16 Preschoolers will make up the first class at Nature Preschool at The Nature Place, which opened its doors this week as a program of Berks Nature Education Programs LLC.
As the first fully-licensed Nature Preschool in Berks County, Nature Preschool at The Nature Place aims to provide a high-quality early childhood education that meets children’s developmental needs, while instilling a lasting appreciation and meaningful relationship with the natural world. Surrounded by the 100-acre Angelica Creek Park, the outdoor environment serves as a natural venue for encouraging children to explore the world with all of their senses, experiment in the environment and communicate their discoveries to those around them.
Nature Preschool at The Nature Place is staffed by two full-time teachers. Among them: Nature Preschool Director and Eco-Camp Co-Director Anne Muvdi, who taught kindergarten and first grade for four years before coming to Berks Nature in September 2017; and Education Specialist and Eco-Camp Co-Director Dave Renninger, a longtime middle school science teacher who joined Berks Nature’s full-time staff in June, following his retirement from the Reading School District.
Utilizing the Reggio-Emilia inspired emergent curriculum as a holistic approach to learning, Nature Preschool at The Nature Place will utilize The Nature Play Zone, an outdoor nature play area on site, providing children with the opportunity to enjoy free play and discovery in a safe and defined natural setting of Angelica Park. Additionally, children will spend time in the Teaching Garden at The Nature Place, where they’ll engage in sustainable agriculture, composting and the art of growing healthy food.
Rain or shine, our Nature Preschoolers will spend up to 75% of each day outside in nature.
More information on Nature Preschool at The Nature Place, including the Reggio-Emilia inspired curriculum, can be found online, at BerksNature.org/naturepreschool.
