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Zoo Preschool

Wildlife Explorers Nature Preschool

Welcome to your entry to a wild world of play-based learning! At Brevard Zoo, we dive deep into cognitive, social, emotional, language, and physical development through the magic of play. Our preschool experience is all about unleashing creativity and building skills for future academic adventures. Imagine a world where kids explore nature, enjoy uninterrupted play, and get to know the Zoo like their backyard. We’re all about tailoring learning experiences to match their interests. It’s not just preschool; it’s a wild journey of discovery, bonding, and a lifelong connection to the natural wonders around us.

License #C18BR6937

Registration Open!

Please email your application to Andrea Aubert at andrea@brevardzoo.org or drop it off at the Zoo Administration office. Once received, we will email you the status of your application. If accepted, we will collect a non-refundable $100 registration fee.

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Program Goals
  • To create environmental awareness by understanding the connection between humans and nature.
  • To foster confidence and self-esteem while inspiring connections with the learning community and nature.
  • To develop the child, as a whole, with a strong emphasis on social, emotional and physical growth.
  • To support self-expression, creativity, and imagination through art, play and nature.
  • To teach children to acknowledge, respect and celebrate all living beings.
Guiding Principles

Play Based
We believe in a child-led, play-based approach because children learn through play. We’ll provide extended, uninterrupted, unstructured playtime, allowing students to make their own decisions. When we leave children alone to play, they gravitate towards what is developmentally appropriate for them.

Nature Based
We believe that nature has a calming effect on children and provides a wonderful learning environment.  Playing outdoors creates a full-body sensory-rich experience that makes learning more meaningful.  Children have an inherent need to play outdoors, and we want to cultivate that personal connection to create adults that are motivated to protect and nurture the environment.  Students are making meaningful connections to the natural world through play. For these reasons, most of our learning takes place in nature.

Emergent Curriculum
Our emergent curriculum focuses on engaging students in nature-based learning activities. In addition to focusing on social and emotional development, teachers observe the children at play and then provide various opportunities to spark their interest in art, conservation, science, and the outdoors.

Inquiry Based
We invite students to explore content by posing, investigating, and answering questions.  Children gain a deeper understanding of topics when they are able to discover answers through questioning.

License #C18BR6937

Class Options & Tuition

Ages
3 & 4
Students must be three by September 1 to qualify for the 2024-2025 school year. All students must be able to use the bathroom independently, which includes pulling up and down clothes, wiping and handwashing.  

Program Times
9 AM to 2 PM

Program Options & Tuition
Monday and Wednesday Ι  $140 per week
Tuesday and Thursday Ι $140 per week

Please note: one-time non-refundable registration fee of $100 applies if accepted into the program.

Daily Rhythm

Daily Rhythm
Arrival, Welcome to School
Morning Meeting
Zoo Walk/ENS/Upland Acres
Snack
Emergent Play
Lunch
Story Time
Emergent Play
Group Activity
Goodbye Circle
Pack up – Meet Families

Please note: schedule is subject to change 

Learn More

Our Nature Explorers program is a Mommy and Me style class like no other! Open to Mom, Dad, Grandparent or caregiver our program gives you and the child the freedom to explore and experience nature in a safe, healthy, and happy environment.

REFUND POLICY