FAQ
What type of preschool is Oregon Outdoor Kids?
Oregon Outdoor Kids is a nature-based preschool in Eugene, Oregon where children explore local forests, parks, and natural spaces while building friendships and discovering the world around them.
Where is Oregon Outdoor Kids Located?
Oregon Outdoor Kids is an outdoor preschool serving Eugene and Springfield families. Rather than having one fixed classroom, our program rotates through several natural locations throughout the year, giving children the opportunity to explore different forests, parks, and outdoor spaces in our community.
How does it work with there being different locations?
We post the weekly adventure schedule ahead of time so that you always know where we will be at. Parents drop off and pick up their child at each location. Some common places we go are Hendricks Park, Mt Pisgha, Dorris Ranch and Spencer Butte.
What ages does Oregon Outdoor Kids Serve?
Oregon Outdoor Kids serves children 3.5 to 5 years old through our outdoor preschool program in the Eugene-Springfield area.
How much does the program cost?
Our program is a full school year running from September-June
For your convenience yearly tuition is split up into monthly payments.
1 Day a Week $255
2 Days a Week $355
3 Days a Week $485
What is the class size?
We find that when we keep the groups small enough all of the kids tend to form sweet friendships with each other without anyone feeling left out. We tend to have between 5-8 children per group with one teacher.
Who are the teachers?
Ms. April is the Owner/Director and Lead Teacher. She has a long history in Outdoor Education and Early Childhood Development. She started Oregon Outdoor Kids over 10 years ago in the wild fields behind her home, and has nurtured and grown the program into the multiple award winning fully outdoors forest preschool that it is today! Other staff may include trained volunteers, interns and other teachers that inspire joy, compassion, adventure and are excellent role models. All staff and volunteers are enrolled in the central background check registry.
Can parents come along?
This is often many kids first experience away from their parents and a first step toward more confidence and independence. Because of this we find it easier for the children to transition smoothly, and to be able to fully embrace the experience and form friendships with their peers when parents are not present.
What is the schedule like?
School hours are 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Children come with their own lunches packed and eat lunch together. We are a full school year program operating from September-June, (with a separate summer program) we are closed for no school days, breaks and holidays. Our yearly schedule will be sent to all enrolled families.
Can my child come if they are almost potty trained?
In order for children to be enrolled in our program they must be completely bathroom independent. What this means is that they are able to identify when they need to use the restroom, are able to enter and exit the restroom on their own, undress, hold themselves on the toilet, wipe and dress all on their own. The locations we visit have various restroom facilities, some with flushing toilets and some with only porta-potties. Teachers do not accompany children into the restrooms or help with any toileting duties.