NATURE PRESCHOOL
Our kindergarten readiness program for ages 3–5 uses nature-based learning to nurture the whole child.
Child-Centered, Nature-Based
Founded in 2020, Eagle Bluff Nature Preschool nurtures the whole child through hands-on, nature-based learning. While we share the same developmental goals as other high-quality preschools, our curriculum is rooted in daily outdoor exploration—fostering a deep connection to the natural world and inspiring a lifelong environmental ethic.
Sample Daily Schedule
Morning
8:00 AM – Arrival
8:30 AM – Breakfast
9:15–9:30 AM – Brain Smart Start (morning group)
9:45–11:30 AM – Outdoor exploration
11:45 AM – Lunch
Afternoon
12:15 PM – Repeated read-aloud
12:30–1:15 PM – Center choice / small group
1:15–2:00 PM – Quiet / rest time
2:00 PM – Small group or outdoor time
2:45 PM – Snack, question of the day, and closing group
3:00 PM – Pickup / bus departure
We’re excited you’re considering Eagle Bluff Nature Preschool! Please follow the steps below to complete your child’s enrollment:
Enrollment Process
Step 1: Review the Handbook
Please read the Nature Preschool Handbook in full—it includes important details about tuition, fees, program policies, and what to expect.
Step 2: Apply & Optional Site Visit
Fill out the interest form here.
Once we recieve your interest form, if spots are available, we’ll send you an application form.
For new students, a non-refundable $75 deposit is required to hold your child’s spot. This can be paid online.
Although a site visit isn’t required, we highly encourage it. To schedule one, contact Jenna at jennam@eaglebluffmn.org or 507-467-2704.
Step 3: Enrollment & Availability
Our classroom capacity is 17-20 students depending on the average age of our students.
Priority is given to returning families and staff member’s children.
Remaining spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to students enrolling full-time.
Once the class is full, additional applicants will be placed on a waiting list in order of application date.
Please note: Once you submit your application and deposit, your child’s spot will be held—unless you notify us that you no longer wish to proceed with enrollment.
Step 4: Final Paperwork
Mid-summer, we’ll email a set of required forms. To finalize enrollment, these documents must be completed and returned at least one week before school begins.
Waitlist Policy
In the event that our class reaches capacity, we will continue to accept waitlist applications along with the required deposit.
Should a spot become available, families on the waitlist will be contacted in the order their application was received.
Waitlist applications do not carry over to future school years.
Questions?
Reach out to Jenna at jennam@eaglebluffmn.org or call 507-467-2704.
Class typically begins in early September and ends in mid-June.
Full-time Enrollment
Our Nature Preschool runs Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Enrollment priority is given to families enrolling full-time.
Tuition: see handbook for details
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, snack, and all required outdoor gear
Tuition is based on your child’s enrollment schedule, not daily attendance. This includes staff holidays, professional development days, and emergency closures due to illness or weather.
Part-Time Enrollment
Available for non-Head Start families
Families may choose to enroll only on specific days (i.e. Mondays and Wednesdays) or morning-only schedule, available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM—the portion of the day with the most outdoor exploration.
Tuition: see handbook for details
Priority is given to full-day enrollments (i.e. all day Mondays and Wednesdays) rather than just mornings.
Flexible scheduling: Choose the number of days your child attends or just the morning option.
Families must commit to the full school year
Busing may be available through Rolling Hills Transit. Priority is given to Head Start students.
For the most up-to-date routes and availability, please contact Rolling Hills directly.
In the past school year, the bus made stops in Preston and Lanesboro, with a cost of $12 per day for round-trip service.
Head Start
Head Start and Early Head Start support pregnant women and children from birth to age 5. These programs connect families to early education, health care, and community services that promote child development and family well-being.
To apply, contact Jenny Zawislak at jenny.zawislak@semcac.org.
Early Learning Scholarship Program
Families with high financial need may qualify for a scholarship of up to $7,500 per year to help pay for early childhood programs like ours.
To apply, contact your local area or tribal administrator listed here, or call 1-888-291-9811.
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
CCAP helps families pay for part of their child care costs. You must use a legal child care provider. Please note: some counties may have a waiting list, especially for families who have not recently received cash assistance.
Learn more through your county’s human services department.
Eagle Bluff Scholarship
A limited number of need-based scholarships are available through Eagle Bluff. While funding is not guaranteed, we encourage families to apply.
These scholarships are made possible by generous donors who believe in expanding access to outdoor learning experiences.
Apply for an Eagle Bluff Scholarship
Eagle Bluff Nature Preschool is proud to partner with SEMCAC’s Head Start Program.
Our classroom includes a mix of both Head Start and non-Head Start students. All children benefit from a shared learning environment led by both Head Start and Eagle Bluff staff.
To help families better understand Head Start’s vision, philosophy, and goals, we’ve included additional information in the appendix of the Nature Preschool Handbook.
Is Nature Preschool Right for My Child?
Outdoor Learning, Every Day
Our preschoolers play and learn outdoors every day—rain, snow, or sunshine. If your child loves exploring and doesn’t mind getting a little muddy, they’ll thrive in our nature-based environment.
Safety is always our top priority. During extreme weather conditions, activities move indoors. For more details, please see our Nature Preschool Handbook.
Our Approach
Our program uses Conscious Discipline, an approach that encourages self-control, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation.
Learn more about our philosophy on behavior guidance in our Nature Preschool Handbook.
Enrollment Requirements
At the time of enrollment, children must:
Be between 3–5 years old
Be toilet trained
Be comfortable getting their hands and clothes dirty while learning and playing outdoors
Come Prepared for the Outdoors
Preschoolers will get wet and muddy, and a change of clothing is often needed. To support outdoor play in all weather, we provide essential gear—including coveralls and rain suits—to help keep clothing as clean as possible (though this is not guaranteed).
Learning Through Exploration
Outdoor exploration is a key part of our curriculum. Children learn by exploring the woods, prairie, ponds, and river—connecting classroom concepts to real-world experiences in nature.
Safe, Active Play
While safety is always our top priority, active outdoor play can sometimes lead to minor scrapes, scratches, bumps, or bruises. These small risks are a natural part of hands-on learning and adventure.
Why Nature Preschool?
Years of research and studies have been conducted on the benefits of nature-based early childhood education, showing that such programming:
Improves Social Connections
Children are more likely to build strong social skills, experience greater happiness, and develop healthier habits when they have regular opportunities for free, unstructured outdoor play (Burdette & Whitaker, 2005).
Supports Whole-Child Development
Nature supports children’s growth in every domain—intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and physical—helping them develop into well-rounded learners (Kellert, 2005).
Supports Creativity and Problem-Solving
Play in nature helps develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and intellectual growth—encouraging children to think critically and explore freely (Kellert, 2005).
Enhances Cognitive Development
Regular exposure to natural environments improves children’s ability to focus and strengthens overall cognitive development (Wells, 2000).
Encourages Active, Healthy Lifestyles
Children who learn in natural settings are more physically active, more aware of healthy habits, more cooperative with peers, and more creative (Bell & Dyment, 2006).