Early Learning Program
Our youngest learners spend the morning in the woods of Bluestone playing, building social skills, learning to care for their own needs, and connecting deeply with the natural world. Check out what we do in the photos below!
What does a day look like for the Chickadees?
Our Daily Rhythm
As we follow the interest and needs of the children, each day will look different and time frames of this
rhythm may vary.
9-9:45 a.m.
Arrival with open-ended nature play, invitations for play, small group explorations
9:45-10 a.m.
Welcome circle gathering with gratitude practice and an intentional experience such as storytelling, artifact sharing, tool use, movement, etc.
10-11 a.m.
Exploration, child-led play, intentional provocations, hiking (includes time for snack, water, and restroom breaks)
11:15-11:30 a.m.
Closing circle with story of the day and good-bye song, transition to pick-up
What are my options?
2025/26 Options (September-June)
For the 2025/26 school year, Bluestone Nature Playschool will operate Monday-Thursday.
Please note that your child must be within the age range for their class by the start of school, September 8, 2025.
For the 2025/26 school year, the Nature Playschool is a drop-off program. We welcome caregivers to volunteer in the classroom. If you would like to participate in nature school with your child, we recommend checking out our Family Forest School program!
2025/26 Program Rates
The fee for Nuthatches (3-5 years) is $40/day.
The fee for Robins (25 mo.-2.9 years) is $40.50/day.
The fee for Chickadees (20-24 months) is $41/day.
2025/26 Calendar
September 8: Classes begin
October 13th: No classes, Indigenous People's Day
November 27th-December 1st: No classes, Thanksgiving break
December 22nd-January 5th: No classes, winter break
January 19th: No classes, MLK JR Day
February 12th: No classes, Mentor professional development day
February 16th: No classes, President's Day
March 12th: No classes, Mentor professional development day
March 30-April 3: No classes, spring break
May 25th: No classes, Memorial Day
June 11th: Last day of classes
We offer summer camp as well! We usually open summer camp registration in January, so please check back soon.
Enrollment Process
Interested? Please reach out!
Before you register your child, we would love to hear from you, make a plan, and show you the space. We have a "rolling enrollment" policy, meaning we accept new children throughout the year pending availability. Priority enrollment for returning families is open January 1-January 31 each year. Open enrollment begins February 1. Applications are reviewed in the order that they are received, however, Bluestone does not admit students on a first-come, first-served basis. In making admissions decisions we are dedicated to sustaining our organization's commitment to cooperative, multiage learning environments and creating class rosters that balance age*.
Enrollment Process
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Review the website and read through what our program is all about
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Schedule a visit! We want families to see our space in person and get a feel for our program before enrolling. If you are ready to visit, please email our Executive Director, Emily Woodmansee.
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Enroll! Everything you need to enroll your child is available online and will be shared after your tour. One month's fee will be due upon enrollment (see details below), and after enrolling you will receive paperwork to fill out for your child.
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Fill out and return all paperwork by the due date. Be sure to also read our Family Handbook, sign, and return it.
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Get ready! Nature play is a unique and fun experience. Start gathering appropriate gear for your student, talk about what it will be like to go to school, and spend time outside as a family!
*Bluestone Village and Bluestone Nature Programs does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity).
