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  Earthplace
  10 Woodside Lane
  PO Box 165
  Westport, CT  06881
  203-227-7253
  info@earthplace.org

  Building Open
  Monday-Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM
  Sunday 1 - 4 PM
  Admission
  $7 adults & children over 12
  $5 children 1-12 yrs & seniors

  Grounds Open Daily
  7 AM - Dusk
  Admission to grounds free

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Harbor Watch

 

 

  formerly The Nature Center
  for
 Environmental Activities

 

 

 

Earthplace Nursery School

2's Program    3's and 4's Programs   Fun for 1's and 2's
Nursery School Interest Form
Medical Form for Pre-K      
Click here to Open Nursery School Website

 

Since 1967, the Earthplace Nursery School, accredited by the NAEYC, has offered a unique nature-oriented program and a wonderful educational experience. Students enjoy walking on the trails of the 62-acre wildlife sanctuary, and have direct access to the many wild and teaching animals that reside at Earthplace. Fun learning experiences are provided in order to encourage children to develop a strong sense of self and an appreciation for the natural world around them.

Childhood curiosity leads to discovery exploration, and the classrooms include a variety of centers to encourage this learning. Some of the centers are the sand and water table, an art area with easel, the dress-up area, plenty of blocks and trucks, puzzles, the kitchen/home center and a book area with a couch. Students in the 3’s and 4’s Programs also enjoy using the writing centers, complete with scissors, markers, crayons and tape. Outdoor activities include sand play, climbing, playing with balls and trucks, using the swings and slides, pretending in the playhouse, and working in our new children's garden. The children also take trail walks, learn about the animals at Earthplace from the naturalists, meet special community visitors such as a fireman or a dentist, construct wooden sculptures, create play dough, "cook" food, sing songs, listen to stories, learn numbers and letters, socialize and make new friends.

The highly experienced staff of nursery school teachers has been at Earthplace for many years. The teachers attend workshops and college seminars regularly, to remain current with early childhood education issues and teaching techniques.

 

2’s Program

There are two drop-off programs for two-year-olds:  1 3/4 hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays that includes a once a week parent discussion group, and a longer 2 3/4 hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  Children must be two years old by September 30 of the school year in which they attend.  There is a maximum of eight children per class with one lead teacher and two assistants.

In the shorter program, the Tuesday class includes a parenting group in which parents explore the many joys and perils of parenting toddlers. This informal group discussion will explore various parenting techniques while increasing an understanding of age-appropriate behaviors through developmental stages. 

Tuesday/Thursday:     8:45 – 10:30 AM
                             10:45 AM – 12:30 PM

Monday/Wednesday/Friday:     8:45 – 11:30 AM

 

3's and 4's Program

Three and four-year-olds have the choice of two, three or five-day programs. Individual parent/teacher conferences take place twice each year, and parent/teacher group "chats" are scheduled throughout the year. Parent involvement in activities and fund-raising is welcomed through sign-ups at the beginning of the year.

An optional "Lunch Club" program is available every day for an extra fee. Sign-up is done on a weekly basis. Program begins at 10:30 AM for afternoon students, and meets from 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM for morning students.

3’s Program

Three-year-olds meet from September through May for 2½ hours a day. There is a maximum of 16 children and a minimum of three teachers per class. Children must be three years old by December 31 of the school year in which they attend.

Morning Session:     8:45 until 11:30 AM
                           3-year-olds meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Afternoon Session: 12:15 until 3:00 PM, Monday, Wednesday and Friday,
                          12:15 until 3:00 PM, Tuesday and Thursday
                          Children can attend five days a week at the above times each day.

4’s Program

Four-year-olds meet from September through May for 2½ hours a day. There is a maximum of 18 children and a minimum of three teachers per class. Children must be four years old by December 31 of the school year in which they attend.  

Morning Session:    8:45 until 11:30 AM
                          4-year-olds meet Monday through Friday

Afternoon Session: 12:15 until 3:00 PM
                           4-year-olds meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday,
                           Tuesday and Thursday or Monday through Friday

 

Fun for 1's and 2's

Children attend for one hour once a week with their mother, father, grandparent or nanny from September through December and/or January through May. The children and their adults play together and participate in a variety of art, science and nature-oriented activities, including trail hikes and visits to the Animal Hall. Themes and activities change from week to week. There is a maximum of eight children per class.

1's Group -  Child must be 1 year old to attend.  Mondays, 9:10 – 10:10 AM

Fall 2011 Monday September 19 – Monday December 12 $348 for Session I (12 classes)
Spring 2012 Monday January 9 – Monday May 14 $435 for Session II (15 classes)

2's Group - Children must be two years old by December 31, 2011.  There are two class sections:

Wednesdays or Fridays, 9:10 – 10:10 AM

Fall 2011 Wednesday September 14 – Friday December 16 $348 for Session I (12 classes)
Spring 2012 Wednesday January 13 - Friday May 18 $435 for Session II (15 classes)

 

2011-2012 Tuition

2’s Program $3,185 (2 days/week; Sept. – May)
$4,408 (3 days/week; Sept. – May)
3’s Programs $3,600 (2 days/week; Sept. – May)
$4,408 (3 days/week; Sept. – May)
$6,530 (5 days/week; Sept. – May)
4’s Programs $3,600 (2 days/week; Sept. – May)
$4,408 (3 days/week; Sept. – May)
$6,530 (5 days/week; Sept. – May)
Fun for Ones
Fun for Twos
$348 - Fall, 12 sessions
$435 - Spring, 15 sessions

An additional Earthplace family membership fee of $75 is required at the time of registration for all classes. Membership benefits include free or discounted program fees, access to the Earthplace museum and 62-acre open space wildlife sanctuary, and 10% store discounts.

A deposit of $400 is required at time of registration, of which $200 is deducted from the final tuition payment.  Tuition is due semi-annually.

Contact Us Via Interest Form

Click here to print out and mail in or fax our Interest Form. Your child's name will be added to the list of potential enrollees.  You will be contacted by phone to discuss availability, as well as invited to tour our facilities.