Parent & Me Toddler Program in Carmichael
Outdoor learning, connection, and play for children ages 1–2 and their caregivers.
Nature’s Lab School’s Parent & Me program is a small-group, nature-based learning experience for toddlers and their caregivers in Carmichael, California.
Children explore the outdoors alongside a trusted adult while building confidence, language, movement, curiosity, and early social-emotional skills through play.
Ages: 1–2 years old
Days: Tuesdays or Thursdays
Time: 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Tuition: $99 per month
Location: Nature’s Lab School, Carmichael, California
Group Size: Limited to 10 caregiver-child pairs
What Happens During Parent & Me?
Each week, toddlers and their caregivers experience developmentally appropriate activities inspired by Nature’s Lab School’s outdoor, relationship-based approach to learning.
Experiences may include:
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Outdoor exploration and nature play
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Caring for and observing animals
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Sensory and messy play
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Music, movement, and songs
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Natural exposure to Spanish
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Art and creative exploration
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Garden and seasonal experiences
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Opportunities to interact with other toddlers and caregivers
Activities are intentionally flexible. Young children are encouraged to observe, participate, move, explore, and engage at their own developmental pace.
Why Parent & Me?
The first years of life are filled with rapid growth. Young children learn through movement, relationships, repetition, sensory experiences, and opportunities to explore their environment.
Parent & Me gives toddlers opportunities to experience a learning community while remaining close to a familiar caregiver.
The program supports:
Social-emotional development through relationships and interactions with other children and adults.
Language development through conversation, songs, stories, Spanish exposure, and everyday experiences.
Physical development through climbing, walking, carrying, digging, manipulating natural materials, and outdoor movement.
Curiosity and cognitive development through observation, experimentation, problem-solving, and open-ended play.
Confidence and independence as children gradually become comfortable exploring beyond their caregiver while knowing that their trusted adult remains nearby.
An Introduction to Nature’s Lab School
For some families, Parent & Me is their child’s first experience at Nature’s Lab School.
Children become familiar with our outdoor environment, animals, educators, routines, and community while participating alongside their caregiver.
For families who later choose Nature’s Lab School, this familiarity can help create a more natural transition into an independent school experience.
Parent & Me Schedule and Tuition
Families choose a consistent class each week:
Tuesday: 9:30–10:30 a.m.
or
Thursday: 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Tuition: $99 per month
Enrollment is month-to-month, and space is limited to maintain a small, relationship-centered group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is the Parent & Me program for?
Parent & Me is designed for children ages 1–2 and a participating parent, grandparent, guardian, or other trusted caregiver.
Does a parent have to attend?
A trusted adult must participate with the child throughout each class. This may be a parent, grandparent, guardian, or another consistent caregiver.
Is Parent & Me an outdoor program?
Yes. Nature’s Lab School is an outdoor, nature-based learning community, and outdoor exploration is an important part of Parent & Me. Activities are adjusted for weather, safety, and the developmental needs of young children.
Will my toddler interact with animals?
Children may have opportunities to safely observe and interact with animals at Nature’s Lab School as part of developmentally appropriate experiences. Animal interactions are supervised and guided with an emphasis on kindness and respect.
Is Spanish included?
Yes. Spanish is incorporated naturally through songs, words, conversations, routines, and play. Children do not need any previous exposure to Spanish.
Is Parent & Me a drop-off program?
No. Parent & Me is a caregiver-participation program. A parent, grandparent, guardian, or other trusted caregiver stays and participates with the child throughout the class.
If you are looking for a drop-off option, Nature’s Lab School is a nature-based bilingual school offering year-round programs for children ages 2 through Kindergarten.
We also offer enrichment programs, including Spanish classes for children ages 4–10, creating opportunities for current students, Nature’s Lab graduates, and community families to continue learning, practicing Spanish, and staying connected with Nature’s Lab through our nature-based approach.