FAQs
Q. How do I enroll in Thorne Nature Preschool?
A. We accept enrollment applications year-round for the current school year and future school years. CLICK HERE to learn more about the enrollment process and waitlist.
Q. Why nature preschool?
A. Nature Preschools offer young children frequent experiences to learn and play in nature, and have a compelling impact on child development and well-being, while laying the foundation for environmental literacy and stewardship values. Early childhood is a critical time in life to provide opportunities to spend time playing outdoors, building upon children’s inherent curiosity and love of nature.
A growing body of research shows that frequent play in nature stimulates all of a child’s developmental domains, including cognitive, creative, physical, social and emotional, and spiritual, preparing children to succeed in school and in life. Studies also show that environmental stewardship is born from an emotional connection to nature, which often develops in early childhood. In fact, over 35 years of studies from around the world show that the single most common influence on adult stewardship values comes from unstructured, frequent childhood play in wild settings.
Q. What is the cost?
Q. Will nature preschool prepare my child for Kindergarten?
A. Yes. Thorne Nature Preschool has the same early childhood development goals of traditional preschools and kindergartens, but will accomplish these goals through meaningful, authentic experiences in nature. Utilizing integrated academic and social curriculum grounded in nature, Thorne Nature Preschool nurtures the well-being of each child while preparing them to succeed in school and in life.
Q. Will there be academics?
A. Yes. We follow the Colorado Early Learning Development Guidelines using our emergent curriculum and seasonal learning arc. Our Preschool strives to achieve industry-standard benchmarks for early childhood development, and goes beyond these to include the many benefits of immersion in nature.
Q. how will i hear about my child’s progress?
A. Thorne Nature Preschool has desired goals and outcomes for children regarding early childhood development and environmental literacy. Teachers will document children’s learning and assess outcomes on a regular basis, through ongoing observations and students’ work. Teachers share daily photos that allows parents to get a glimpse into their child’s day!
Thorne Nature Preschool values open communication with families and will share information about student progress through:
Daily photo sharing as well as checking in at drop-off and pick-up
Parent-teacher conferences - 2 times per year
Regular program updates and important information
Q. What is the teacher-to-child ratio?
A. The teacher-to-child ratio is a maximum of 8 children to 1 paid staff member. By keeping intentionally low ratios, teachers are able to put more personal care and intention into their interactions with students.
Q. Where is the school located?
A. Thorne Nature Preschool is based at our Lafayette Nature Center at 300 Old Laramie Trail E, Lafayette, CO 80026. CLICK HERE to learn more about preschool at the Lafayette Nature Center.
Q. What happens on a rainy or snowy day?
A. We play in rain or shine or snow! Thorne Nature Preschool is designed to embrace all kinds of weather, helping children grow comfortable outdoors year-round. For young children, rain and snow can be as much fun as a sunny Colorado day, as long as they are dressed appropriately!
Thorne Nature Preschool follows the Child Care Weather Watch guidelines and in the event of lightning or extreme weather, Thorne Nature Preschool will retreat indoors.
Q. DOes Thorne Nature Preschool ever cancel school due to weather?
A. Thorne Nature Preschool follows Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) for weather related closures and delays. If BVSD cancels school due to weather, Thorne Nature Preschool will be cancelled. If BVSD has a delayed start due to weather, Thorne Nature Preschool will start at 10 am instead of 9 am.
BVSD weather related closures and delays are posted on a banner at the top of the home page of their website. Public notice of a closure is posted as soon as possible after the decision has been made, generally no later than 5:30 am on the day of the closure.
Thorne Nature Preschool will notify families via email and our parent communication apps when there are weather related closures and delays.
Q. How much time will my child spend outside?
A. At Thorne Nature Preschool, we believe that time outdoors is a foundational part of our program. We intend to have children engaging and learning outdoors at various times throughout the day, except in the event of lightning or extreme weather, in which case we will retreat indoors to our cozy classrooms.
Q. What if my child needs full day care?
A. Thorne Nature Preschool operates M-F from 8:30am to 3:30pm, with options for half-day, early care, and extended care.
Click here for information about our program schedules.
Q. Does my child need to be potty trained to attend?
A. Yes, children are required to be fully potty-trained before starting at Thorne Nature Preschool. We realize that enrollment commitments may need to be made before potty training has been completed and understand that some transition time may be necessary. We are here to support your family in this transition and work together during their first weeks of school.
