The Benefits of Environmental Preschool Education
This interview first appeared in the Spring 2025 KCED Newsletter published on Wednesday, April 2nd. The full newsletter can be found here.
Introduction:
Over the past two years, the PWELC Nature Preschool received partial funding through investments from the Child Care Economic Development Grant, provided by Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development, along with support from Kandiyohi County. These grants have played a key role in supporting the growth and development of the new nature preschool.
After a dedicated effort to prepare the building and secure licensing approval for the child care center, the preschool is now officially in operation. To learn more about the impact of this new service, KCED sat down with Nature Preschool Director, Hannah Stelley, to get her insights on how things are going.
Interview:
At Prairie Wood Environmental Learning Center’s Nature Preschool, the daily rhythm is designed to follow the natural pace of the children, allowing for flexible exploration and learning. Daily hikes transform into adventures, where children have the opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate each new discovery they encounter. Snacks and lunch are brought from home and are enjoyed at different times throughout the day. The atmosphere is calm and child-led, with an emphasis on curiosity and connection to the world around them, according to KCED’s conversation with Preschool Director Hannah Stelley. We asked her a few questions about her job and the school, and her answers continue to support the picture she painted.
In a conversation with Kelsey Olson, KCED’s Marketing and Communications Specialist, Director Hannah Stelley shared insights about her role and the preschool, reinforcing the picture she painted of this unique learning experience.
KO: Hannah, what do you observe from the children during your nature exploration hikes you told me about?
HS: Really, the best part is that the kids can have their own conversations together and explore together. We move entirely at their pace and let their curiosity guide our learning. We visit the same spots weekly, but as the weather and seasons change so does nature around us.
KO: What is one of your favorite parts of the job?
HS: Being new to this part of the state and the prairie, I enjoy learning with the students. I love how curious the children are when we find something new while exploring. Every day is a new adventure!
KO: What are the students learning throughout the day?
HS: The children are learning a lot of social and emotional skills. They are developing both cognitive and physical development, resilience, curiosity and environmental stewardship.
KO: Why do you think environmental education is important?
HS: I think it fosters that love and connection, at an early age, for the environment. I see these skills and characteristics pass onto the families and they continue it at home and in their everyday lives.
KO: How can people register their children and learn more?
HS: Fall 2025/2026 enrollment isn’t open yet, but parents can fill out an interest form on our website, https://prairiewoodselc.org/preschool/ . We are currently open-enrolling for spring and summer 2025. We have full-time, part-time, and Forest Friday opportunities. I’m happy to answer any questions via email at natureschool@prairiewoodselc.org.