Nature Preschool initiates a life-long, meaningful relationship with the natural world in a high-quality early childhood environment. We are a fully licensed, nine-month preschool offering morning or afternoon classes for 3 to 5-year-olds. Children must be 3 years old by September 1 of the year they enroll and must be toilet trained.

Curriculum will be inquiry-based and student-driven. The inherent wonder, complexity, and beauty of the natural world will serve as a catalyst for each child’s growth and development. Children will “learn by doing” through child-initiated play and active hands-on exploration of their environment where they gather information, pursue new questions, and construct their own theories of how the world works.

Teachers will be observant, flexible, and creative facilitators and mentors who model an ethic of respect and love for all life.

Nature will be the foundation for the curriculum. Direct experience in nature is critical in meeting the social, physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of children. Our curriculum is based on Ohio Early Learning Content Standards and developmentally appropriate practices.

Cincinnati Nature Center's Nature Preschool was awarded the Step Up to Quality Five-Star Rating, one of only a few preschools in Clermont County to receive this recognition.

Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) is a five–star quality rating and improvement system administered by the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. SUTQ recognizes and promotes learning and development programs that meet quality program standards that exceed preschool licensing and school age child care licensing health and safety regulations. Step Up To Quality program standards are based on national research identifying standards which lead to improved outcomes for children.