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.

2027-2028 Nature Preschool

Session Dates: September 7, 2027 - June 2, 2028

Nature's Playroom

For children born between January 1, 2022- August 31, 2024

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 6-20: Current Families

December 2-16: Members

January 25: Public


Regular Day Time Annual Tuition
Mondays 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM $2,613
Fridays 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM $2,613
Extended Day Time Annual Tuition
Fridays 9:30AM - 1:15PM $3,920
Extended Three-Day Time Annual Tuition
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 9:30 AM - 1:15 PM $11,759
Afternoon Classes Time Annual Tuition
Mondays 1:45 PM - 4:00 PM $2,352
Tuesdays 1:45 PM - 4:00 PM $2,352
Wednesdays 1:45 PM - 4:00 PM $2,352
Thursdays 1:45 PM - 4:00 PM $2,352
Fridays (shorter class) 1:45 PM - 3:45 PM $2,091

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.
  • 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 your child’s enrollment:

  1. Complete and submit the Preschool Acceptance Form (see Paperwork in Playground) by January 6. You are not required to make a payment with this form.
  2. Once received, the Darien Nature Center will process a $250 non-refundable deposit at which point, your child's spot will be secured.

Step 4: Tuition Payment

  • The annual tuition schedule consists of two equal installments drawn on February 1, 2027, and November 1, 2027.
  • Payments must follow the Darien Nature Center’s payment policy (preferred ACH or check; card payments are accepted, but customers will incur processing fees).

Important Notes

  • Failure to submit your Acceptance Form by January 6 could 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

The Darien Nature Center transitioned 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 programs, early dismissals, 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 2027-2028 preschool programs?

    Current Families

    November 6 - November 20, 2026


    Members

    December 2 - December 16, 2026


    Public

    January 25, 2027

  • What is the preschool payment method policy?

    The Darien Nature Center transitioned 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 programs, early dismissals, 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.

  • What is the preschool admission 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.

    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 your child’s enrollment:

    Complete and submit the Preschool Acceptance Form (see Paperwork in Playground) by January 6. You are not required to make a payment with this form.

    Once received, the Darien Nature Center will process a $250 non-refundable deposit at which point your child's spot will be secured.


    Step 4: Tuition Payment

    The annual tuition schedule consists of two equal installments drawn on February 1, 2027, and November 1, 2027.

    Payments must follow the Darien Nature Center’s payment policy (preferred ACH or check; card payments are accepted, but customers will incur processing fees).


    Important Notes

    Failure to submit your Acceptance Form by January 6 could result in your spot being released to another family.

    The admissions process applies to Nature Time for Twos & Nature's Playroom only.

  • 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 23, 2027, to receive a 50% partial refund, minus the non-refundable $250 deposit. There are no refunds for withdrawals made after July 23, 2027. 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.