About
The Children's Garden Preschool is a primarily outdoor preschool for children ages 2 to 5. It offers daily outdoor and indoor programming, with a Monday to Friday schedule from 9:00am to 1:00pm. The program includes morning sessions for two-year-olds, older children close to age three, and a mixed-age group for ages 3 to 5, plus an extended day option from 1:00pm to 4:00pm for enrolled children.
Programs
- Two year olds – 3 mornings/week (Starlings) — Children generally 2 years old before the school year begins, or turning 2 by October 15, 2026 · Tue-Thu mornings; Friday Park days for 4-morning Starlings · Children may be in diapers/pull-ups or progressing with pottying. A young 3 year old not yet ready for the older class may be considered.
- Older Starlings close to age three or turning 3 during the summer – 4 mornings/week — Close to age 3 or turning 3 during the summer · Tue-Wed-Thu mornings; Friday Park days, 9:00am-1:00pm · Children are independent with toileting and have the ease and stamina to be outside all day in movement with a larger group of older peers. Limited number of spots.
- Three year to five year olds (Mixed-Age, Owls & Robins) — 3-5 · Mon-Fri mornings, 9:00am-1:00pm; 2 mornings/week in Grant Park outdoors · Children must be a minimum of 3 years of age or older before July 1, 2026. Children need to comfortably initiate their own needs regarding self-care and help, including toileting.
At a glance
- Ages: 2–5 years old
- Current session: 2026-2027 school year (Jul 1–Apr 1, 2027)
- General schedule: Primarily an outdoor program with daily outdoor and indoor programming; the preschool is open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 1:00pm.
- Facility hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-1:00pm
About the provider
The mission statement says it is a heart-centered, nature-based, primarily outdoor preschool for young children ages 2 to 5, where the wonder of childhood is protected. The leadership team includes Executive Director Sally Hansen, Administrative Assistant Erin Chang, and CFO Lori van Rossem. Open enrollment is for the 2026-2027 school year, and tuition is paid in ten monthly payments from July to April.
- Extended Day (Aftercare) — Daily, 1:00pm-4:00pm · For enrolled children. Starts August 5, 2026. Regular reserved enrollment for 3, 4 or 5 days is required; drop-in option when space is available.
Open enrollment is for 2026-2027. Admission is open regardless of race, creed, religion, color or national origin. Open House Day reservations are required. Tuition is paid in ten monthly payments from July to April. Aftercare is separate from TCG programming.
Last updated November 13, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.