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 2.75 hour program daily from 8:30am-11:15am

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): $2,300

*Registration and materials deposit (nonrefundable): $250

Required Gear

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

Quality rain gear (look out for group discounts)
Backpack to be carried on walks
Nature notebook
Filled water bottle
Farm boots
Weather appropriate cold weather gear
Whole food, energy sustaining snack

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
11:15- 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 8 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
11:15-12:15

Yearly add-on fee: $650

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 cooking projects! Outdoor eating and play will be incorporated.