Notchcliff Forest Preschool

Notchcliff Forest Preschool is a joyful way for young children to play and explore in nature. This is a drop-off program that runs for a school year (Sept. - May) led by two caring adult guides with a maximum of 12 children. Classes meet from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

2024-2025 Forest Preschool

Sept. 3, 2024 - May 23, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.

Monday/Wednesday: Chickadees class

Tuesday/Thursday: Spotted Fawns class 
Friday: Red Foxes class 

Open enrollment for new families is first come, first serve starting Feb. 1st. (Note: Plan your tour asap to receive the enrollment code.)

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Ready to register? Schedule a tour to see what we're about! Following your tour, you will receive a registration code to enroll. Contact the Director of Notchcliff Nature Programs, Kelley McGill, to plan your visit today.

Outdoor Learning

Forest preschool classes take place 100% outdoors. We gear up and enjoy the weather, rain or shine, in all seasons! In extreme circumstances or emergency situations, we have access to a classroom in the main building of Glen Meadows Retirement Community. We are currently renovating an RV that will serve as a new Mobile Nature Classroom, which will also double as emergency shelter space.
 

Family Involvement
Families actively participate in our learning adventures! We welcome you into the forest to play during select Family Forest Days. We also offer monthly opportunities for families to attend a local outing at a nearby wild space for field trips. These outings allow families to develop kinship while we discover many more gems in our community. We also hold special activities with our 'grand friends' at the retirement community. (Calendar with details will be sent upon enrollment.)
 

Enrollment and Payments
Cost is based on what you might otherwise pay a sitter! Please note that enrollment is for the full program year (September - May). View current pricing here.

Initial, non-refundable payment is paid when you enroll, followed by 8 monthly payments (Sept 1 - April 1). If you join partway through the year, we will prorate your payment. 

Note: Enrollment is for a school year commitment. If you must cancel your enrollment before the end of the program year, you are responsible for the balance of your registration until another child can fill the spot. Learn more about our enrollment process here.

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If you need financial assistance, limited funding is available. We never want funding to be a barrier to our program, but please know that assistance is limited and designed for families with significant financial need. Please contact us to learn more.
 

Enrollment Requirements
Your child must be three years old by Sept. 1 of the program year when s/he begins. Toilet-training is not required, but please let us know about this sensitive topic in advance so we can best support your child's needs.

Family Agreement & Handbook
Immersive outdoor learning means just that - we are outdoors in all kinds of weather! We require that all parents read and sign our handbook and Family Agreement to acknowledge important policies that guide our programs.
 

Our calendar, gear guide, and other helpful details are provided in a follow-up email. We look forward to amazing adventures with you and your child!

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