Preschool doesn’t just provide childcare. It also prepares children for primary school and helps to inspire a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. Parks and Recreation is here to help Lincoln children connect with nature and the world around them while building the foundation for school success.
Lincoln Parks and Recreation preschool programs have been recognized by Nebraska Step Up to Quality for their commitment to quality childcare and education. Step Up to Quality programs go beyond state licensing requirements to better serve the needs of young children and their families and to prepare them for success in kindergarten and beyond. Our preschool programs are open to children between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. Sessions are held September through May.
The Benefits of Early Childhood Learning: 
Social Interaction
- Interact with other children.
- Helps children develop self-regulation skills.
- Teaches cooperation, manners, and conflict resolution.
- Develops independence and self-reliance.
Structure
- Routine can help children flourish.
- Makes for a smoother transition to elementary school.
Cognitive Development
- Language and literacy
- Communication
- Numeral recognition and early math skills.
- Science: including animals, nature, and body parts
- Observation and description
- Learning through play and discovery
Established in 2000, Nature Preschool is a play-based program in which children learn by doing: hiking, climbing, digging, building, and being outdoors. We believe that early childhood is a time for discovery, a time to enjoy the many miracles of the natural world:
- The colors of fall prairie grass.
- The texture of a snake's skin.
- The call of chorus frogs.
- The smell of plum blossoms.
- The feel of cool, damp soil.
Research has found that frequent, unstructured play in natural environments has a strong positive influence on the developmental needs of young children. Play contributes to school success by helping children develop the skills necessary for literacy, math, self-regulation, social negotiation, critical thinking and leadership. The preschool program at Pioneers Park Nature Center provides the opportunity for children to learn through play and with nature, setting them up for success in Kindergarten and beyond!
Nature Preschool offers children the opportunity to explore nature in a wildlife sanctuary, encountering diverse landscapes and animals during daily hikes and outdoor play. Teachers plan the curriculum based on their observations of children during outdoor experiences, through class discussions, and during play. This emergent curriculum supports children’s natural curiosity to deepen their understanding of the world around them and link it to math, literacy, creative arts, and social/emotional skills.
The curriculum at Nature Preschool focuses on the children’s interests and discoveries in nature while also incorporating activities for:
- Developing and strengthening communication skills.
- Developing independence and perseverance.
- Recognizing letters, words, and developing phonological awareness.
- Learning shapes, counting, quantities, sorting, and comparing.
- Self-expression through visual arts, music, movement, and dramatic play.
Nature Preschool operates Monday – Friday with the following enrollment options:
- Preschool for children 3 - 4 years old: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
- Prekindergarten for children 4 - 5 years old: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. OR 12:45 - 3:15 p.m.
For more information or to schedule at tour call the Preschool Director at 402-441-8669.
Scholarships are available, please contact the Nature Center to request an application.
Lincoln Parks and Recreation has offered programs and activities for preschool-age children at Calvert Recreation Center since the center opened in 1989.
Little Sprouts offers children the opportunity to learn about nature in an urban setting, utilizing Henry Park for daily walks and exploration. Using observations of the children during play and outdoor experiences teachers plan the curriculum and activities in which children learn literacy, math and science through play experiences and further exploration. Children also engage in music and movement activities, creative arts, and building experiences to support creativity and social/emotional skills in a mixed age setting.
The curriculum at Little Sprouts Preschool uses the Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines to support and guide children’s learning in the following domains:
- Approaches to Learning
- Creative Arts
- Social and Emotional Development
- Science
- Math
- Language and Literacy
- Heath and Physical Development
Little Sprouts offers flexible scheduling options of either 2 days, 3 days, or 5 days a week from 9:00 – 11:30. Additionally: The 2- or 3-day options are recommended for children new to a school or social experience, while the 5 day option is recommended for children the year before kindergarten.
“Our son loves it and has positive experiences there. He has learned so much! you have a wonderful program and excellent teachers! Thank you for exceeding our expectations!”
-Preschool Parent
For more information call the Preschool Director at 402-441-8669.
