Ventura Wild Forest Preschool Programs
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How to Apply
We are accepting applications for our Fall 2023 Semester March 23rd – 26th!
*If there are remaining available spots, we will reopen registration in July 2023. You can stay up to date with our registration announcements by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Step 1: Register for the Forest Preschool Programs Waitlist
This waitlist for all forest preschool programs. There is a non-refundable $25 application fee that will be applied towards enrollment if your child is placed into a program.
Step 2: Complete the Forest Preschool Programs Application
In this application, you will specify which programs you are applying for and other details about your child. Minimum of 2 days required for registration.
*You must complete Steps 1 & 2 for your application to be considered!
*Applications open March 23rd at 9:00 AM and close March 26th at 9:00 PM
Forest Preschool Programs 2023-2024
Continue scrolling for Program Details
| 2023 – 2024 Programs | Day | Time | Fall Semester Dates | Age | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprouts | Mon | 9:00 – 1:00 PM | Sept. 11th – Dec. 18th | 3 – 5 | 1000 |
| Pups | Tues | 9:00 – 1:00 PM | Sept. 12th – Dec. 19th | 3 – 5 | 1000 |
| Cubs | Wed | 9:00 – 1:00 PM | Sept. 13th – Dec. 20th | 3 – 5 | 1000 |
| Kits | Thurs | 9:00 – 1:00 PM | Sept. 14th – Dec. 21st | 3 – 5 | 1000 |
| Los Pajaritos (Bilingual) | Friday | 9:00 – 1:00 PM | Sept. 15th – Dec. 22nd | 3 – 5 | 1000 |
Click Here to Read our Full Program Description
Registration: In your application, you may request any combination of the days listed above. Minimum of 2 days required. Once enrolled in our Fall 2023 Semester, you have a reserved spot to continue with the program in our Spring 2024 Semester (the remainder of the school year).
Potty Training Requirements: Your child needs to be potty trained prior to beginning program with us. Minor assistance and occasional accidents are OK. We practice environmentally conscious nature pees/poos and there is also a public restroom on location, where we provide toilet seat covers and toddler seats.
Age Requirements: Your child must be at least 3 years of age by the first day of your program. The program is best suited for 3 – 4.5 year olds, with those 4.5 year olds turning 5 during our ‘school’ year. Ventura Wild offers homeschool and after school programs for those who have aged out of our preschool offerings. See our Spring 2023 offerings here
| Important Dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens for Fall 2023 Semester | Mar. 23rd @ 9:00 AM |
| Forest Preschool Program Open House | Mar. 25th 11:00 – 12:00 PM |
| Registration Closes for Fall 2023 Semester | Mar. 26th @ 9:00 PM |
| Applicants will be notified by | Mar. 31st |
| First Week of Fall 2023 Semester | Sept. 11th – 15th, 2023 |
Forest Preschool Program Open House: Come join us for a craft / nature play and to meet our incredible forest preschool team on Saturday, March 25th. To RSVP, please email venturawild@venturalandtrust.org
Date: Saturday, March 25th
Time: 11:00 – 12:00 PM
Location: Hayden Preserve
Kiddos encouraged to join!
How does your child learn during a nature-based program?
Experiential Learning: Forest Preschool is centered around hands-on experiential learning. Students embrace their curiosities, forming questions that then guide them to their discoveries. Instructors are there to encourage this process, to support students building interpersonal skills to problem-solve such as communication and cooperation.
Emotional and Social Development: Students are encouraged to recognize and communicate their emotions. This awareness supports their self care routines and their relationships with each other.
Risk-Taking: Students are also encouraged to assess and take calculated risks, building spatial and motor skills. For example, students are taught the risks around tree climbing. With this awareness, they are then able to discover their ability and grow their comfort level within these parameters. With a 4:1 ratio, instructors are there every step of the way. Introducing risk-taking at this young age builds their resilience and improves their judgement that they will carry throughout their lives.
Deepening a Relationship with Nature: Because our program is held in nature, students build a deep and lasting relationship with their environment. Witnessing the same animals and plants each day, we gain an understanding and therefore friendship with them. An early relationship with nature grows respect that lasts a lifetime.
A ‘Typical’ Day in Ventura Wild
9:00 Drop-off
9:10 Introductory Activity/Game (usually a form of movement)
9:30 Opening Circle – Sharing and Snack time
9:45 Bathroom Break
10:00 Exploratory Activities (integrating learning with nature – science, counting, colors, senses..)
11:30 Lunch + StoryTime
11:45 Bathroom Break
12:00 Open Nature Exploration and Play
12:45 Reflect on the Day
1:00 Pick-Up
Though we maintain core routines to create familiarity, we allow great flexibility within our ‘schedule’ to allow space for creativity and following spontaneous moments in nature.
