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Trails are open! Please follow all rules and guidelines. Maintain social distancing. - Read More

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FOREST PRESCHOOL

Since 1961 Tenafly Nature Center has been enriching lives through nature. We're excited to continue this legacy with our newest program, Forest Preschool! Children ages 3.5 to 5 years of age will have the opportunity to spend the morning or afternoon exploring the forest, developing their confidence, and laying the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of nature.

TNC aims to create quality outdoor learning experiences with child-centered learning at the heart of the program. TNC educators provide a supportive and safe environment to allow children, parents, and everyone involved to develop a strong community focused on a mutual love of nature. The natural environment provides ample opportunities for whole-child development with the ability to take various age-appropriate risks. TNC Environmental Educators facilitate hand-on experiences such as nature exploration and experimentation, and are seen as co-learners rather than traditionally-viewed teachers. Ample time for free-play allows children to engage in meaningful experiences with their peers and the environment.

What does skill development look like in Forest Preschool?

  • Physical: Climbing, jumping, running, hiking, digging, shelter building, building a snowman.
  • Cognitive: Observation of natural phenomena; literacy through print materials; language development through songs; math skills through measurement, counting, comparing, and estimating.
  • Social-emotional: Care of living things, dramatic play, working in teams, games, storytelling.

Session Offerings

 Full Year
 Fall
 Winter
Spring
September 28 to June 11
September 28 to
December 18
January 4 to
March 12
March 15 to
June 11

9:00 am-12:00 pm
OR
1:00 pm-4:00 pm

Options:

9:00 am-12:00 pm
OR
1:00 pm-4:00 pm

Options:

9:00 am- 12:00 pm
OR
1:00 pm-4:00 pm

Options:

9:00 am-12:00 pm
OR
1:00 pm-4:00 pm

Options:

5 day

5 day
3 day (M/W/F)
2 day (Tu/Th)

5 day
3 day (M/W/F)
2 day (Tu/Th) 		5 day
3 day (M/W/F)
2 day (Tu/Th)


Enrollment Process

  1. Complete an application form. Our Forest Preschool Director will be in touch with you within 48 hours.

  2. Work with our Forest Preschool Director to arrange a site visit.

  3. If accepted, you will be provided access to our registration system.

  4. Payment for each season is due seven days before the season start. Full year attendees will make payments on the same schedule.

    • Fall Payment Date: September 21, 2020
    • Winter Payment Date: December 28, 2020
    • Spring Payment Date: March 8, 2021

Tuition Guide

Full Year Fall Winter Spring
 $9,400  5 days a week: $3460  5 days a week: $3000  5 days a week: $3900
   3 days a week: $2110  3 days a week: $1950  3 days a week: $2535
   2 days a week: $1604  2 days a week: $1300  2 days a week: $1690

Please note: TNC is not a licensed child care center and is not licensed as a New Jersey child care center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Included in Enrollment?

Class Size

Each group has one teacher to every five children.

Weather

Forest Preschool is held outdoors, with an indoor space available for extreme weather (lightning, high winds, or frigid temperatures). Appropriate attire goes a long way toward comfort in the outdoors! The opportunity to witness nature no matter the weather leads to a greater appreciation and respect for our environment.

Masks

All participants are expected to bring two masks to Forest Preschool daily. Staff will encourage social distancing, however, following the NJDOH requirements, when social distancing cannot be observed face coverings will be required. TNC staff will wear face coverings upon drop-off and pick-up, and in any situation they are unable to keep proper distance.

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