Nature Preschool

Nature Preschool

Providing children a solid foundation for future school success

This Wildwood Nature Center program infuses traditional readiness learning and preschool activities with an emphasis on the natural world and daily outdoor discovery. The curriculum incorporates the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards.

Registration Information

Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year is ongoing! Space is still available in some classrooms for Winter/Spring 2025.

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year begins Monday, March 10, 2025 at Noon.

General Information

  • Some classes may be full due to advance registration for children currently enrolled in our Nature Preschool Program.
  • A $100 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration. Balance is due by August 16, 2024.
  • Children must be age appropriate by September 1.
  • All Children must be completely toilet trained to participate.
  • The 2025-26 School Year starts Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Preschool Open House

Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Maine Park Leisure Center, 2701 W. Sibley Street

Prospective families interested in learning more about the Park Ridge Park District's Traditional and Nature Preschool Programs are invited to attend our Open House, from 10:00am-11:00am (parents only) or 5:30pm-7:00pm (families welcome).

Kids playing and learning with nature hands on activity
Preschool Program

Looking for a more traditional preschool setting? Check out our Maine Park preschool program.

Learn more

Have Questions?

Nature Preschool is a separate, but complementary program to the Park Ridge Park District Licensed Preschool. If you have any questions please contact:

Molly Kowalski, Supervisor

224-585-4861 or mkowalski@prparks.org

Maggie Martin, Assistant Supervisor

224-585-4862 or mmartin@prparks.org

Programs

5160352 / NPS M-F

Wildwood's nature focused program for children ages 3-4 infuses traditional readiness learning and preschool activities with an emphasis on the natural world and daily outdoor discovery. The curriculum incorporates the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. In addition to their ABC’s and 123’s, preschoolers hike the trails around the pond, prairie, and woodland, draw in their journals, turn over logs to look for insects and worms, and get to know the animals at Wildwood all while developing lifelong learning skills in the classroom and outside. Nature Preschool rotates curriculum, exploring different seasonal topics. This allows your child to attend a unique program for two years. All children must be completely toilet trained to participate. Age is 3-4 years old as of September 1. Priority Registration for students currently enrolled begins Friday, February 9th at 10:00 am online Open Registration for new students begins Friday, March 1st at 10:00 am online No Class No Class October 14, November 25-29, December 23- January 3, January 20, February 17, March 24-28. Registration for the program is online. If you have never registered for a Park District program, you will need to set up your Household account with the Park Ridge Park District to create an account.
5160352-1 - Nature Preschool M-F am
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
9/3/2024 - 5/8/2025
9:00 am - 11:30 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
Age 3-4 as of Septem
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