The mission of the Denver Audubon Nature Preschool is to nurture the whole child—intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically—through immersive, play-based learning in nature. Guided by highly trained educators, children develop foundational skills for Kindergarten while cultivating creativity, resilience, and environmental stewardship.
Children ages 3 through 6 can attend Denver Audubon Nature Preschool. Children must be three years old by their first day of the program and fully toilet trained in order to attend the Preschool.
Our goal is to make space for as many children as possible to participate so two- and three-day enrollment options are our primary offerings. If, after enrollment, additional space is available, we may offer a limited number of five-day spots to families who are already enrolled.
Denver Audubon Nature Preschool is now enrolling for the 2026-2027 school year.
Enrollment applications are accepted year-round. Fill out an interest form to get started today. We are excited to share our school with your family!
If classes fill, we maintain a waitlist and will contact families as spots open.
If you are interested in enrolling, please follow the steps below.
Family Handbook
Coming Soon!
Discover what makes our program special. The Nature Preschool Family Handbook outlines our philosophy, daily routines, safety practices, and approach to outdoor learning. It’s a helpful guide for families preparing to join our community—where children explore, discover, and grow through nature every day.
Daily Packing List
Our Daily Packing List helps families prepare for a successful day of outdoor learning. Children spend time exploring in all kinds of weather, so having the right gear ensures comfort, safety, and fun. The list includes essential items for staying warm, dry, and ready for adventure—helping your child fully enjoy each day in nature.
Outdoor Gear Guide
Our Outdoor Gear Guide offers guidance on high-quality, durable clothing and equipment to keep children comfortable in every season. These recommendations help families choose items that withstand outdoor play, changing weather, and daily exploration—supporting your child’s joy and success in our nature-based program.
At Denver Audubon Nature Preschool, we believe that every child is a unique and competent individual with an innate drive to explore, discover, and learn. We see childhood as a precious time for wonder, creativity, and joy, and our program provides a nurturing environment where children can connect with nature and themselves.
Nature is our classroom. Through daily immersion in the natural world, children develop a deep sense of place and a love for the Earth. Our experienced guides support this journey by fostering self-directed play, exploration, and discovery. Each day at DANP includes a balance of guided activities and unstructured time for exploration. While we provide opportunities for teacher-led, seasonally-themed environmental education, the majority of the day is dedicated to child-directed discovery, allowing children to follow their own interests and learn at their own pace.
Our emergent curriculum arises from the children's interests and is firmly rooted in nature. We integrate academic and social learning into hands-on activities that promote the development of the whole child - intellectually, physically, socially, emotionally, and creatively. We cultivate a love for lifelong learning, build strong connections with our community, and empower children to be confident, capable, and compassionate individuals ready to make a positive impact on the world.
We understand that selecting the right preschool for your child is a big decision and you may have some questions. Click the buttons below to view frequently asked questions about Denver Audubon Nature Preschool.
A. Nature preschools are a special kind of early childhood program—rooted in both child development best practices and a deep commitment to the natural world. At Denver Audubon Nature Preschool, we believe that children thrive when they have the time and space to explore, play, and discover outdoors. The natural world becomes our classroom, offering endless opportunities for children to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually.
A growing body of research confirms that regular time in nature supports all areas of development—from creativity and problem-solving to empathy and resilience. Nature preschools like ours share the same developmental goals as traditional programs, but we achieve them through hands-on, immersive experiences in the outdoors. In addition to preparing children for success in school and life, we also foster a lifelong connection to the Earth.
Early childhood is a critical window for developing care and concern for the natural world. Studies show that environmental stewardship is rooted in early, unstructured play in wild settings. By nurturing this connection from the very beginning, we help children build a strong sense of place, confidence, curiosity, and the foundational values of environmental responsibility.
If you want your child to spend their days joyfully exploring, asking questions, climbing logs, splashing in puddles, and learning through meaningful play—then a nature preschool might be the perfect fit.
A. Denver Audubon Nature Preschool offers a rare and enriching early childhood experience rooted in over 50 years of environmental education leadership. As part of Denver Audubon—a trusted conservation organization since 1969—we bring a legacy of community stewardship, science-based learning, and nature connection to every aspect of our preschool program.
Our highly trained educators, known as “guides,” hold advanced degrees and certifications in early childhood and outdoor education. They skillfully support each child’s natural curiosity through a balance of child-led exploration and intentional teaching. Our program is built on developmentally appropriate practices and a deep respect for the competencies of young children.
