Open house will highlight Nature’s Nursery expansion and Mabey Foundation scholarships
‘Nature’s Nursery’ will host an inaugural “Open House” from 5:30 until 7 pm on April 10, when visitors can learn more about Roger Environmental Education Center’s early childhood learning opportunities. The classroom will be open for play and caregivers will have an opportunity to register youngsters for the 2018-2019 school year.
A unique pre-school program designed to cultivate outdoor exploration, ‘Nature’s Nursery’ has been in residence with Friends of Rogers for nearly four years. Designed to teach small ones a love of nature and become accustomed to a school setting, Nature’s Nursery offers a dynamic learning opportunity where nature is the classroom. Children practice life skills while interacting with each other and the world around them.
Throughout the academic year, three sessions of ten classes each will be held at the Visitor Center in Sherburne. Coordinator Jenni Larchar leads young explorers in a variety of fun and engaging educational activities. Barring extreme weather, classes will include outdoor activities, so children should dress for the weather.
Beginning next fall, two distinct classes will be offered. Pre-schoolers ages 2 and 3 years old will meet select Friday mornings from 9:30-11:30 am to learn about being stewards of wildlife at Rogers Center and in their own backyards. Sessions include music, circle learning time, projects, activities, experiments, and plenty of outdoor exploration.
New for next fall is a class exclusively for older preschoolers ages 4 and 5 years old. This sessions will be held on select Wednesday afternoons from 12-2:15 pm and will allow children to further explore academics and science. There will also be ample time for music, movement, and outdoor exploration.
For the second consecutive year, tuition assistance is being offered through a generous grant from the Anna L. Mabey Foundation. This scholarship program allows more local children to benefit from Nature’s Nursery programming.
“We are extremely grateful for this increased support from the Mabey Foundation,” said Simon Solomon, executive director. “Expanding our early childhood environmental education initiatives means we are able to fulfill our mission in exciting new ways.”
To register for “Nature’s Nursery,” download forms at www.FriendsofRogers.org, call (607) 674-4733, or e-mail kidscoordinator@FriendsofRogers.org.
Rogers Center is operated by Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization that offers educational programs for people of all ages. Summer hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.