2026-2027 Nature Preschool

Session Dates: September 8, 2026 - June 4, 2027

Nature Time for Twos

Membership Required

Our drop-off programs begin with Nature Time for Twos, which introduces the natural world to our youngest learners. Two-year-olds will engage their senses as they confidently explore their surroundings under the guidance of experienced nature educators. Children will learn through stories, songs, animal encounters, and nature-based crafts and activities. Our classes are primarily held outdoors - in all kinds of weather.

Nature Time for Twos

For children born between September 1, 2023- August 31, 2024

Exploration and discovery are the guiding principles of the Nature Time for Twos program. Children spend their morning engaged in both free play and guided activities that are hands-on and nature-based. On any given day, you might catch students stacking stones, building with small logs, watching birds, searching for bugs, feeling tree bark, or jumping in puddles.

The 2026-2027 Nature Time for Twos class length has increased to 2 hours and 30 minutes (formerly 2 hours and 15 minutes).


Key Registration Dates:

November 7-21: Current Families

December 1-15: Members (opens at 10 am on 12/1)

January 26: Public


** New single-day Thursday and Friday classes added**

One-Day Time Annual Tuition
Mondays 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $3,017
Tuesdays 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $3,017
Wednesdays 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $3,017
Thursdays 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $3,017
Fridays 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $3,017
Two-Day Time Annual Tuition
Mondays & Tuesdays 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $6,034
Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $6,034
Thursdays & Fridays 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM $6,034

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:

  1. Complete the Preschool Acceptance Form (see Paperwork in Playground).
  2. 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

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.

Preschool Program FAQs

  • When does registration start for 2026-2027 preschool programs?

    Current Families

    November 7 - November 21, 2025


    Members

    December 1 - December 15, 2025


    Public

    January 26, 2026

  • What is the preschool 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


    Preferred 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 before your payment due date.

    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.

  • What is the preschool admission process?

    To apply to our 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 for each group will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Families will be processed together.

    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.

  • What is our preschool program refund policy?

    Preschool Refund Policy: If you choose to withdraw your child for any reason, the Darien Nature Center must be notified of a cancellation by July 24, 2026, to receive a 50% partial refund. There are no refunds for withdrawals made after July 24, 2026. The Darien Nature Center does not offer credits for program withdrawals. Credit or debit card processing fees are non-refundable.

  • Is a membership required to enroll in preschool programs?

    Yes. Our  Preschool programs require a membership to participate. Please see our Membership page for more information about the benefits of being a Darien Nature Center member.

  • What forms are required for preschool programs?

    Please review our Mandatory Forms page for information regarding specific enrollment and medical forms required for each program. 

  • How can I be added to the waitlist?

    If your first choice(s) are not available, you will be automatically added to the waitlist for any preferred classes.