Nature Kids Preschool

Nature Kids offers a friendly setting for preschoolers to develop social, communication, and motor skills.

Nature Kids Program

This nature-based program for preschoolers offered through the Tualatin Hills Nature Center introduces developmentally appropriate activities throughout the year in a curriculum structure that focuses on experiential learning through exposure to nature and the changing seasons.

Children develop skills through a balance of tactile activities, play, and academic experiences. They are given the opportunities and guidance to advance communication and problem solving skills. Numbers, letters and words are introduced through structured nature-based activities and observation of the seasons and rhythms of nature. Children will form friendships, learn respect, and have the opportunity to grow with the help of caring teachers and supportive parents in a safe, yet active, natural environment.

-Tuition is paid on a monthly basis and is due by the 15th of the month prior (example: November tuition is due by October 15th). If payment is received after the 15th, a late fee of $30 will be charged.

-All children MUST be able to use the restroom independently before entering preschool. Pull-ups are not allowed.

-Children must be the correct age by September 1st.

For more information please contact Rachel Fort, Environmental at r.fort@thprd.org or by calling (503) 629-6350 x2522.

Preschool 2023-24 School Year Registration Information

Registration for returning families can be done in-person or over the phone starting on February 16 at 9am. Remaining spots will be open to both in-district and out-of-district patrons starting on February 25th at 8am. To register on or after the 25th, please log into your THPRD account, www.thprd.org/portal, and use the registration number listed below for the correct program. There is a $50 non-refundable registration fee due at the time of registration. The first tuition payment for September will be due on August 15, 2023.

Please contact the Program Coordinator for more information about the program or to register.

2023-2024 School Year Virtual Open House

Watch the virtual preschool open house for our upcoming nine-month preschool programs in the 2023-2024 school year. During the event, we provided an overview of the preschool programs and gave attendees an opportunity to ask any questions they may have had about the upcoming academic year.

2023-24 Preschool Classes at Tualatin Hills Nature Center and Jenkins Estate

Ladybugs (ages 4 through 5)

The Ladybugs program takes place three days a week in the morning and provides a strong foundation for children that will enter kindergarten the following year.

• Days: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
• Times: 8:30am – 11:30am
• Length: September through May
• Cost: $375 monthly tuition (2023-24 school year)
• Location:Tualatin Hills Nature Center, 15655 SW Millikan Way

Owls (ages 4 through 5)

The Owls program takes place three days a week in the afternoon and provides a strong foundation for children that will enter kindergarten the following year.

• Days: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
• Times: 1:00 – 4:00pm
• Length: September through May
• Cost: $375 monthly tuition (2023-24 school year)
• Location: Tualatin Hills Nature Center, 15655 SW Millikan Way

Dragonflies (ages 4 through 5)

The Dragonflies program takes place three days a week in the morning and provides a strong foundation for children that will enter kindergarten the following year.

• Days: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
• Times: 9am – 12:00pm
• Length: September through May
• Cost: $375 monthly tuition (2023-24 school year)
• Location: Jenkins Estate Gatehouse, 8005 SW Grabhorn Rd.

Chipmunks (ages 3 through 4)

The Chipmunks program is twice a week and provides a positive and nurturing first school experience. Children will enhance their social-emotional developmental skills by learning to follow routines, listen to directions, share and make new friends. While this is mainly a year of socialization and learning through play experiences, children will be introduced to shapes, colors and science through songs, stories, activities and exploratory hikes. Children must be able to use the restroom independently.

• Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Times: 9:00am - 11:30am
• Length: September through May
• Cost: $275 monthly tuition (2023-24 school year)
• Location:Tualatin Hills Nature Center, 15655 SW Millikan Way

Hummingbirds (ages 3 through 4)

The Hummingbirds program is twice a week and provides a positive and nurturing first school experience. Children will enhance their social-emotional developmental skills by learning to follow routines, listen to directions, share and make new friends. While this is mainly a year of socialization and learning through play experiences, children will be introduced to shapes, colors and science through songs, stories, activities and exploratory hikes. Children must be able to use the restroom independently.

• Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Times: 9:00am - 11:30am
• Length: September through May
• Cost: $275 monthly tuition (2023-24 school year)
• Location: Jenkins Estate Gatehouse, 8005 SW Grabhorn Rd.