Dandelions

Toddler Enrichment Program

Our Toddler Enrichment Program is a gentle introduction to learning and community for children ages 2 to 3 years, offered entirely outdoors in a nurturing, nature-rich environment.

Designed to support early development through play, exploration, and connection, this program invites toddlers to discover the world around them at their own pace. With guidance from caring teachers, children engage in sensory experiences, nature walks, songs, stories, and hands-on activities that encourage language, movement, social skills, and curiosity.

Rooted in seasonal rhythms and child-led discovery, each day includes plenty of time for free play, simple routines, and opportunities to build relationships—with the land, their peers, and themselves.

This enrichment program lays the foundation for future learning while honoring the magic of early childhood—muddy hands, wonder-filled eyes, and all.

9:00 AM – Arrival & Free Exploration
- Warm welcome with gentle separation support
- Open-ended nature play: digging, climbing, scooping, sensory bins, loose parts
- Time for connection and observation
9:30 AM – Morning Circle/Curriculum-Based Exploration
- Simple songs and movement
- Nature-based story or visual prompts
- Introduce the theme or focus of the day (e.g., bugs, mud, weather, sounds)
- Guided sensory-rich activity related to early literacy, math, or science
- Examples:
  - Sorting leaves or rocks by size or color
  - Water pouring for fine motor skills
  - Listening for birds and mimicking sounds
  - Simple nature crafts or group songs
10:00 AM – Morning Snack
- Picnic-style snack with handwashing and social time
- Teachers model routines and self-help skills
10:30 AM – Outdoor Free Play
- Child-led play in a safe, enclosed nature space
- Opportunities for gross motor development, imagination, and social play
- Teachers observe and gently guide interactions
11:00 AM – Lunch
- Group lunch in a shaded outdoor area
- Practice of self-feeding, manners, and conversation
- Routines around clean-up
11:30 AM – Closing Circle
- Goodbye song or gratitude sharing
- Gentle reflections: “What did you see today?” “What made you smile?”
- Prepare for pickup with calm transition
12:00 PM - Pick up
12:30 PM – Arrival & Free Exploration
• Warm welcome and smooth transitions into the afternoon rhythm
• Open-ended nature play: mud kitchen, fort building, loose parts, water tables
• Connection time with peers and teachers
1:00 PM – Afternoon Circle & Curriculum-Based Exploration
• Songs, movement games, and mindfulness
• Nature-based story, visual prompt, or inquiry question
• Thematic exploration through hands-on learning
    •    Counting pinecones or acorns
    •    Mixing colors with natural materials
    •    Creating simple nature collages
    •    Exploring shadows, sounds, or textures
1:45 PM – Afternoon Snack
• Relaxed, picnic-style snack in the shade
• Focus on community, turn-taking, and independence
• Clean-up with collaborative routines
2:00 PM – Outdoor Free Play & Gross Motor Exploration
• Child-led play in nature with climbing, running, building, digging
• Social skill building, conflict resolution, and imagination
• Teacher-facilitated games or observation as needed
3:00 PM – Closing Circle
• Reflective group gathering:
“What was your favorite part of the day?” “What are you curious about next time?”
• Goodbye songs, gratitude sharing, breathing or stretching
3:30 PM – Pickup
• Calm transitions with individualized goodbyes and prepared backpacks
Flexible Scheduling to Support Families
Our outdoor nature school offers both morning and afternoon sessions to meet a variety of scheduling needs. While we maintain a consistent structure for the benefit of our students, we also understand that every family’s schedule is unique. We do our best to accommodate individual needs with flexibility whenever possible—because supporting families is part of our mission.
Morning Sessions
Monday/Wednesday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM: $500/Month
Tuesday/Thursday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM: $500/Month
Afternoon Sessions
Monday/Wednesday - 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM: $500/Month
Tuesday/Thursday - 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM: $500/Month

Curriculum

Our toddler enrichment program is inspired by the gentle rhythms of the Treehouse Nature Study curriculum—designed to spark curiosity, connection, and joy in the very youngest learners. With a focus on seasonal themes and child-led discovery, toddlers explore the world around them through nature walks, hands-on activities, simple songs, stories, and art.

This approach encourages wonder and early learning in a calm, supportive setting where toddlers can engage their senses, build early language skills, and connect with nature at their own pace. Our program nurtures the whole child—mind, body, and heart—while laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning outdoors.