We guarantee a 6 : 1 ratio (two Guides for 12 children) and often operate closer to 3 : 1 when Assistants and volunteers join us.
Nestled within the 8-acre Kingery Nature Center at Chatfield State Park, our preschool takes place in a biologically rich and ecologically diverse landscape filled with forests, meadows, wetlands, and wildlife. This vibrant natural setting provides endless opportunities for discovery, play, and connection—no two days are the same.
Families choose Denver Audubon Nature Preschool not only for its educational quality, but also for its values: respect for children, community partnership, and a commitment to nurturing a lifelong love of the natural world. It's more than a preschool—it's a foundation for environmental literacy, joyful learning, and whole-child development.
A. Denver Audubon Nature Preschool is located at the beautiful Kingery Nature Center within Chatfield State Park, just south of Littleton, Colorado. Our address is:
11280 Waterton Road
Littleton, CO 80125
This 8-acre site offers a rich variety of natural habitats—including forests, meadows, wetlands, and streams—providing endless opportunities for outdoor learning and exploration.
While we spend most of our day outside, the Nature Center also serves as our home base for indoor shelter, and community gatherings.
A: We accept enrollment applications year-round for the current school year and future school years. Join our interest list to learn more.
Application Fee – $75 (non‑refundable).
Due when you submit your application and covers processing; it is not applied to tuition.
Enrollment Deposit – one month’s tuition.
Due only after we offer you a spot and you accept. The deposit holds your child’s space and is automatically applied to your final month (May) tuition. It is non‑refundable if you withdraw before the end of the school year.
Tuition –
A. Not yet! Our first step is to become licensed with the state.
We are actively exploring this possibility and will update this as soon as we have additional information.
A. As this is the inaugural year of Denver Audubon Nature Preschool, we are not able to offer tuition scholarships at this time. However, we recognize the importance of increasing access to nature-based education and hope to offer financial assistance in future years as the program grows.
We are actively exploring funding options and partnerships to support a more inclusive tuition model. We appreciate your understanding during this exciting first year and encourage you to stay connected for updates on future scholarship opportunities.
A. Children ages 3 through 6 can attend Denver Audubon Nature Preschool.
Children must be three years old by their start date and fully toilet trained in order to attend Denver Audubon Nature Preschool.
A. Yes, children must be fully toilet trained to attend Denver Audubon Nature Preschool.
We define "fully toilet trained" as a child who can wear underpants (not pull-ups), communicate the need to use the bathroom, and manage toileting tasks independently—including wiping, flushing, and washing hands.
We understand that occasional accidents can happen, and we always respond with care and compassion. However, due to the outdoor nature of our program and the structure of our daily routines, our staff are not able to provide one-on-one bathroom assistance or monitor for non-verbal cues. This policy helps us maintain a safe and clean environment for all children and allows our guides to focus on supporting the group’s learning and exploration.
A. 12 total children each day. Each day there is one Lead Guide, one Guide, and often one Assistant Guide and Volunteer.
A. We are intentionally small: 12 children with two Guides (1:6), with two qualified educators present at all times. You’ll often also see an assistant or trained volunteer, which can lower the in-the-moment ratio even further—but our guaranteed program ratio never exceeds 1:6 (volunteers don’t replace required staff).
Why it matters: Our groups are much smaller than those at many traditional indoor centers (often up to 1:10 with group sizes to 20 for mixed ages 2½–6).
Smaller groups outdoors mean closer supervision around water and uneven terrain, quicker responses, and more one-on-one support for learning and social-emotional growth.
A. Please refer to our Meet the Guides section for information on our teaching team.
If you are interested in employment and volunteer opportunities, please email the Preschool Director to learn more.
A. Yes. All staff have first aid, CPR, Standard Precautions and Medication Administration training and carry comprehensive first aid kids at all times. Some staff are also trained in Wilderness First Aid.
A. Choosing a nature-based preschool gives young children rich opportunities for growth across multiple domains. Below is a list of clear benefits, each linked to research you can explore if you want more detail.
Want to dive deeper into the research? Check out the Children & Nature Network
A. Yes—absolutely. At Denver Audubon Nature Preschool, we thoughtfully prepare children for Kindergarten by nurturing the foundational skills they need to thrive in school and beyond. While we do not use worksheets and desks, our nature-based, play-centered approach is backed by decades of research in early childhood development and learning science.
