Audubon Preschool Discovery programs will lead you and your child into the wonders of the natural world through direct, hands-on exploration and play. Tailored to your child’s developmental level and personal interests, we will learn about nature through free play, stories, songs, movement, natural crafts and games. Throughout each session, we will sharpen our senses and develop our language and social skills. From week to week, we will build upon our discoveries. Many of our direct experiences will come from play and activities outside on our Gilsland Farm sanctuary, so please have your child prepared each day to spend a portion of the time outdoors.

Download our 2010-2011 brochure.

To register for any of these programs, call (207) 781-2330, ext. 209.

2010-2011 Family Fun

Ages 2 through 6 with parent or guardian Infant and toddler siblings up to 2 are welcome at no charge.

Maximum of three children per adult. Bring your young family to participate in one hour of playful activities designed to encourage fun, self-discovery, confidence and a budding awareness of the natural world.

$70/member, $105/nonmember

Session 1

Tuesday, 9-10 a.m.

September 14-October 26

Wednesday, 9:45-10:45 a.m.

or 11 a.m.-noon

September 15-October 27

Session 2

Tuesday, 9-10 a.m.

November 20-December 14

Wednesday, 9:45-10:45 a.m.

or 11 a.m.-noon

November 21-December 15

Session 3

Tuesday, 9-10 a.m.

January 4-February 15

Wednesday, 9:45-10:45 a.m.

or 11 a.m.-noon

January 5-February 16

Session 4

Tuesday, 9-10 a.m.

March 1-April 12

Wednesday, 9:45-10:45 a.m.

or 11 a.m.-noon

March 2-April 13

Session 5

Tuesday, 9-10 a.m.

April 26-June 7

Wednesday, 9:45-10:45 a.m.

or 11 a.m.-noon

April 27-June 8

2010-2011 Curious Cubs

Ages 3 through 6 drop-off program
There will be plenty of time during our mornings together to investigate the mysteries beyond the orchard at our Gilsland Farm sanctuary.

$105/member, $158/nonmember

Session 1

Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.-noon

September 14-October 26

Session 2

Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.-noon

November 20-December 14

Session 3

Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.-noon

January 4-February 15

Session 4

Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.-noon

March 1-April 12

Session 5

Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.-noon

April 26-June 7

2010-2011 Good Night Nature

Ages 2 through 6 with parent or guardian

Infant and toddler siblings up to age two are welcome at no charge. Join us for this gentle hour based around a bedtime story about animals of the night. Come in your pajamas but be prepared to venture outdoors on occasion. We will play, sing, create art and have a snack before you head home to sleep.

Tuesdays

6:30-7:30 p.m.

$10/member, $15/nonmember

October 19: When the Moon is High

November 16: Time to Say Goodnight

December 21: Night Tree

January 18: Snowmen at Night

February 15: Sleep Black Bear Sleep

March 15: The Big Yawn

April 19: Forest Bright Forest Night

May 17: Firefly Night

Meet The Educator:

Cathy Stivers has been teaching in public and private schools, preschools, camps and organizations including Maine Audubon for over twenty years. She combines her love of young children with her passion for sharing the natural world. She has a Masters of Science in Teaching and is certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR.

PRESCHOOL

Discovery Programs

Ages 2-6

Family Fun

Ages 3-5

Curious Cubs

Ages 2-6

Good Night Nature

Registration Information

Advance registration is required for all preschool programs. Stop by Gilsland Farm Audubon Center or call (207) 781-2330, ext. 209, to register.

Payment is due in full at the time of registration.
Cancellations: a refund can only be issued when a replacement is found minus a $10 cancellation fee. If Maine Audubon cancels a program, a full refund will be issued.
Classes are limited to 10 children.
All programs spend a portion of each class outside; please be prepared for the day’s weather.
For classes with parent participation, we ask that parents bring only the child participating in the program.

Emergency Weather Conditions and Maine Audubon Preschool Programs

Occasionally, severe weather will alter our usual preschool program schedule. If Maine Audubon's buildings are closed due to inclement weather, all programs are cancelled during the closed period. Please note that we may close for only a portion of the day, depending on the storm. If our buildings are open, unusually severe weather conditions can force the cancellation of a program for that day. The decision to cancel classes will not necessarily match the decision of local schools.You will need to call.

To find out if Gilsland Farm Nature Center is open to the public call 781-2330. Classes will not be held if the nature center is closed.

To find out if preschool classes have been cancelled, even if the nature center itself is open, you will need to dial 781-2330 ext. 223 after 8 a.m.

In the case of a weather cancellation, Maine Audubon will automatically give all preschool program participants a credit for the cost of that day that can be used when registering for any future programs (even non-preschool programs). Please note that when you do sign up for a future program you will need to remind our registrars that you have a credit. This credit will expire after one year. As always, please make a decision for yourself about whether the roads in your area are safe for driving. Thank you.