Explorers Playschool

ages 4 to 6 /TK & Kinder age

2024/25 Explorers Playschool
August 19, 2024 through June 6, 2025

Connolly Ranch Explorers is an outdoor playschool and a TK/Kinder age program that encourages learning fueled by curiosity and exploration. Curriculum is attuned to the ever-changing environment with new sensory experiences based on season, location, and group interest. Our Outdoor Classrooms allow for a unique hands-on approach to early literacy, math and science.

Learn more about our educational pedagogy and unique discovery-based curriculum here and see program core development principles below.

Explorers Playschoolers are turning 5 during the school year program.

If you have questions about the Explorers Playschool program or would like to schedule a program visit, don't hesitate to contact Nora Dondero, Early Childhood Education Manager.

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2025 Winter/ Spring Dates

January 6, 2025 through June 6, 2025

2025 Winter/Spring Monthly Tuition

$2240.00 - 5 days a week, 8:00 to 4:30

$1120.00 - 5 days a week, 8:00 to 12:00 or 12:30 to 4:30

$1344.00 - 3 days a week, 8:00 to 4:30

$672.00 - 3 days a week, 8:00 to 12:00 or 12:30 to 4:30

$896.00 - 2 days a week, 8:00 to 4:30

$448.00 - 2 days a week, 8:00 to 12:00 or 12:30 to 4:30

$224.00 - 1 day a week, 12:30 to 4:30 - Wednesday only to support NVUSD short day

$24 - Extended Care, 4:30 - 5:00 Wednesday only

You pick the days that work best for your family.

Core Developmental Principles

Explorers take the next step in their education and development, learning their numbers 1-20 in English and Spanish, the English and Spanish alphabets, learning to hold a pencil, write their name, and establish their classroom readiness skills - all in our magical outdoor classrooms!

In building shelters from branches or counting objects to discern mathematical patterns, they learn not just skills, but the joy of discovery and the satisfaction of accomplishment. And in the quiet moments of reflection and meditation, they find solace and strength, grounding themselves in the beauty and wonder that surrounds them. Explorers learn language through immersion and interaction with their educators and the environment. They observe, listen, and imitate sounds and words they hear. Educators support vocabulary and comprehension by using books, language cards, and crafts to link words with images. This natural process is facilitated by repetition, feedback, and social interaction within their community. 

In natural settings, Explorers are often free to make decisions, take risks, and learn from their experiences. This fosters critical thinking skills, resilience, and adaptability as they navigate challenges and discover solutions on their own. The curriculum embraces a rich tapestry of subjects, weaving together the wonders of our natural world with the depths of human culture and understanding. It's a journey that invites not just learning, but heartfelt connection – to the earth beneath our feet, the skies above us, and the stories whispered by every rustling leaf.

Whole Child Approach

We use the Whole Child Approach by creating curriculum and lesson plans based on cognitive and social & emotional development and physical body, growth, and wellness. This whole-body approach emphasizes a well-rounded child that can continue to …

We use the Whole Child Approach by creating curriculum and lesson plans based on cognitive and social & emotional development and physical body, growth, and wellness. This whole-body approach emphasizes a well-rounded child that can continue to kindergarten with tools of self-concept, self-esteem, an understanding of teamwork time vs time for the individual and compassion for themselves, others, and the environment.

Social & Emotional Development

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As children approach ages 5 and 6, they begin to develop a strong sense of self by exploring their independence, taking risks, over coming challenges and navigating peer relationships. By working together to care for our animals, children learn the true meaning and importance of empathy which swiftly carries over to peer interactions. The ever-changing, natural environment presents endless opportunities for children to work together and problem solve as they approach projects such as building a new garden bed and planting seasonal produce to designing and creating a goat playground - conversations fly as they work out ideas.

Early Literacy, Math, & Science

Through shapes and early letter lessons, children practice letter formation and sight words. Our Farm, Garden and Wildspaces offer a unique setting for children to engage in stories – both listening and telling. This curriculum promotes creative writers while being fun, engaging and developmentally appropriate.

Early math and science come to life as children track animals, weather and seasonal patterns, count, compare and contrast eggs, build and use scales to weigh animal feed and so much more.