In our program, children build strong pre-academic skills through hands-on, meaningful experiences. They practice early literacy by telling stories, asking questions, and labeling discoveries on hikes. They explore math concepts by counting pinecones, building structures, and measuring puddles. They develop science thinking by observing seasonal changes, experimenting with natural materials, and asking “why.”
Just as importantly, we help children grow in social-emotional skills like self-regulation, problem-solving, cooperation, and persistence—skills that are essential for a successful transition to Kindergarten.
Our guides are highly trained in developmentally appropriate practice and the Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines. We ensure that your child enters Kindergarten not just ready to learn, but excited to learn—confident, curious, and capable.
A. Yes—just not in the traditional way you might expect. At Denver Audubon Nature Preschool, academic learning is woven into meaningful, hands-on experiences that happen outdoors through play, exploration, and discovery. Instead of worksheets or rote drills, children build foundational academic skills by engaging with the real world around them.
For example:
Our curriculum is guided by the Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines and thoughtfully designed to support Kindergarten readiness across all domains—language and literacy, math and reasoning, physical development, and social-emotional growth.
We believe that young children learn best through active, joyful experiences. Our approach helps them build not only academic readiness, but also a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
A. At Denver Audubon Nature Preschool, your child will spend their day joyfully exploring, discovering, and learning—mostly outdoors! A typical day includes a mix of child-led play, nature walks, hands-on investigations, storytelling, art, songs, and seasonal activities. Every moment is designed to nurture curiosity, creativity, confidence, and connection to the natural world.
Here’s a glimpse into what your child might experience in a day:
While every day follows a predictable rhythm, no two days are exactly the same—because nature is always changing and so are the children’s interests. Rain or shine, we spend most of our time outdoors, following the seasons and children’s sense of wonder.
A. The program aims to strike a healthy balance between predictable daily routines, group activities, teacher-led lessons, and plenty of time for open-ended nature play and exploration.
A. Very likely—yes! At Denver Audubon Nature Preschool, we believe that some of the best learning happens when children are fully engaged with the natural world, whether they’re splashing in puddles, digging in the soil, or rolling down a snowy hill. Getting wet and muddy is part of the joyful, hands-on experience of exploring outdoors in all seasons.
We ask families to dress children in weather-appropriate, durable clothing and to pack a full change of clothes each day. With the right gear and a little preparation, children can stay comfortable while fully embracing the magic of nature—rain, snow, and sunshine alike!
A. Children will spend almost the entire program time outdoors, except in the event of lightning or extreme weather, in which case we will retreat indoors to the Nature Center.
A. For young children, rain and snow can be as much fun as a sunny Colorado day, as long as they are dressed appropriately. Denver Audubon Nature Preschool will engage in learning outdoors on rainy and snowy days, so please make sure to always pack a waterproof layer for your child.
Denver Audubon Nature Preschool follows the Child Care Weather Watch guidelines and in the event of lightning or extreme weather, Denver Audubon Nature Preschool will retreat indoors.
Inclement weather closings:
Denver Audubon Nature Preschool follows Jefferson County School District (JeffCo) for weather related closures and delays. If JeffCo cancels school due to weather, Denver Audubon Nature Preschool will be cancelled. If JeffCo has a delayed start due to weather, Denver Audubon Nature Preschool will start at 10 am instead of 9 am.
JeffCo weather related closures and delays are posted on a banner at the top of the home page of their website. Public notice of a closure is posted as soon as possible after the decision has been made, generally no later than 5:30 am on the day of the closure.
Denver Audubon Nature Preschool will notify families via email and our parent communication apps when there are weather related closures and delays.
A. Because we spend most of our day outdoors—rain, snow, or shine—children need durable, weather-appropriate clothing they can move in, layer, and get dirty. The key to comfort is layers and waterproof gear, especially during Colorado’s unpredictable seasons. Each day, your child should arrive dressed for the weather and bring a full change of clothes.
We’ve put together a helpful Gear Guide and Packing List with detailed recommendations for both cold and warm weather, including boots, base layers, mittens, and more. With the right gear, children can fully enjoy the magic of outdoor learning in every season.
A. We are actively pursuing licensure and are on track to be licensed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood under the state’s new Outdoor Nature-Based Preschool Programs license. Our license will be finalized before the first day of school.
This new license was established by state law in 2024 (SB24-078), which created outdoor nature-based preschool programs as a recognized type of licensed child care center. The Colorado Department of Early Childhood is now adopting specific rules for these programs, and our school is following that process step by step.
Families can verify our status anytime on Colorado Shines by searching our program name or address.
