These experiences can take the form of enjoying a classroom animal friend, visits from the animals in our teaching collection, learning about bees at our hives, saying hello to the birds at the aviaries, passing by the chickens and goats in the field, or observing animals in their natural habitats.

Children will grow plants in the classrooms, in the gardens on campus, and in our greenhouse. In addition, there is always exploration and play in the woods, meadows, and ponds.

The education staff at the Nature Center (preschool teachers and naturalists) collaborate to provide our students with a positive introduction to the natural world that will allow them to appreciate its wonder and beauty.

We also use guidelines and benchmarks as outlined in the Preschool Curriculum Framework provided by the State of Connecticut. It includes benchmarks for children in preschool programs, with program goals and content standards. Here at the New Canaan Nature Center Preschool, we use this framework as we plan experiences and activities for the children. Our curriculum is neither totally inclusive of, nor limited to, the curriculum framework provided by the state. We are fortunate in having the Nature Center facility as our educational environment, and therefore have expanded the curriculum to include a much broader, nature-based focus. Additionally, curriculum is a living, evolving document; our staff is encouraged to explore new ideas manifested from their continuing studies, parents’ input, and other sources.