What ages does the program serve? We accept children from ages 33 months through 6 years. All children enrolled will be in one multi-age grouping.
Does the preschool operate year-round? Fenner Nature Preschool operates year-round on a three-semester schedule: fall, spring, and summer. During the school year, our academic calendar closely aligns with the local school district’s calendar, including observed holidays and school breaks. The summer semester offers additional programming to support year-round care and learning.
What is tuition? Please see our program and tuition page for information on tuition and fees.
How do I enroll my child? Each spring, we will open an enrollment request period for the following fall. Go to https://mynaturecenter.org/programs-preschool/fennernaturepreschool/ for more information about our enrollment process guidelines.
How do I join the waitlist? You must apply during our enrollment request period if you are interested in enrollment for the upcoming year. If you are not placed, you will be added to the waitlist for the remainder of the year. If you are not placed within the year, you will have to reapply during our next enrollment request period.
Does my child have to be toilet trained? Toilet training status is not an eligibility requirement for enrollment at Sycamore Creek. All children enrolled who are not fully self-sufficient in toileting will use a positive toilet training approach at school. We ask that families partner with teachers on strategies in order to complete the process as soon as possible. Maple Grove is a fully outdoor program, and full toilet training is required for enrollment.
How much time will be spent outside at Sycamore Creek? Rain or shine, we embrace the opportunities nature provides, adapting our schedule to meet the needs of the children and the day’s conditions. On average, we typically spend 40-50% of the day outdoors, but this can increase on days when children are especially engaged or decrease slightly during extreme weather conditions.
How much time will be spent outside at Maple Grove? Children spend their full program day outside, exploring and learning in nature. We are outdoors in all seasons, with access to shelter when needed for comfort and safety.
Are snacks and meals included? Families are responsible for providing meals and snacks based on their child’s program schedule. All items should be clearly labeled with the child’s name.
What if my child has disabilities, allergies or special instructions? We welcome all children (ages 3-6) into our program. Please communicate any special instructions regarding your child with the Preschool Director or Lead Teacher. We will do everything possible to support and include children with disabilities.
What is the teacher to student ratio? Our programs typically operate at a 1:6 teacher-to-student ratio to support individualized care and supervision. In rare cases, we may operate at a ratio of up to 1:10, in accordance with state licensing requirements.
What if the weather is bad? As a nature-based program, we spend time outdoors in all seasons, embracing Michigan’s weather—including rain and snow. Staff monitor conditions closely, and if weather becomes unsafe (such as high winds, extreme cold, lightning, or ice storms), each program will utilize its designated indoor shelter space until conditions improve.
How will your program prepare my child for Kindergarten? At Fenner Nature Preschool, we focus on learning and developmental domains that contribute to a well-rounded early childhood education. Children inspire the lessons through their own interests, while teachers naturally introduce mathematics, engineering, literacy, writing, music, art, and many other topics through the use of play, outdoor exploration, and provocations based on those interests.