Buffalo Zoo to Open Preschool This Fall

The Buffalo Zoo will offer a brand new preschool program beginning in September, 2015.

Families who wish to learn more about the preschool classes can attend open houses at the Zoo on Wednesday, May 20 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. or Saturday May 30 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

“We feel that the Zoo offers a really unique learning opportunity for children,” said Tiffany Vanderwerf, the Zoo’s curator of education. “We have a giant outdoor classroom with endless possibilities for exploration and discovery.  This kind of learning environment is unlike any other. By immersing children in it, we hope to develop a love and appreciation of the natural world that will last a lifetime.”

Zoo classroom before it was set up for the new preschool classes.

The classroom is set up and ready for the Zoo's first preschool classes!

The full school year program will offer children daily access to Zoo grounds including a brand new nature playground in the Delta Sonic Heritage Farm exhibit. Classes will be taught using the Reggio-Emilia-inspired approach to childhood education. The program’s manager and head teacher will be the Zoo’s early childhood programs specialist, Scott Lawson. Mr. Lawson earned his bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, as well as a master’s degree in educational psychology. He has more than ten years of experience in early childhood education, teaching preschool and kindergarten, and working extensively with young children for the Buffalo Zoo’s education department.

The program offers two options:
Two days per week - Tuesdays and Thursdays - 9:00am to 11:30am
Three days per week - Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays - 9:00am to 11:30 am

Registration for preschool at the Zoo is open now. Click here for the registration form. The program is open to children three or four years in age as of September 1, 2015. Each class will be limited to 16 students. Enrollment will be on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call (716) 995-6140 or email slawson@buffalozoo.org.