We believe young children thrive in child-centered environments that support play and inquiry. Our curriculum is driven by the interests of the children and framed by the natural cycle of the seasons. In our program, children build knowledge through first-hand experiences with nature, classroom materials, and—most importantly—their relationships with peers and caring adults.
About Us
“Both of our kids, despite their pretty big personality differences and varied interests, have unequivocally thrived at Dodge. You have given them foundational gifts of engagement, creativity, and appreciation that will invaluably shape their lives to come.”
– Parent 2020–2023
Licensing and Accreditation
Dodge Nature Preschool is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and certified as a Nature Explore Classroom. Dodge Nature Preschool has received the Highest Possible Rating of 4 Stars from Parent Aware, Minnesota’s Quality Rating System.
Preschool Facility
The Dodge Nature Preschool building is designed to provide the best possible preschool environment for young children. The welcoming entrance encourages family involvement and smooth transitions from home to school. Spacious classroom areas allow for the busy, active play of preschool children. Open-ended equipment and supplies encourage creative and cooperative learning. Outdoor classrooms feature climbing structures, swings, slides, a sandbox, a mud kitchen, vegetable and flower gardens, and a variety of loose parts. The large multipurpose room provides an indoor space for very active play.
Dodge Nature Center
The Preschool is located on Dodge Nature Center’s Main Property. It’s 110 acres of prairies, ponds, and woodland trails provide children opportunities to discover vibrant ecosystems just steps from their classrooms. They regularly visit Dodge Nature Center’s model farm where they interact with barnyard animals, plant vegetable gardens, and enjoy the harvest in the summer and fall. Naturalists from Dodge Nature Center engage children in beekeeping, honey making, and maple syruping. Picking raspberries and tasting apples right from the tree encourages children to explore the connections between their lives and the world of nature.