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Welcome to Nature Tots Preschool - Rochester's Premier Forest School Experience! Nestled amidst 11-acres of forest, we provide an enriching and adventurous environment for children aged 2-5. Dive into a world where young minds explore, learn, and grow that merges nature and knowledge!
What is Forest School?
Unique in its approach, Forest School offers a child-led, play-based education that thrives under the open sky. Every day is a fresh experience because each class is molded by our little explorers' boundless curiosity. Whether they're captivated by the lay of the land or enchanted by seasonal wonders, our flexible lessons pivot to seize those magical teaching moments. Imagine a day where a discovered tree turns into an impromptu botany lesson or a spontaneous fort-building session! Our enriching curriculum is crafted with each child in mind, interweaving seasonal themes, outdoor education, engaging STEM activities, art, music, free play, and captivating storytelling.
Research consistently hails the benefits of outdoor learning, revealing enhancements in academic performance, social bonds, physical health, and more. When kids learn with the rustle of leaves or the tracks in the snow as their backdrop, they don't just gain knowledge—they also cultivate improved focus, reduced stress, enhanced motivation, and soaring creativity.
Research consistently hails the benefits of outdoor learning, revealing enhancements in academic performance, social bonds, physical health, and more. When kids learn with the rustle of leaves or the tracks in the snow as their backdrop, they don't just gain knowledge—they also cultivate improved focus, reduced stress, enhanced motivation, and soaring creativity.
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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 in our indoor classroom.
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Forest Leaders:
Amber Nelson
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Boasting over 9 years of childcare experience and three enriching years since initiating the Forest School program, I am both the proud owner and a Level 3 forest leader. I'm also licensed through DHS, ensuring top-notch guidance for your little ones. Alongside my incredible husband and our three school-age children, I am also the happy caretaker of a lovable golden retriever. Each morning, I kick start my day with a soothing cup of coffee and love to immerse myself in hobbies such as golfing, gardening, and painting. I'm best described as patient, easy-going, and deeply caring. Venturing into nature with my little buddies has been nothing short of a dream job for me. With unwavering enthusiasm, I am committed to fostering their growth, making every moment outdoors a cherished memory.
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Melissa McDonald
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With over five years of rich experience in childcare and a background as a dedicated nurse at the Mayo Clinic, Melissa brings a unique blend of medical knowledge and nurturing care to our team. As a mother of two, she understands children intuitively and showcases an unparalleled patience and caring attitude that instantly puts every child at ease. But it's not all calm and quiet with Melissa; she absolutely adores turning up the fun! Her impromptu dance parties are a hit among the kids and are a testament to her vivacious spirit.
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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.
Outdoor Gear Policy
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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. Specific outdoor gear policies are found in each program description: |
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
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
