The Neighborhood: A Nature-Based Early Learning Center

The Neighborhood: A Nature-Based Early Learning Center The Neighborhood is a nature-based, Reggio-inspired, preschool for families that are looking for an OUR STORY
Welcome to The Neighborhood family!

The Neighborhood, a nature-based early learning center, is currently a home based preschool that is designed to teach children ages three to five years of age through a combination of the Reggio Emilia approach of learning and nature-based play. At The Neighborhood, we believe that children need a daily opportunity to spend time in nature, and not just a short amount of time on a playground. Each

day, we are committed to letting our children spend a majority of their day learning in nature, rain or shine. OUR MISSION
Our mission is to enrich the preschool experience by providing children daily exposure to learning in nature. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach paired with learning in the calming outdoor setting, children will develop independence, communication skills, emergent literacy, and mathematics. With nature-based learning, we provide hands-on experiences for children to learn while having fun! WHY NATURE-BASED
Studies have shown that nature-based play has many benefits over traditional schooling. Children participating in nature-based learning programs consistently outperformed their peers who did not participate in nature-based learning. Nature-based learning has many benefits:

Promotion of attention skills and short-term memory
Enhancement of childrenā€™s creativity and imagination
Improved social relations, communication skills, and cooperation among students
Increased value of nature and pro-environmental behaviors
Increased learning engagement
Increased opportunities to explore, develop and hone math skills

Back in 2022, our very first rainy day: puddle boots, mud, wiggly worms! As we gear up for the 2026-27 school year start...
08/23/2026

Back in 2022, our very first rainy day: puddle boots, mud, wiggly worms! As we gear up for the 2026-27 school year starting Wednesday, this is the kind of day that makes for great play!

08/22/2026

A good reminder for us all!

Let's get outside and let nature do its best work.

It was a beautiful day to add some paint to a mural at McLean Nursing Home. Thank you for including us in this. šŸ«¶
08/10/2026

It was a beautiful day to add some paint to a mural at McLean Nursing Home. Thank you for including us in this. šŸ«¶

Looking for a preschool experience that looks different? Are you looking for something with smaller group sizes and a b...
07/28/2026

Looking for a preschool experience that looks different? Are you looking for something with smaller group sizes and a bigger attention on building relationships? How about spending more time outside other than 30 minutes in a fenced in little playground? We are a nature-based, reggio inspired preschool in West Simsbury. We have a couple spots left for fall of 2026. Visit our website to inquiry and set up a tour.
https://neighborhoodelc.com/home

07/15/2026
We're so excited to welcome new friends into our program this fall!Join us for our Open House on Saturday, June 27 (11am...
06/22/2026

We're so excited to welcome new friends into our program this fall!
Join us for our Open House on Saturday, June 27 (11am to 4pm) or Sunday, June 28 (1pm to 5pm). Come explore our trails, meet our family, and see what nature-based learning looks like.
Spots are limited, reserve yours today: https://neighborhoodelcopenhouse.eventbrite.com

Nature-based early learning center offering a Reggio Emilia approach for preschool children, fostering outdoor learning and creativity.

Welcoming summer with some water 'fireworks'! Happy Summer Solstice!
06/22/2026

Welcoming summer with some water 'fireworks'! Happy Summer Solstice!

Address

119 Westledge Road
West Simsbury, CT
06092

Telephone

+18609883191

Website

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