Registration starts on 2/4/26 at 9:00am for all families!
Program is OUTSIDE rain, shine or snow!
Oak Leaf Early Learning Nature Program
AGES: 2½ by 9/1/26 and no older than 5 years by 6/1/26.
Early childhood education comes alive in the great outdoors! Oak Leaf’s Early Learning Nature Program will be located at Citizens Park with daily hikes in the Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve. Facilitated by a certified teacher in partnership with the Barrington Park District, this preschool provides a developmentally appropriate, Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood education that promotes respect for people and nature through outdoor learning. The program offers an all-outdoor early childhood experience that fosters curiosity, compassion, empathy, cultural awareness, creative problem solving and environmental responsibility in young children. Our
goal is to instill respect for people, plants, and animals at an early age, setting the foundation
for children to become responsible citizens and environmental stewards.
The program is instructed and managed by Oak Leaf Nature Programming. Please note this is an outdoor program and parents are responsible for providing all outdoor weather-appropriate clothing. In case of severe weather like dangerously low temperatures or lightning, we will utilize the Lodge at Citizens Park for indoor learning. Should there be an onset of heavy snow, class will be held at Langendorf Park that day due to plowing schedules. This will be communicated to parents in advance. Children must be potty-trained, or a parent/caregiver must be available to change a diaper or pull-up. (Min/Max: 8/10). Instructor: Oak Leaf Early Childhood Nature Educator.
LOCATION: Outside at Citizens Park. If there is severe weather (i.e. if Thorguard System is activated and/or unsafe conditions arise) we will move inside to the Lodge. Otherwise the program is outside rain, shine or snow.
DAYS/DATES (2 options): 9/8/26 – 5/20/27.
Sec.# 03 (2-day): Mon./Wed.
Sec.# 02 (2-day): Tue./Thur.
TIME: 8:30 – 11:30am
CALENDAR: Oak Leaf Preschool will follow the Barrington School District 220 calendar for days off. There is no school when District 220 is scheduled off. Visit the Park District’s website for school calendar in the “Downloads” box.
GENERAL DAILY SCHEDULE: (detailed curriculum information will be distributed to parents by instructor each month):
8:30am Drop off at Citizens Park.
8:30 – 9:00am Free play at Citizens Park.
9:00 – 9:30am Circle time/story, bathroom, prepare for hike.
9:30 – 11:20am Cuba Marsh hike and nature exploration.
11:20 – 11:30am Free play and dismissal (11:30 am) at Citizens Park.
HOW TO REGISTER: Registration starts for all families on 2/4/26. You can register online or download an Oak Leaf Preschool EFT Registration Form
from the “Downloads” box and email it to ksweeney@barringtonparkdistrict.org.
TUITION/FEES: $460/$506 per month x9 months per session for a total of $4,140.00. Tuition is charged monthly via auto payment on a credit card starting 9/10/26 through 5/10/27. Tuition is based on the total number of school days/cost of the program and divided into 9 equal payments.
REGISTRATION FEE: A $65 non-refundable registration fee per child is due upon registration.
CANCELLATION POLICY: All cancellation REQUESTS must be submitted in writing by 7/15/26. Once the school year begins, the only exceptions are medical or moving out of the area (ten mile radius) and documentation must be shown for approval. Possible refund will be based on the number of classes attended and the date the refund request is received.
Questions/Contact Info: Please email Jenna from Oak Leaf at jenna@oakleafcooperativeschools.org
Program is OUTSIDE rain, shine or snow!
Little Leaf Learners: Intro to Nature Preschool
Winter/Spring Mini Session & 2026/2027 School Year Session
2 – 3 years by 1/1/26 for Winter/Spring & by 9/1/26 for 2026/2027 School Year
This once-a-week, drop-off class is designed especially for curious toddlers ready for a gentle, playful introduction to independent outdoor exploration. Each session is guided by experienced early childhood nature educators who nurture your child’s sense of wonder through hands-on activities like nature walks, songs, sensory play and art.
Children will build confidence, practice social skills, and connect deeply with the natural world in a safe, supportive environment. We’ll stomp in puddles, search for bugs, listen to birdsong and make memories in every kind of weather. Children must be potty-trained, or a parent/caregiver must be available to change a diaper or pull-up. (Min/Max: 5/8). Instructors: Oak Leaf School Staff.
TUITION: is charged via EFT on the 10th of the month. See below for monthly fees.
CALENDAR/DAYS OFF: We follow the District 220 calendar for all days off.
LOCATION: CP – Lodge (will move to Treehouse when it re-opens for the season)
Winter/Spring 2026
Fridays
1/9/25 – 5/15/25
9:00 – 11:00am
Fee: $136/$169 a month x 5 months
Register for Winter/Spring 2026
2026/2027 School Year
Fridays
9/11/26 – 5/1/27
9:00 – 11:00am
Fee: $160/$200 a month x 8 months
Registration opens 2/4/26 at 9:00am.
Register for 2026/2027 School Year
