30779 Blanton Road, Eugene, Oregon 97405, United States
MFM Nature Preschool
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” - Fred Rodgers
A Nature-Based Experiential Learning Program for the Whole Child
- Runs year-round, Monday - Friday, rain or shine
- Early arrival options at 8:00am and late departure activities until 5:30pm
- For children ages Two years to Six years of age
- Led by skilled and experienced Early Learning Teachers
- Low child to teacher ratio, averaging 5:1
- Learning spaces inspired by Forest School, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia approaches
- Both private and ERDC tuition payment options
At Mind-Full Meadows Nature Preschool, exploring the outdoors gives children the opportunity to:
- Develop Ecological Literacy
- Gain Confidence & Creative Development
- Understand the World Around Them
- Step out of their Comfort Zone, Explore a New Environment, & Take Safe Risks
- Work Collaboratively With Peers
- Experience & Practice, Hands-On, Meaningful Skills
- Actively Participate in and Shape Their Own Learning
Mind-Full Meadows Nature Preschool is a child-centered program set on an experiential early learning farm, including goats, chickens, gardens, and a variety of natural ecosystems. Our expert teachers build learning opportunities from the curiosity of children. Our Forest School, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia-inspired learning spaces offer thoughtfully selected materials.
Learning develops through observation, asking questions, and providing materials designed to prompt child-led inquiry. Teachers weave together early learning skills and FARM concepts throughout our time together.
We serve children from ages two through age 6, allowing families to choose Mind-Full Meadows for their child's kindergarten year. Children are organized into flexible groups based on their developmental levels and interests rather than specific chronological age. All children become familiar with each other and with all of our teachers, while also having time to focus on peers of a similar age. These groupings allow children to develop strong bonds with peers and teachers, and support observations of developmental stages and the multifaceted growth of children.
Children learn holistically through play, as it nurtures the whole child – socially, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and intellectually. They gain authentic understanding about themselves and the world around them through experiential, hands-on interactions with nature.
Daily Flow and Basic Details
Nature Preschool Daily Flow
- Adjusts as needed and with the seasons
- 8:00 - 9:00 Welcome & Quiet Choice
- 9:15 Hand Washing and Snack
- 9:45 Morning Meeting & Project Planning
- 10:15 Forest and Farm Exploration: Project Work, Hikes, Gardening, Integrated Learning
- 12:00 Hand Washing & Lunch
- 12:30 Outside Play in Forest or Play Yard
- 1:00 Stories, Toileting, Rest
- 1:50 Quiet Play, Stories, or Rest
- 2:15 Community Circle
- 2:40 Hand Washing and Snack
- 3:00 Forest and Farm Exploration
- 4:00 Afternoon Inquiry
Basic Details
The farmhouse within the play yard is where you find our Discovery Room, Imaginary, and Atelier. Across the creek you find our Outdoor Classroom in Chickadee Grove, and our Forest Playscape.
Mind-Full Meadows is a Certified Family Childcare Home licensed under the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care.
Our program has outdoor and indoor components as we support children in developing the skills and stamina for a full day of outdoor learning and exploration.
Enrollment Information
The application process begins the first week of January for the following fall. This process includes:
- Complete Interest Form through link below.
- Schedule a site tour and interview
- Complete Enrollment Application.
- Begin the Mind-Full Meadows adventure!
Tuition for Mind-Full Meadows Nature Preschool
Our day runs from 8:00- 5:30, Monday-Friday, with no additional charges for flexible scheduling.
The tuition of $1650 per month covers all activities and materials, as well as two snacks.
We are closed for all federal holidays, and take three one-week breaks, one each in Winter and Spring, and Summer.
Enrollment Essentials:
- $100 application fee
- Child added to wait list, with enrollment offered once space becomes available.
- Enrollment held with 1/2 first month's tuition
- Qualifies for Oregon's ERDC subsidy.
Once you complete an Interest Form through the link below, email Tiffany at tiffany@mind-fulleducation.com with any questions and to arrange a tour.