Blue Heron Preschool, NH's first nature preschool, opens its doors at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center on September 13

HOLDERNESS — The Blue Heron Preschool, a nature-based Montessori early learning center and NH’s first nature preschool, will open its doors for its first school year at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center on Monday, September 13.

This unique preschool will integrate two very successful and innovative educational philosophies. The learning environment will apply the educational philosophies of Maria Montessori who believed that the early years, the period from birth to age six, is the time when a child’s intelligence is formed and when her or his natural curiosity and love for knowledge is awakened. The second educational approach at the preschool will focus on nature-based education with the goal to provide opportunities for children to interact with various natural communities and living things on a daily basis.

“It is our strong belief that through these interactions, children begin to connect to the natural world on a deep level and grow to care about the environment because they feel they are a part of, not separate from, the natural world in which they live,” said Amy Yeakel, education program director at the Science Center. “Research indicates that daily, unstructured, outdoor play is essential to child development. Nature actively engages children’s senses and provides opportunities for the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual growth of each child,” added Yeakel.

Iain MacLeod, executive director of the Science Center is pleased to welcome Laura Mammarelli as the director/lead teacher of the Blue Heron Preschool. Mammarelli received her BA in History from Middlebury College in Vermont. She was trained as a primary teacher at the New England Montessori Teacher Education Center in Boston, has taught in Montessori programs in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and has consulted for Montessori preschools in the Plymouth area. She owned and operated the Montessori School of Plymouth for 10 years and is a founding officer of the NH Montessori Association.

Joining Mammarelli is Associate Teacher Jordan McDaniel. McDaniel attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where she obtained a BA in Education of Young Children. She has worked in various early childhood learning centers for 10 years and has been a constant advocate for outdoor education.

The Blue Heron Preschool is open to children ages 3 — 6. The five-day per week program runs from 8:30 a.m. — 1 p.m. Monday — Friday. The school provides affordable tuition, excellent child to instructor ratios, and a unique and innovative learning experience for children.

Enrollment is still open. For information, contact Amy Yeakel at 968-7194 or e-mail blueheron@nhnature.org.