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Pilot Park Preschools’ Philosophy

At Pilot Park Preschool, nestled in the heart of Lake Elmo, Minnesota, we believe that childhood unfolds best in rhythm with the natural world. Our philosophy is rooted in the profound understanding that children are inherently curious, capable, and connected to the earth.

Our Guiding Principles:

Nature as Teacher: We embrace the outdoors as our classroom, recognizing the power of nature to inspire wonder, creativity, and holistic development. The changing seasons, the rustling leaves, the creatures we encounter – all become teachers in their own right.

Child-Led Learning: We honor the innate curiosity of each child. Our curriculum emerges from the children's interests, allowing them to actively participate in shaping their learning journey. We provide open-ended materials and experiences that spark imagination, encourage collaboration, and support self-directed exploration.

Meaningful Connections: We foster deep and meaningful connections with nature through hands-on experiences:

• Gardening: Children actively participate in planting, tending, and harvesting in our garden, learning about where food comes from and the cycles of life.
• Cooking: We bring our garden bounty into the kitchen, engaging children in preparing and sharing healthy meals, fostering a love for fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Forest Play: The nearby woods becomes our playground, a place for imaginative play, exploration, and the development of gross motor skills.
• Adventures on Wheels: Our Bunch Bike opens up even more opportunities for exploration, allowing us to venture further afield and connect with our community.

Community-Oriented: We value the relationships we build with families and the wider Lake Elmo community. We believe that a strong sense of community enriches the learning experience for everyone involved.

Rhythm and Flow: We follow the rhythms of nature, incorporating seasonal changes, daily routines, and a gentle flow into our days. This creates a sense of predictability and security, allowing children to feel grounded and at ease.

Our Vision:

We envision children who:

• Develop a lifelong love and respect for nature.
• Embrace curiosity, creativity, and a sense of wonder.
• Possess strong social and emotional skills.
• Are resilient, resourceful, and confident in their abilities.
• Understand the interconnectedness of all living things.

Our Commitment:

We are committed to providing a nurturing, inclusive, and nature-rich environment where each child can thrive. We believe that by fostering a deep connection with the natural world, we are laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning, joy, and environmental stewardship.

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