Registration for the 2012-2013 school year for current students and siblings will begin on Monday, December 12, 2011.  Registration for South Shore Natural Science Center members begins Tuesday January 3, 2012 and open enrollment is mid-January 2012.
For enrollment information, please contact Elsa Ryberg, Preschool Director, at 781-659-2559.

Nature Center Preschool combines the idea of a traditional preschool program with all the extra opportunities and excitement offered by the facilities and staff of the SSNSC. We are licensed by the EEC (Department of Early Education and Care). Naturalists from the Science Center visit the preschool regularly to provide enrichment activities. Children will actively explore the Center's diverse habitats on frequent trail walks. Indoor activities include visiting live animals, experiencing the assorted collections of the Center and exploring different parts of the building, including the EcoZone exhibit area. Nature related craft projects and nature inspired songs, games and stories will be part of your child's day.

Our Philosophy

The Nature Center Preschool encourages each child to learn and grow in every educational area as he/she gains love and respect for our natural world through exploration and hands-on activities.

Nature Center Preschool does not discriminate with regard to race, religion, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status or disability.

PreSchool Activities

• Active exploration that fosters children's natural curiosity
• Unfamiliar yet inviting opportunities in the out-of-doors that challenge and excite.
• Sensory experiences to help heighten children's awareness of the world around them
• Multi-sensory arts, crafts and cooking activities that suggest alternative ways to think about and represent the natural world
• Opportunities to dictate stories and create charts, books, or letters, which redefine or extend children's experiences with nature

Visit our What's Happening page to see what the students are learning now!

Parents' Role

A good preschool program involves the family. We welcome and encourage any and all suggestions from parents. Visits to your child's class are welcomed!
We hope you can join us for special events, celebrating your child's birthday and participating in daily indoor and outdoor activities.
An Open House will be held before the start of school in the Fall.

*Come see a class in session!  Please call for an appointment to visit the school with your child.*

Preschool Class Schedule

Morning Sessions:  9:00 am  - 12:00 noon (3 hours)

• Pre-K Program, Ages 4 - 5
  3 Days - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 
   
• Preschool Program, Ages 2.9 - 4
  2 Days - Tuesdays and Thursdays 

Extended Option for AM Pre-K:  Monday and Friday 12:00pm-2:30pm

Afternoon Session:  1:00 pm - 3:30 pm (2.5 hours)

• Preschool and Pre-K Program, Ages 2.9 - 5+
  3 Days - Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Lunch Bunch

• Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12:00 noon - 12:50 pm

Vacation and No School Days

The Nature Center Preschool follows the Norwell Public School calendar for Holidays and Vacations. If Norwell Schools morning Kindergarten is closed because of weather, the Nature Center Preschool will be canceled.  Closings may be announced on Channel 5 WCVB and Channel 7 WHDH.

2012 - 2013 School Year

Registration is $75 for new students; $50 for returning students.  Registration is non-refundable.

You must be a member of the SSNSC to register for the Nature Center Preschool.  SSNSC membership may be paid at registration.

Children must be 2 years 9 months old to attend Nature Center Preschool.

Staff

All staff have early childhood education backgrounds and positions are approved by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).

Elsa Ryberg, Director

A senior staff naturalist here at the SSNSC for more than 25 years, Elsa started Nature Center Preschool in 1996. She has taught in Denmark and Germany, and served as the Director and head teacher of Yorkbrook Nursery School in Canton. Elsa  received her undergraduate degree from Marselisborg College in Denmark and her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Bridgewater State University.

Teachers: Diane Thureson (Assistant Director), Melissa Kurkoski, Sheila McCarthy, Joan Aigen

Please contact for more information:
Phone: 781-659-2559
Email: preschool@ssnsc.org