In Ferncliff’s Nature Preschool is an idea whose time has come. Parents are looking for high touch alternatives in a high tech culture. Families realize the importance of learning that is connected to the natural world and that builds on the child’s natural instincts to explore and learn.
A year ago Ferncliff convened a “green think tank” group about to think about ways the camp could take its commitment to eco-sustainability to the next level. One of the ideas was for a Nature Preschool following the model of Forest Kindergartens in Europe. The idea of a preschool came up and one of the members of the group said, “I know just the right person who is looking to start such a program.” Within days Ferncliff staff were in conversation with Rachel Parker an experienced teacher and mother of two young children. It quickly became apparent that Ferncliff would be an ideal home for Arkansas’ first preschool using a nature-based curriculum. The Ferncliff Board agreed and within a few months 26 families were signed up and the old dining hall was converted into a Program Activity Center (PAC). Ferncliff Nature Preschool created such a buzz that parents are signing up for the waiting list 2-3 years ahead.
The program started 8/15 and follows the Pulaski County School District calendar. It has a teacher: student ratio of 1:6 which exceeds most pre-school programs. The majority of the furniture was good quality hand-me-downs from a school that was remodeling. Ferncliff Board member Ann Owen was having her house razed to build a LEED certified green home. She invited Ferncliff come tear off the cedar siding to become the fence for the preschool playground. The sod from her yard was transplanted in the playground.
The children will be taught to enjoy and learn from nature. We expect many of these children to become future summer campers.