Tip for families: If you check before our first day of school, you may see “Application in Process” while final inspections are completed. This is a normal part of the licensing timeline.
A. Parents should supply their child with a healthy snack, lunch, and water each day. After arriving at our outdoor learning area for the day (around 10:00 am), children will wash their hands and have snacks. At around noon, children will wash their hands and have lunch. Staff encourage children to drink water throughout the day to help them stay hydrated.
If your child has a diagnosed food allergy or dietary restriction, please let us know during enrollment. Our guides are certified in Medication Administration, First Aid, and CPR, and we create an individualized Health Care Plan (HCP) for each child who needs one.
EpiPens, inhalers, or other emergency medications are kept with the group at all times, even on hikes, and staff are trained to use them.
Children do not share food, and hand‑washing is supervised before eating.
If you have specific questions, just reach out—our goal is to keep every child safe and included.
A. We don’t, at least for now. After a full day of climbing, exploring, and learning outdoors, children are happily tired—and we believe the healthiest next step is to head home, refuel, and rest with their families. Should our schedule expand in the future, we’ll be sure to let families know.
A. At Denver Audubon Nature Preschool, we believe strong communication with families is key to supporting your child’s growth. You’ll receive regular updates through:
Our guides are skilled observers who document learning through play and exploration. While we don’t send home grades or worksheets, you’ll gain a rich understanding of your child’s growth—socially, emotionally, and academically—through the stories we share and the relationships we build with your family.
A. At Denver Audubon Nature Preschool, we view families as essential partners in your child’s learning journey. There are many ways for parents and caregivers to get involved and help build a strong, connected community. You’ll be invited to:
We welcome your voice, your presence, and your unique contributions. Together, we create a supportive, joyful learning environment that extends from the forest to your family.
A. No, volunteering is not required. We understand that families have different schedules and commitments, and we do not expect parents to volunteer as a condition of enrollment.
That said, we love to offer optional opportunities for families to get involved in ways that feel meaningful and manageable—whether it’s sharing a family tradition during story time, helping out at a seasonal celebration, or joining us on a field trip as a driver or chaperone. These moments help build community, but they’re always optional and never expected.
Our goal is to make parent involvement feel joyful—not like one more thing on your to-do list.
A. The Denver Audubon Nature Preschool generally follows the Jefferson County Public Schools calendar for the school year, including major holidays and breaks.
The school year begins in September and ends in late May.
We observe the following breaks and holidays:
In addition to these holidays, the preschool may be closed for:
A detailed calendar will be provided before the school year begins so you can plan ahead with confidence.
A. Yes! Denver Audubon Nature Preschool includes a variety of special events and family engagement opportunities throughout the year to celebrate community and support your child’s learning journey.
These include:
These moments are designed to build strong connections between school and home and create a warm, supportive preschool community for children and families alike. A detailed calendar will be provided before the school year begins so you can plan ahead.
A. Yes! We are excited to offer our “Nature Detectives” classes. More information and registration is available on our website calendar.
A. Please contact the Preschool Director, Caroline Pettit:
Director/Lead Guide: Caroline brings a lifelong love of learning and the natural world to her role as Director and Lead Guide of the Denver Audubon Nature Preschool. She holds degrees from the University of Georgia, the University of Michigan, and the University of Colorado Denver, where she earned her master’s in Learning, Development, and Family Sciences with a focus on Early Childhood Education.
A licensed Colorado teacher, Caroline is also a certified mindfulness instructor, Wilderness First Aid and CPR/First Aid certified, and holds a Level 3 Forest School Leader Certificate. She has achieved Colorado’s highest Early Childhood Professional Credential and is qualified as both a Large Center Director and an Early Childhood trainer and coach.
Caroline has taught everyone from infants and preschoolers to future teachers at the college level. Guided by the Reggio Emilia approach, Caroline believes children are capable, curious learners who thrive when trusted to follow their own ideas. Her years of teaching and performing improv shape her calm, flexible, and joyful presence—meeting each moment with curiosity, humor, and a “yes-and” spirit that invites children’s imaginations to bloom.
She lives in Golden with her partner, David, and their children, Edie and Abe. When she’s not leading adventures at the Kingery Nature Center, you’ll find her birding, hiking local trails with her pup, or curled up with an audiobook and her knitting.
Additional guide bios will be added as we approach the 2026-2027 school year. Stay tuned!
Hours:
The Center: During Programs
Grounds: Year-round
11280 Waterton Rd.
Littleton, CO 80125
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