Little Sprouts

A nature preschool at heart, children ages 3-6 will come to Henrieka Farm Center to grow right along side our garden, lambs and each other! Their days of exploring, caring for the farm and learning through doing will leave them tired, possibly dirty and absolutely fulfilled!

Operates generally in line with the Berne-Knox-Westerlo published school calendar and all snow/weather delays.

A 3 hour program daily from 8:30am-11:30am Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

*New for the 24-25 school year: a Monday through Thursday program for older/returning little farmers.*

Interested in enrolling?

Tuition Schedule

All rates are for the full school year (Sep-June, in accordance with BKW school calendar)

2 days (Tues/Thurs): $2,500

*Registration and materials deposit (nonrefundable): $250

Required Gear

*There's no bad weather, just bad gear!*

All programs include high quality rain suit, water proof gloves, snow suit, winter gloves, backpack and fleece for use while at Henrieka Farm Center.

Filled water bottle
Farm boots (Fully waterproof, insulated in winter)
High quality base layers appropriate for weather of the day
Whole food, energy sustaining snack in a child-friendly lunchbox
Change of clothes, socks and weather appropriate layers

Daily Rhythm

Student led exploration and activities are a key component of our program. However, we will structure our day loosely. That daily rhythm is below.

8:30- Welcome song and message
9:00- Farm chore check in and walk
10:00- Free play and exploration
10:45- Read aloud and sharing circle
11:30- Goodbyes and pickup

What will the little sprouts do each day?

Explore textures and makeup of mud, soil, water
Wonder at new and growing life in the garden and pasture
Collect chicken eggs
Feed and water the animals
Spend time with the farm animals (sheep, cows, poultry and goats)
Listen to stories
Write or draw about things they notice through exploration and share with friends

Plus much, much, more!

Student Teacher ratio will not exceed 6 to 1

NYS Learning Benchmarks Addressed

It is important to note that the Little Sprouts program does not follow a set curriculum. Instead the below benchmarks (and more) are addressed through free play, guided farm experiences, nature exploration and the occasional child-led academic activities.

Development of gross motor skills and large muscle group use
Getting dressed in weather appropriate clothes
Identifying/communicating sights, sounds, smells and tastes
Asking questions and actively exploring how the world works
Identifying materials needed to accomplish a task
Problem solving; engaging in play as a method of learning; adapting to change
Using vocabulary relevant to what is being observed
Following spoken directions; counting in sequence using 1 to 1 correspondence
Identifying and naming measurable attributes
Planning and conducting investigations
Use of tools to make work easier
Recognizing similar characteristics in animals
Recognizing and appreciating community helpers
Fulfilling responsibilities within the community
Recognizing our connection to the earth.

Lunch Buddies
11:30-12:30

Yearly add-on fee: $900

An add on program where teachers and learners will join together in socialization and lunch (family provided). Seasonal usage of farm produce will give opportunities for fun supplemental snacks! Outdoor eating and play will be incorporated. While not required for our young farmers, we HIGHLY encourage enrollment as the children are often eager to stay for a bit longer and more socialization.

Looking for more for an eager, older little farmer?

For children ages 5 and 6, or returning little farmers
4 days a week, Monday - Thursday.
- Lunch buddies included which makes the hours 8:30-12:30
Introduction to phonics program and academic focus included- Great for a Kindergarten prep!
Small group of 5 children on Monday and Wednesday
Yearly tuition: $6000

A note on tuition: we value greatly recruiting and retaining high quality teachers to support your learners throughout the year in a unique educational environment. For the first time since opening, we have raised tuition minimally to allow for a living wage to be paid to our co-teacher. When calculated out, all yearly tuition rates come to less then $13 per hour for your child’s care and come with added benefits of community events, caregiver circles/classes and the Hilltowns/immediate Capital Districts ONLY farm school.