Nature Kids Preschool

Nature Kids offers a safe and welcoming environment for preschoolers to develop social, communication, and motor skills.

Nature Kids offers a safe and welcoming environment for preschoolers to develop social, communication, and motor skills.

Nature Kids Program

This nature-based program for preschoolers offered through the Tualatin Hills Nature Center introduces developmentally appropriate activities throughout the year in a curriculum structure that focuses on experiential learning through exposure to nature and the changing seasons.

Children develop skills through a balance of tactile activities, play, and academic experiences. They are given the opportunities and guidance to advance communication and problem solving skills. Numbers, letters and words are introduced through structured nature-based activities and observation of the seasons and rhythms of nature. Children will form friendships, practice social skills, and have the opportunity to grow with the help of caring teachers in a safe, yet active, natural environment.

-All children MUST be able to use the restroom independently before entering preschool. Pull-ups are not acceptable.

-Children must be the correct age by September 1st.

-Tuition is paid on a monthly basis and is due by the 15th of the month prior (example: November tuition is due by October 15th). If payment is received after the 15th, a late fee of $30 will be charged. Tuition is eligible for Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) payments.

For more information or to enroll, please contact Rachel Fort, Environmental Education Program Coordinator at r.fort@thprd.org or by calling the Tualatin Hills Nature Center (503) 629-6350.

THPRD Preschool Virtual Open House

Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 5:30 – 6:15 pm
THPRD will host a virtual open house for anyone interested in learning about our THPRD nine-month preschool programs for the 2025-2026 school year.

2025-26 Registration Opens: Thursday, February 6th, 2025 at 9:00am for new enrollment.

2024-25 Preschool Virtual Open House- (Held February 7, 2024)
Watch the recorded virtual preschool open house for preschool programs for the 2024-2025 school year. During the event, we provided an overview of the preschool programs and gave attendees an opportunity to ask any questions they may have had about the upcoming academic year. Watch the recording here: youtu.be/qg82JtynO-8

Ladybugs (Ages 4 to 5)
The Ladybugs program takes place three days a week in the morning and provides a strong foundation for children that will enter kindergarten the following year.

• Days: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
• Times: 8:30am – 11:30am
• Length: September through May
• Cost: $390 monthly tuition *ERDC eligible
• Location:Tualatin Hills Nature Center, 15655 SW Millikan Way

Owls (Ages 4 to 5)
The Owls program takes place three days a week in the afternoon and provides a strong foundation for children that will enter kindergarten the following year.

• Days: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
• Times: 1:00 – 4:00pm
• Length: September through May
• Cost: $390 monthly tuition *ERDC eligible
• Location: Tualatin Hills Nature Center, 15655 SW Millikan Way

Dragonflies (Ages 4 to 5)
The Dragonflies program takes place three days a week in the morning and provides a strong foundation for children that will enter kindergarten the following year.

• Days: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
• Times: 9am – 12:00pm
• Length: September through May
• Cost: $390 monthly tuition *ERDC eligible
• Location: Jenkins Estate Gatehouse, 8005 SW Grabhorn Rd.

Chipmunks (Ages 3 to 4)
The Chipmunks program is twice a week and provides a positive and nurturing first school experience. Children will enhance their social-emotional developmental skills by learning to follow routines, listen to directions, share and make new friends. While this is mainly a year of socialization and learning through play experiences, children will be introduced to shapes, colors and science through songs, stories, activities and exploratory hikes. Children must be able to use the restroom independently.

• Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Times: 9:00am - 11:30am
• Length: September through May
• Cost: $285 monthly tuition *ERDC eligible
• Location:Tualatin Hills Nature Center, 15655 SW Millikan Way

Hummingbirds (Ages 3 to 4)
The Hummingbirds program is twice a week and provides a positive and nurturing first school experience. Children will enhance their social-emotional developmental skills by learning to follow routines, listen to directions, share and make new friends. While this is mainly a year of socialization and learning through play experiences, children will be introduced to shapes, colors and science through songs, stories, activities and exploratory hikes. Children must be able to use the restroom independently.

• Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Times: 9:00am - 11:30am
• Length: September through May
• Cost: $285 monthly tuition *ERDC eligible
• Location: Jenkins Estate Gatehouse, 8005 SW Grabhorn Rd.

*Tuition marked as ERDC eligible are programs that are able to accept Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) payments. For more information please visit: https://www.oregon.gov/delc/programs/pages/erdc.aspx.