Early Childhood Programs

The New Canaan Nature Center’s programs for youth foster hands-on learning about our natural world, teaching our children to enjoy and care for their environment as they master the skills needed to assume a leadership role in our society.

Get to know the Preschool at New Canaan Nature Center!
Drop by any of our Open Houses to meet Preschool Director Beth Skudder and other teachers, see the classrooms, and imagine your child benefiting from all our 40-acre natural playground has to offer! We'd love to know you're coming! Call 203-966-9577 x 16 or send an email to bskudder@newcanaannature.org to RSVP.

Preschool Open Houses
August 17, 9:30 - 11:00am
September 21, 9:30 - 11:00am
October 22, 9:30 - 11:00am
November 17, 9:30 - 11:00am
December 8, 9:30 - 11:00am

Nurturing Nature
This program creates an unhurried atmosphere for 18 month to three-year-olds and a parent or caregiver to share stories, simple art activities, visits with live animals and seasonal trail walks through our diverse habitats. Sessions for the weekly classes are scheduled during all four seasons. Click here to learn more.

Beginner's Nature Program
In operation since 1967, the "BNP" is a unique, nature-focused preschool offering classes for three, four and five-year-olds and runs from September through May. Environmental education is integrated into a curriculum which addresses each child's individual needs: social, emotional, physical, creative and cognitive. Based on seasonal changes, the curriculum makes extensive use of the Center’s grounds. The Beginner's Nature Program is fully licensed by the State Department of Public Health under Connecticut Day Care regulations and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

• Program descriptions
• Schedule of classes
• Registration information

Preschool Director and Teaching Staff

The New Canaan Nature Center is excited to announce that Beth Skudder has been hired as the new pre-school director of the Beginner’s Nature Program. Ms. Skudder graduated from Skidmore College and received a Masters of Science in Elementary Education with a nursery - eighth grade certification from the University of Bridgeport. Most recently, she was the Director of Admissions at the Rippowam Cisqua School (NY) where she evaluated all applicants to the school, most of whom were preschoolers. Previously, Ms. Skudder taught kindergarten and first grade in The Convent of the Sacred Heart School in Greenwich, and at The Alcott Montessori preschool in New York. “I’m a dedicated early childhood educator and environmentalist and am thrilled to take on this fantastic role at the New Canaan Nature Center” says Skudder. “I’m looking forward to welcoming families to our vibrant and innovative program and watching young children thrive in the care of our superb teachers on the Nature Center’s amazing campus!” Skudder lives in Darien with her husband Chris Jobson and their three children.

The BNP teaching staff are college-trained professionals with extensive experience in early childhood and environmental education. Each has a unique area of expertise, yet all work as a team, providing love, encouragement, enthusiasm and extensive knowledge about the outdoors and the Nature Center’s diverse habitats.