Fully potty-trained children can:
Identify when they need to go to the bathroom; tell a teacher that they need to go to the bathroom; use different kinds of toilets – an indoor bathroom (in home and in public), a pit toilet (like at the Public Road trailhead), a portable toilet; pull their pants and underpants down and back up; sit on the toilet independently; aim their urine stream consistently into the toilet; use the toilet without soiling their clothes or the area around the toilet; flush the toilet; wash their hands effectively; change their clothes independently.
Q. How do meals and snacks work?
A. Parents should supply their child with a healthy snack, lunch, and water each day. After morning circle, children will wash their hands and have a snack. At around 11:30 a.m., children will wash their hands and have lunch. Children who stay for extended care will also have the opportunity to have a snack after quiet and rest time. Staff encourage children to drink water throughout the day to help them stay hydrated.
Q. what does a typical day at Thorne nature preschool look like?
A. The program aims to strike a healthy balance between predictable daily routines, group activities, circle times, teacher-led activities, and plenty of time for open-ended nature play and exploration.
See below for an example daily flow:
8:30 am - 9:00 am Early Care for those registered
9:00 am - 9:15 am Drop-Off/Sign-In, Free Play
9:15 am - 9:45 am Opening Circle, Songs, Movement
9:45 am - 10:15 am Handwashing, Snack, Story, Bathroom Break
10:15 am - 11:30 am Child-led Nature Play and Teacher-led Activities
11:30 am - 12:00 pm Handwashing, Lunch, Story
12:00 pm -1:30 pm Child-led Nature Play and Teacher Led Activities
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm Clean-up and Closing Circle
2:00 pm - 2:05 pm Pick-Up and Extended Care Begins
2:05 pm - 2:35 pm Quiet Rest Time/Nap Time
2:35 pm - 2:40 pm Bathroom, Sunscreen, Snack (Awake Children)
2:40 pm - 3:15 pm Outdoor Free Play at the LNC/Nap Time
3:15 pm - 3:30 pm Clean-up & Pick-up
Q. Will my child come home wet and muddy?
A. Yes! Children love to experience whatever elements exist in nature, whether it’s a snowy hill, a mud puddle, or a quiet meadow. Thorne staff allow children to play and learn through experiencing nature first-hand, which often leaves kids wet and muddy. We ask parents to dress children appropriately for the weather and keep two sets of extra weather-appropriate clothing in your child’s backpack.
Q. What clothing will my child need?
A. Appropriate clothing that keeps children warm, dry, and protected from the elements is critical to their comfort and well-being. Clothing needs will vary according to season and weather conditions. Click here to view our Thorne Nature Preschool Clothing Guide and Packing List.
Q. Do staff have first aid training?
A. Yes. All staff have First Aid, CPR, Standard Precautions and Medication Administration training and carry comprehensive first aid kits at all times. In addition, staff complete ongoing professional and specialized training in outdoor play and dynamic risk-assessment.
Q. How does Thorne nature preschool foster community?
A. Thorne Nature Preschool values building a strong, supportive, inclusive community between classmates, families, and preschool staff. Thorne holds family events to celebrate nature and the changing seasons throughout the year. To support nature connection for the entire family, Thorne Nature Preschool organizes potlucks and family gatherings throughout the year. We believe that a healthy, rich, meaningful sense of community cultivates the human connection that is equally as important as nature connection.
Q. Does thorne nature preschool allow parent volunteers?
A. While we do not require parents to volunteer, we love to have parents support the program as guest presenters or volunteers for special projects. Please contact your child’s teacher or the Preschool Director to discuss options for volunteering.
Q. When does the school year begin? What holidays do thorne nature preschool observe?
A. We follow the standard Boulder Valley School District school year calendar for vacations and some holidays. Click here for more information about our schedule, including a link to our school calendar.
Q. What are the ages of children accepted?
A. Children ages 3 through 6 can attend Thorne Nature Preschool. Group size is maintained at a maximum ratio of 8 children per 1 adult. Children must be three years old by their start date and fully toilet trained in order to attend Thorne Nature Preschool.
Q. Who are the teachers?
A. Please refer to our Faculty page for information on our teaching team.
If you are interested in employment and volunteer opportunities, CLICK HERE to learn more.
Q. How large are the classes?
A. Our Universal Preschool (UPK) class is capped at 21 students with 3 teachers.
Mixed age preschool classes are capped at 12 students with 2 teachers.
Q. Can I attend an open house?
A. Please fill out an Interest Form to connect and receive more information about our Open Houses.
Q. Who do I contact for more information?
A. If you are interested in enrolling your child or joining the interest list for the next school year, please visit the enrollment page. All other inquires can be sent to preschool@thornenature.org.