Mission

The mission of the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum is to connect children with nature through hands-on education and play, and to inspire active stewards of our shared environment. As part of the Museum, the Young Naturalist program meets this mission through a developmentally appropriate, science- and nature-based early childhood experience. We encourage wonder, and help develop a lifelong appreciation of and relationship with the natural world.

Educational Philosophy

In the Young Naturalist Preschool we believe that young children are naturally curious and motivated to learn. We facilitate this learning by:

  • Providing an enriched environment that encourages exploration, experimentation, and self-discovery

  • Developing learning activities that meet individual children’s physical, cognitive, and social-emotional needs

  • Encouraging problem solving by asking open-ended questions

  • Offering ample opportunities for children to engage in group activities that foster cooperation

  • Providing meaningful active play experiences in the natural world

  • Nurturing a child’s innate sense of wonder