We offer the opportunity for families to enter into a cooperative arrangement for the care of their children. With the support of CNGF’s teachers and college interns trained in fields that include early childhood development, ecology, environmental science and landscape architecture, the members of this co-op arrangement will share responsibility for the care of all children. CNGF will inspire co-op members to facilitate the children’s engagement with sensory experiences, active and free play, indigenous stories and connections to local plants and animals, art, and growing and cooking with edible plants.

Lessons for classes are selected from a collection of 50 lessons that were prepared by the CNGF curriculum committee for teaching pre-K teachers. Plants grown, prepared and eaten are selected from these Playing with Intent lessons, which are based on the CNGF Food Pyramid. They are comprised from each of the six plant groups for conservation, carbon neutrality and the thriving of our local plant communities and regional ecosystems services. Foods prepared are plant-based vegetarian or vegan. Allergens made known to us will not be served.

Class Details

• Each four-week session begins on the first Monday of each month
• 9:30am-12:30pm – Monday, Wednesday, Friday
• 12 students per class, maximum
• 4-5 year-old students
• One parent/guardian to attend periodically
• Classes held outdoors in our ELSEE Garden (Environmental Laboratory for Sustainability and Ecological Education)
• Proof of vaccination required for parents, or weekly negative COVID test. No masks required. These rules are subject to change based on new COVID variants.

Pricing

Per four-week session, paid up to three months in advance

• 3 classes per week: $450
• 2 classes per week: $300
• 1 class per week: $150