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A division of the ODC Network
A division of the ODC Network

A Nature Based Preschool Program
in Downtown Holland

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What is Nature Based Preschool?

Seedlings Discovery Preschool provides students with an excitement for learning with play and nature-based learning. Children spend time outdoors each day, learning through active play and exploration. Researchers have identified health benefits and academic benefits resulting from nature-based learning. 

Academic Benefits
Health Benefits

Why Choose Seedlings?

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Our classes are lead by outstanding teachers who love, respect and nurture children and our natural world. Our teaching team includes two educators who have extensive training in nature-based education and child development, as well as a CDA, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and a counselor certified in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
A significant portion of each preschool session is spent outdoors, in all weather. Outdoor gear can be provided to families in need.
Our daily routine includes outdoor play, small groups, lunch, indoor choice time and group meeting. Teachers incorporate music throughout the daily routine. Learning is active, social, child-centered and play-based – perfectly suited for the developing preschooler’s brain and body!
Children in the Seedlings Discovery Preschool will spend ample time outdoors exploring and learning in natural spaces, such as Window on the Waterfront and Centennial Park
Our Social Worker provides individual and group support, and joins the parenting journey with our families through Parenting Classes and Parent Chat Groups.
We believe in community and the power of belonging. We work hard to build not only our classroom communities, but also local downtown businesses that encourages and cares for one another.
We offer partial scholarships and tuition-free preschool opportunities to families who qualify for financial assistance.
Seedlings families receive a free ODC Family Membership for the preschool year of enrollment. We love to see Seedlings at other programs at the ODC and DeGraaf Nature Centers.

About Us

Our Mission:

To provide a quality early childhood experience that prepares young children to be active, independent learners who will have a lifelong connection to the natural world.

Our Philosophy:

We believe children are natural learners, eager to explore and create. The teaching staff promotes early learning by:

Providing a natural environment that enables and encourages discovery, experimentation, and the opportunity to see the results of one’s actions.
Structuring a program that includes many opportunities for children to be outdoors, learning and exploring, reflecting the research that supports the advantages of these experiences.
Offering opportunities for children to connect with nature while developing the skills of the whole child, as well as children’s individual abilities and interests.
Encouraging problem solving and reflection by asking open-ended questions and providing information in response to children’s ideas, observations, and questions.
Assisting children in their interactions with each other and supporting opportunities for learning to work in a group.
Appreciating and celebrating the unique individuality of children and families.
Meet Our Team
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Register

This 4 year old preschool program is FREE to qualifying families through the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP). Families interested in enrolling their children at Seedlings Discovery Preschool for the 2021/2022 school year will need to complete the Help Me Grow application. Official enrollment for Seedlings Discovery Preschool will occur in early summer.

Help Me Grow Application
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Support Seedlings

We need your help to continue furthering our mission of providing quality early childhood experiences that prepare young children to be active, independent learners who have knowledge of and an appreciation for the natural world.

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Seedlings Discovery Preschool

Seedlings Preschool Partners:
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Inspiring Life-long Learners with Nature Based Play and Education
Contact Us

77 W 11th St, Holland, MI 49423

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