wahpeton people played a vital role as part of the Santee tribe. While acknowledging that words alone are insufficient, we wholeheartedly extend our gratitude and profound respect to the land and its original guardians, the Wahpeton People.
How Does Nature Benefit Learning?
Experts have repeatedly found learning outdoors benefits students academically, socially and physically. Having outdoor learning as a foundation for your child's early learning will improve attention, stress levels, self-discipline, motivation, fitness, relationships and creativity.
We follow the seasons and takes into account the children’s interests and needs. In fall, we watch the monarchs migrating, learn why leaves change color, and discover frogs in our pond. In winter, we follow animal tracks in the snow. In spring, we tap maple trees and delight in the discovery of new life. Children develop and strengthen skills they will need for a successful transition to kindergarten while forming lasting connections to nature.
We follow the seasons and takes into account the children’s interests and needs. In fall, we watch the monarchs migrating, learn why leaves change color, and discover frogs in our pond. In winter, we follow animal tracks in the snow. In spring, we tap maple trees and delight in the discovery of new life. Children develop and strengthen skills they will need for a successful transition to kindergarten while forming lasting connections to nature.
Sometimes, when we can't seem to push ourselves through an obstacle,
our grit and resiliency shows us that we can go around, over, or under...
this is how we cultivate a growth mindset.
our grit and resiliency shows us that we can go around, over, or under...
this is how we cultivate a growth mindset.
Enrollment
Our Preschool Program is September to May
(with option for Summer Care)
Monday through Friday
7:30am - 4:30pm
(with option for Summer Care)
Monday through Friday
7:30am - 4:30pm
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7:30-8:30
8:30 - 9:30 9:30 - 11:30 11:30 - 1:00 1:00 - 3:00 3:00 - 4:30 |
OUTDOOR DROP OFF
NATURE WALK, SNACK + CIRCLE TIME OPEN EXPLORATION LUNCH, STORIES + CLEAN-UP REST TIME + JOURNALING OUTDOOR FREE PLAY + PICK UP |
We intentionally have a loosely structured day to allow space for child-led learning to take place. We know that children learn best when all of their senses are engaged and their curiosity is piqued.
Meet Our Teachers
Amber Nelson
Forest School Leader With over 8 years of experience in childcare, I take pride in my job and truly enjoy it. Alongside my wonderful husband and three school-age children, I am also a proud owner of a lovable golden retriever. I like to start my day with a cup of coffee and engage in hobbies such as golfing, gardening, and painting. My personality is best described as patient, easy-going, and caring. Exploring nature with my little friends has been an absolute dream job, and I look forward to continuing to nurture and support their growth. |
Sydney Schmitz
Summer Helper |
Clothing & Outdoor Gear Policy
The proper attire for all-weather play is critical for the success of any outdoor preschooler. At Nature Tots Preschool its a requirement that children arrive dressed in appropriate clothing to participate along with a full set of extra clothing in their cubby. There is a $300 (non-refundable) gear fee to helps keep extra cold-weather gear on site for children to use as needed.
When children are enrolled they will receive a waterproof backpack, Hydroflask water bottle, Bentgo lunch box + snack pack and Wildkins nap mat that is theirs to keep and use at preschool.
When children are enrolled they will receive a waterproof backpack, Hydroflask water bottle, Bentgo lunch box + snack pack and Wildkins nap mat that is theirs to keep and use at preschool.
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Parent Resources
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Early Childhood Screening
From the ages of 3-5 your child is eligible for a comprehensive developmental screening through Rochester Public Schools. This screening gives you an early look at your child’s hearing, vision and development which helps paint a picture of your child’s skills in thinking, language, motor control as well as social/emotional development. This screening helps identify if your child may benefit from community resources to aid in their development. To schedule your child's screening, call (507) 328-4004 |
