Toddler Forest School & Forest Preschool

2026-27 TODDLER FOREST SCHOOL | 2026-27 FOREST PRESCHOOL

ABOUT TODDLER FOREST SCHOOL

Forest School recognizes the intrinsic relationship between toddlers and nature. Toddler Forest School provides parents and children (ages 1-4) with a safe space to nurture their relationship with nature through unstructured play and curiosity-driven learning. The toddler program prepares students and their families for the adventures awaiting in the longer day of regular Forest School.

Instructors invite participating families to observe the small miracles occurring around us every day. Outdoor play allows the children to honor their strong developmental need to jump, twist, tug, pull, balance, roll, run, climb, dig, sort, build, weave and create. This play also develops fine and gross motor skills, executive function, spatial awareness, balance, coordination, kindness, and empathy. Forest School teaches students to be resilient, self-reliant and confidently inquisitive.

2026-2027 TODDLER FOREST SCHOOL information

**Note: Toddler Forest School is currently full. You are welcome to reach out to be added to the waitlist.**

toddler forest school 2026-2027 schedule

Morning Session: 10:15am-12:15pm (available Thursdays & Fridays)
Afternoon Session: 1:15pm-3:15pm (available Thursdays & Fridays)

**Toddler ASL available Friday mornings

toddler Forest school 2026-2027 Fees

FullYear: $720
Fall Only: $315
_{Families may choose monthly payments or to pay in full}

*Discounts:
Members receive $10 off fall-only registration or $20 off full-year registration.
Families registering multiple children receive $5 off fall-only registration or $10 off full-year registration.

Registration opens the following dates:

• May 6th for current families signing up for the full year
• May 27th to current families signing up for fall only and families currently on the waitlist
• June 3rd to the general public

FOREST SCHOOL HANDBOOK

It is critical that families review the parent handbook before registering a child for Forest School. The handbook provides detailed information about Forest School’s core values and guiding principles, along with logistical details regarding food, clothing, weather closures, registration, and more. Please take the time to read through the handbook, and feel free to reach out to our staff with any questions at 585.374.6160.

DOWNLOAD HANDBOOK

ABOUT FOREST preSCHOOL

Forest Preschool is a drop-off, half day program for children ages 3-5 on Wednesdays. Here, children will have the opportunity to squish in the mud, search for salamanders, build, climb, jump and explore the natural landscape. Instructors will support the children’s curiosity and connection to nature through themed activities, with time each day for unstructured play and child-led, nature-led learning.

Forest Preschoolers will develop skills in social interaction, large and small motor skills, and foundational learning through imaginative play, games, storytelling and hands-on explorations. Opportunities for risky play, self-regulation, spontaneity, creativity, resilience, and fun will abound! Forest Preschool helps children move toward the acclimatization and independence that our full day Forest School requires.

2026-2027 FOREST PRESCHOOL information

**Note: Forest Preschool is currently full. You are welcome to reach out to be added to the waitlist.**

FOREST PRESCHOOL 2026-2027 SCHEDULE

Forest preschool 2026-2027 Fees*

Full Year: $1,650
Fall Only: $725
_{Families may choose monthly payments or to pay in full}

*Discounts:
Members receive $20 off fall-only registration or $40 off full-year registration.
Families registering multiple children receive $5 off fall-only registration or $10 off full-year registration

Registration opens the following dates:

• May 6th for current families signing up for the full year
• May 27th to current families signing up for fall only and families currently on the waitlist
• June 3rd to the general public (if there are any openings)

FOREST SCHOOL HANDBOOK

It is critical that families review the parent handbook before registering a child for Forest School. The handbook provides detailed information about Forest School’s core values and guiding principles, along with logistical details regarding food, clothing, weather closures, registration, and more. Please take the time to read through the handbook, and feel free to reach out to our staff with any questions at 585.374.6160.

DOWNLOAD HANDBOOK

Meet Your INstructors

Kassandra LEE ingalls

Hello, friends! My name is Kassandra. I love to spend time with my family, which includes: 2 kids (Jacquelynn & Ivory), 2 dogs (Affina & Musha) & my husband (Kyle). We all love crafting, playing music, story time, organic gardening & wild foraging, hiking & camping.

Kass has been teaching Toddler, Full Day, and Preschool Forest School for 5 years here at CNC. She also is our lead teacher for our off-site, Hornell Public School PreK & K Forest School. She loves rhyming songs, woodland meanders, plant lore, and playing in the forest.​

Jessie Zeh

Jessie is an artist and educator from Cohocton.  She leads Tinkergarten, foraging, and nature art classes around the area with her children. She is excited to explore the forest with toddler friends!

EMILY NICHOLAS

My name is Emily and I love walking through the woods, experiencing the sights and sounds of nature. I also love forest gardening, making nature crafts, music, reading, and drawing. I am always learning something new from listening and observing the interaction between living and non-living things and I am so excited to explore the Cumming Nature Center with you!