Connolly Ranch’s programs for children under five provide nature-based, tactile, interactive and experiential activities that promote age-appropriate growth and development for young children in the Napa Valley. We offer fall, winter, spring and summer sessions, and all programs operate rain or shine. If you have any questions please contact our Program Manager, Hylah Egeland (aka The Barn Faerie) at hylah@connollyranch.org or (707) 224-1894.
2017 PROGRAM DATES:
WINTER SESSION: Week of January 9 through week of March 13
(no class Jan. 16, Feb.17 or Feb. 20)
SPRING SESSION: Week of March 20 through week of May 29
(no class week of April 10-14 or May 29)
SUMMER SESSION: Week of June 19 through week of August 28
(no class July 4)
Earthlings Outdoor Playschool
Ages 3-5 (drop-off program)
Cost: $170 – 230 per month depending on weeks per session
Earthlings Outdoors is an early childhood drop-off program where respect is our foundation, play our method and the natural world our medium. Earthlings focus is to inspire children’s connection with the beautiful, wondrous and magical earth that we all share, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and care for our families, our communities and our planet.
All Earthlings must 3 years old and potty trained (no pull-ups). Please send children with labeled (child’s name) water bottle and a non-sugary snack in reusable containers. For safe play, please dress Earthlings in closed shoes, long pants and a hat. A parent (or other adult) is asked to be a “helper” at least one day per session. You have the option of adding an extra hour of playtime onto the Earthlings program.
M/W mornings: 9 am-12 pm
or 9am-1 pm w/aftercare
T/Th mornings: 9am-12pm
or 9am-1pm w/aftercare
T/Th afternoons: 1-4pm or 12-4pm w/earlycare
$575-770 per session (10-12 week sessions/$64 per week)
$180-240 additional for early/after care (10-12 week sessions/$20 per week)
Sounds of Silence
Ages 0-2 (accompanied by a parent or guardian)
Tuesdays 9:30-10:30am
$130-160 per session (10-12 weeks)
Sounds of Silence is a guided program designed specifically for infants to 2-year-old children. It is a time for parent and child to leave the noisy, often over-stimulated world and connect through gestures, body language and facial expressions. The class moves slowly and calmly, creating a safe, relaxing environment for very little people to experience our ranch and the wonders of Mother Nature. With no chit-chatting from the adults, there is a distinct and beautiful emphasis on what each child is noticing and how he or she is interacting with that plant, rock, animal or new friend. Throughout Sounds of Silence, the Barn Faerie shows and models myriad ways to support you and your young child in seeing, hearing, touching, smelling and awakening to the natural world. By looking through the children’s eyes, you will probably find yourself experiencing our earth for what seems like the first time, too!
Nature’s Play
Ages 2-3
(accompanied by a parent or guardian)
Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 am
$130-160 per session (10-12 weeks)
At Nature’s Play we engage together in the great outdoors. The trees, gardens, trails and animals at Connolly Ranch provide an array of experiences allowing big and little people to play and learn together in nature. Classes will include music, creative movement, imaginative play, art and hands-on activities. Parent/guardian participation is required.
Fun Family Fridays: Ages 1-6 (accompanied by a parent or guardian)
Fridays, 10 am-12 noon
$200-220 per session (10-12 weeks). *Registering for a half session possible
Bring the whole family for a fun and educational morning on the farm. Each Friday starts with some free play time in the barns, garden or grove. Then we’ll move into our project of the week. These structured activities are designed for all ages to participate together, and include topics such as gardening, cooking, art and animal care. Pack a light lunch for you and your child — after all the work and play, we’ll gather together and enjoy some food at the picnic tables. Fun Family Fridays is designed as a multi-age family program. Each child must be pre-registered. Children ages 1 through 6 years old are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult.
Download the scholarship application here
CANCELLATION POLICY
If you need to cancel a registration, a refund may be issued, minus a cancellation fee of 20% of the total cost of the program, provided cancellation takes place at least 7 days before the start date of the program enrolled in.
Alternatively, we can transfer the amount paid, less a fee of 10% of the total cost of the program, to a new registration or hold as a credit for a future Connolly Ranch program.
If cancellation takes place less than 7 days before the start date, no refund will be issued.