Northwest Nature Preschool
Registration starts on 2/3/25 at 9:00am for all families!
Program is OUTSIDE rain, shine or snow!
AGES: 2 ½ BY 9/1/25 AND NO OLDER THAN 5 by 6/1/25
Education comes alive in the great outdoors! The Northwest Nature Preschool will be located at Citizens Park with daily hikes in the Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve. Facilitated by a certified preschool teacher in partnership with the Barrington Park District, this cooperative preschool provides a developmentally appropriate, Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood education that promotes respect for people and nature through outdoor learning. The program offers an all-outdoor preschool experience that fosters curiosity, compassion, empathy, cultural awareness, creative problem solving and environmental responsibility in young children. Our goal is to instill respect for people, plants, and animals at an early age, setting the foundation for children to become responsible citizens and environmental stewards. As part of our cooperative, parents are welcomed but not obligated to join our parent-teacher advisory committee or volunteer with the class.
The preschool is instructed and managed by Oak Leaf Cooperative School. Please note this is an outdoor preschool and parents are responsible for providing all outdoor weather-appropriate clothing. In case of severe weather like dangerously low temperatures or lightning, we will utilize the Lodge at Citizens Park for indoor learning. Should there be an onset of heavy snow, class will be held at Langendorf Park that day due to plowing schedules. This will be communicated to parents in advance. Children must be potty-trained, or a parent/caregiver must be available to change a diaper or pull-up. (Min/Max: 8/10). Instructor: Oak Leaf Cooperative School Certified Preschool Teacher.
LOCATION: Outside at Citizens Park. If there is severe weather (i.e. if Thor Guard System is activated and/or unsafe conditions arise) we will move inside to the Lodge. Otherwise the program is outside rain, shine or snow.
DAYS(2 options): 9/2/25 – 5/22/26.
Sec.# 01 (3-day): Mon./Wed./Fri.
Sec.# 02 (2-day): Tue./Thur.
TIME: 8:30 – 11:30am
CALENDAR: Oak Leaf Preschool will follow the Barrington School District 220 calendar for days off. There is no school when District 220 is scheduled off. Visit the Park District’s website for school calendar in the “Downloads” box..
GENERAL DAILY SCHEDULE: (detailed curriculum information will be distributed to parents by instructor each month):
• 8:30am – Drop off at Citizens Park.
• 8:30 – 9:00am – Free play at Citizens Park.
• 9:00 – 9:30am – Circle time/story, bathroom, prepare for hike.
• 9:30 – 11:20am – Cuba Marsh hike and nature exploration.
• 11:20 – 11:30am – Free play and dismissal (11:30 am) at Citizens Park.
HOW TO REGISTER: Registration opens for all families on 2/1/24 at 9:00am. You can register online below or download an Oak Leaf Preschool EFT Registration Form (barringtonparkdistrict.org/preschool) and email it to ksweeney@barringtonparkdistrict.org.
TUITION/FEES:
3-day (Sec.# 01) $690/$759 per month x9 months per session.
2-day (Sec.# 02) $460/$506 per month x9 months per session,
Tuition is charged monthly via auto payment on a credit card starting 9/10/25 through 5/10/26. Tuition is based on the total number of school days/cost of the program and divided into 9 equal payments.
REGISTRATION FEE: A $65 non-refundable registration fee per child is due upon registration. Registration fee is charged per child.
CANCELLATION POLICY: All cancellation REQUESTS must be submitted in writing by 7/15/25 or you will be charged the program fee in full. Once the school year begins, the only exceptions are medical or moving out of the area (ten mile radius) and documentation must be shown for approval. Possible refund will be based on the number of classes attended and the date the refund request is received.
Questions/Contact Info: Please email Jenna from Oak Leaf at jenna@oakleafcooperativeschools.org.
Program is OUTSIDE rain, shine or snow!
