Bridge Program

Nature’s Nursery Bridge Program models the New York State Kindergarten Standards that provide the framework for the learning and development of the whole child.

Kindergarten-Readiness is different for every child!

Kindergarten is the gateway to school life for children and their families. Whether coming directly from a home environment or a formal preschool program, a child’s transition to ‘student’ is an exciting time for them, as well as for the family. For children who do not meet the Kindergarten age requirement, or who may need additional preparation, the Bridge Program builds on the foundational knowledge gained at the preschool level, and ensures academic and social-emotional readiness.

Our program is enhanced by Green Chimneys’ renowned nature-based programming and increased outdoor activities that offer unique experiential learning opportunities. Small class size enables individualized instruction and support for each student. Our goal is to create a caring community of learners, ensure a sense of belonging, support children’s development and learning, and provide meaningful and integrated learning experiences.

The Curriculum

Our teaching staff accomplishes the delivery of our curriculum through academic instruction utilizing play and active engagement of the students within our rich and well-designed learning environment. Concepts and educational standards taught in a traditional age 4 classroom are reinforced, while introducing content that students will encounter in Kindergarten. Evaluations and functioning assessments are ongoing and enable teaching staff to set classroom and individual goals, develop lesson plans, and track progress.

Bridge curricula focus on these critical areas for early School-Age learners:

  1. Approach to Learning: Active involvement in learning and acquiring knowledge
  2. Physical Development and Health: Physical health and the ability to engage in daily activities
  3. Social and Emotional Development: Emotional intelligence and the ability to form positive relationships in the home, at school, and in the larger community
  4. Communication, Language and Literacy: Build comprehension and phonetic awareness and understanding coupled with the ability to create and communicate meaning
  5. Cognition and Knowledge of the World: Ability to learn and understand about their world and apply what they know in math, science, social studies, the arts and technology

Age-appropriate activities that bring learning and skill-building to life:

  • Songs and Rhymes
  • Story Time
  • Show and Tell
  • Reading and Math Readiness
  • Farm and Wildlife Experiences
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Cooking
  • Science
  • Physical Education
  • Hiking
  • Nature Exploration
  • Library
  • Gardening
  • Indoor/Outdoor Play Time
  • Group Games
  • Community Service Projects
  • Field Trips