About Our Programs
UNLOCK CURIOSITY AND CREATIVITY THROUGH PLAY AND EXPLORATION
Cincinnati, Ohio
Playful Acre is an outdoor learning experience dedicated to cultivating curiosity, life readiness, and social emotional learning. Whether it's exploring, taking risks, or learning through play, our mission is to provide a safe and interactive environment where children can thrive and grow.
We believe that nature-based education is essential to creating a generation of connected, conscious, and confident individuals. We invite you to come and join us for an experience that will spark a lifelong love of learning and the outdoors.
If you want to build a ship, don ’t drum up people to collect wood and don ’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.
-Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Program Details
Playful Acre is an outdoor nature company center offering play-based learning programs for children ages 2+. Our unique, hands-on approach to education engages children with nature while providing a wide variety of program options to meet the needs of different families.
Wednesday AM
Pre-School Explorers
Exploring the world through Play
Our one-day per week program, Preschool Explorers, held on Wednesdays from 8 am to 2 pm, is designed for children aged 2+ with a strong emphasis on play and exploration. After care is available for families who need it. At Playful Acre, we believe that play is the foundation of learning for young children, and our preschool program offers a variety of engaging activities to foster their growth and development.
Play-Based Learning Approach
Our Preschool Explorers program focuses on:
Extended periods of free play and exploration
Short, engaging structured activities (15-30 minutes)
Literacy exposure through stories, songs, and rhymes
Art, sensory, and science activities
Enrichment activities throughout the year
During free play, art materials and books are always available for children to explore and enjoy.
Through play and exploration, children learn to:
Feel and process emotions in healthy ways
Solve problems independently and collaboratively
Ask for help when needed
Advocate for themselves and others
Choose kindness in all situations
Be responsible citizens of their community and the world
Take responsibility for their actions
Schedule
Wednesdays 8 AM - 12 PM (Aftercare Available until 4:30PM)
Schedule is tentative and subject to change based on the needs of our students
8:00 am - 9:00 am: Arrival and Free Play
9:00 am - 9:15 am: Morning Circle Time (songs, stories, and sharing)
9:15 am - 10:45 am: Extended Free Play (art materials and books available)
10:45 am - 11:00 am: Snack Time
11:00 am - 11:15 am: Science or Sensory Activity with Literacy extension
11:15 am - 12:45 pm: Extended Free Play and Exploration (art materials and books available)
12:45 pm - 12:00 pm: Clean Up and Free Play
After Care (available upon request)
12 pm- 2pm Naptime for 2-4 Year Olds. Quiet Time for 4+.
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm: After Care Activities (arts and crafts, games, outdoor play)
$45 - After Care additional $15
Daily Tuition Cost
Ages
2+
Tuesday / Thursday Full Day
Pre-K Navigators
Navigating the World with Kindergarten Readiness and a Focus on Social-Emotional Learning
Our two-day per week program, PreK Navigators, held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 am to 2 pm, is designed to help children navigate their world while preparing for kindergarten with a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning. After care is available for families who need it. At Playful Acre, we believe that building a solid foundation in social-emotional skills is just as important as academics. Our unique program combines child-led unit studies with plenty of time for free play and exploration, making it an excellent choice for both homeschooling families and those preparing for a traditional school path.
This program is perfect for children who:
Are kindergarten or pre-kindergarten age
Benefit from a focus on social-emotional learning
Thrive in a play-based learning environment
Enjoy exploring their interests through child-led unit studies
Seek immersion and socialization with peer
Play-Based Learning Approach for PreK Explorers
Our PreKindergarden Explorers program emphasizes a play-based learning approach, incorporating:
Extended Free Play and Exploration: Children have ample time to engage in self-directed play and discovery, promoting creativity and curiosity.
Short, Engaging Structured Activities: 15-30 minute activities keep children focused and entertained while learning essential skills.
Literacy Exposure: Stories, songs, and rhymes introduce children to the world of language and communication.
Art, Sensory, and Science Activities: A variety of hands-on experiences stimulate children's senses and foster a love for the arts and sciences.
Enrichment Activities: Throughout the year, special events and activities enhance the learning experience and keep children engaged.
During free play, art materials and books are readily available for children to explore and enjoy.
Through play and exploration, children develop essential life skills, such as:
Processing emotions in healthy ways
Solving problems independently and collaboratively
Asking for help when needed
Advocating for themselves and others
Choosing kindness in all situations
Being responsible citizens of their community and the world
Taking responsibility for their actions
Weekly Child-Led Unit Studies
Each week, our Preschool Explorers program features a unit study inspired by the seasons and the children's interests. This child-led approach allows children to delve into topics they are passionate about, nurturing a love for learning and exploration. By connecting their interests with the curriculum, we create an engaging and meaningful learning experience that keeps children excited and motivated.
Schedule
Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am-4pm:
Schedule is tentative and subject to change based on the needs of our students
8:00 am - 9:00 am: Arrival and Free Play
9:00 am - 9:30 am: Morning Circle Time (songs, stories, and sharing)
9:30 am - 10:30 am: Free Play and Exploration
10:30 am - 11:00 am: Snack and Storytime
11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Child-Led Unit Study Activities
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch and Quiet Time
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Free Play and Exploration
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Wrap up unit study activities and free play
$55
Daily Tuition Cost
Ages
4+