2026-2027 Nature Preschool
Session Dates: September 8, 2026 - June 4, 2027
Nature's Playroom
Membership Required
Our preschool programs continue with Nature’s Playroom, which allows children ages 3 to 5 to experience nature in a safe and supportive environment. Being outdoors provides opportunities to discover, create, reduce stress, and build self-efficacy. Our students learn to ask questions, engage their senses, and manage risks as they climb, explore, and spend time outside. We hope our Nature’s Playroom class will spark a love of the natural world that will continue throughout a lifetime. These classes include animal encounters, nature-based art and activities, and science experiments.
Nature's Playroom
For children born between January 1, 2021- August 31, 2023
With the pond, field, and forest to explore, Nature’s Playroom students will have many opportunities to build an awareness and appreciation of the world around them. Outdoor exploration, stories, songs, live animal encounters, and craft projects will all be part of this engaging, hands-on program.
Key Registration Dates:
November 7-21: Current Families
December 1-15: Members (opens at 10 am on 12/1)
January 26: Public
| Regular Day | Time | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Mondays | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM | $2,529 |
| Fridays | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM | $2,529 |
| Extended Day | Time | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesdays | 9:30AM - 1:15PM | $3,793 |
| Fridays | 9:30AM - 1:15PM | $3,793 |
| Extended Three-Day | Time | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays | 9:30 AM - 1:15 PM | $11,380 |
| Afternoon Classes | Time | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Mondays (short) | 1:45 PM - 3:45 PM | $2,023 |
| Tuesdays | 1:45 PM - 4:00 PM | $2,276 |
| Wednesdays | 1:45 PM - 4:00 PM | $2,276 |
| Thursdays | 1:45 PM - 4:00 PM | $2,276 |
| Fridays (short) | 1:45 PM - 3:45 PM | $2,023 |
NEW THIS YEAR:
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
To apply to our Drop-Off Preschool, families must complete the following steps:
Step 1: Submit Registration Form
- At the start of their priority registration periods, current families, then members, and then the public will receive an email with a link to register for the 2026-2027 Preschool year.
- Registration forms will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and sibling applications will be processed together based on the time the earliest application is received.
- Our programs are very competitive. We strongly encourage families to submit their forms at their earliest convenience, once they have the link.
To confirm enrollment in our Preschool, families must complete the following steps:
Step 2: Confirmation Email
- Families will receive a confirmation email when they have been offered a spot in preschool.
Step 3: Acceptance Requirements
To accept and secure your child’s enrollment, both of the following must be completed by December 31, 2025:
- Complete the Preschool Acceptance Form (see Paperwork in Playground).
- A $250 non-refundable deposit will be processed by the Darien Nature Center upon receipt of the Preschool Acceptance Form.
Step 4: Tuition Payment
- The annual tuition schedule consists of two equal installments drawn on January 31, 2026, and November 1, 2026.
- Payments must follow the Darien Nature Center’s payment policy (preferred ACH or check; card payments are accepted, but customer will incur processing fees).
Important Notes
- Spots will not be held without both the acceptance form and deposit submitted by December 31, 2025.
- Failure to respond by December 31 will result in your spot being released to another family.
- The admissions process applies to Nature Time for Twos & Nature's Playroom only.
PAYMENT METHOD POLICY
New Payment Method Policy –
Effective January 1, 2026
Effective January 1, 2026,
the Darien Nature Center will transition to
ACH transfer or check as our preferred payment methods for all programs registered through Playground, including Preschool (Babes in the Woods, Nature Time for Twos, and Nature's Playroom) and Summer Camp, as well as after-school, early dismissal, vacation camps, and any other programs added throughout the year.
Credit card fees cost our nonprofit a significant amount of money each year. Accepting ACH or check payments allows us to apply the full amount of your tuition towards our educational programming, supplies, and staff.
How to Add a Payment Method in Playground
- Follow the link below to see a step-by-step guide for adding a payment method to your account.
- Link:
Add a Payment Method to Your Family Account
Accepted Payment Methods
- ACH (Automated Clearing House transfer)
- Personal Check
Card Payments
- Credit and debit card payments will continue to be accepted; however, please note that families will be responsible for any processing fees associated with tuition payments made by card.
- Processing fees are non-refundable, even in the event that a payment or deposit is later refunded in accordance with our refund policy.
Important Notes
- Tuition installment deadlines remain unchanged.
- Checks should be made payable to Darien Nature Center and delivered to the main office.
- Families are encouraged to
set up ACH through their Playground account and
designate it as their primary form of payment for the most seamless option.
If you have any questions, please review the FAQ section below, then email registration@dariennaturecenter.org or call us at 203-655-7459.