Pre-School Programs
About our Pre-School Programs
Guided by the principal that it’s never too early to start developing a connection to nature, Seatuck’s pre-school programs seek to immerse youngsters in authentic, hands-on experiences in the natural world. The outdoors provide an unparalleled environment for learning and enrichment.
Little Peepers
Forest Preschool
Seatuck’s drop-off preschool program (named after the small, but loud frog called a Spring Peeper) is the first nature center-based program of its kind in Suffolk County. It is located at the South Shore Nature Center in East Islip and includes regular visits to the Suffolk County Environmental Center at the Scully Estate in Islip.
The program, for children ages 3 to 6, runs for 2.5 hours each day, five days a week. There are two daily sessions, one from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and another from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.
The curriculum includes a comprehensive blend of environmental education and traditional, play-based preschool standards. The natural world is the guiding theme in presenting science, art and music, math, language & literacy, dramatic play, and other curriculum areas. The program addresses each child’s development through an enriching and hands-on program that teaches children to connect with the world around them.
For more information on the program, contact [email protected] or [email protected]
Little Peepers
Forest Preschool Open Houses
Looking for more information about our Little Peepers Forest School?
Join us for one of these open houses.
Monday, February 10, 4:30 to 5:30 pm
Saturday, March 1, 10:00 to 11:00 am
Children must turn three years of age on or before December 1 to be admitted to the program in September. For admission at any other time, the child must have passed their 3rd birthday. Children must be toilet trained and self-sufficient. Every child must have a physical (within one year) and a corresponding health record, signed and dated by their pediatrician.
Tiny Trekkers
Our early childhood offerings also include Tiny Trekkers, a series of recurring programs for pre-schoolers and a caregiver. The weekly programs, every Tuesday at 1:30 pm for children ages 2 to 5, are offered throughout the year and generally focus on a seasonal topic.
The programs, an hour long, are based outdoors and include engaging, hands-on activities, such as planting, scavenger hunts, arts-and-crafts and hikes. Participants can enroll in one program at a time. A new Tiny Trekkers schedule is posted each season. The link will take you to the program calendar. You must register for each week’s program separately.
Links to register are below
Tiny Trekkers alternates between the Suffolk County Environmental Center in Islip and the South Shore Nature Center in East Islip. Be sure to check for the current location.
Registration Links for each Program
10/7
October 7, 2025 Tiny Trekkers (Scully) 1:30 PM
https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/MiPL8xFe6cov4dn1BMLM
10/14
October 14, 2025 Tiny Trekkers (SSNC) 1:30 PM
https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/AXhcfOkOLTbxF6cNizwi
10/21
October 21, 2025 Tiny Trekkers (Scully) 1:30 PM
https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/nQl46optqCxmA2DsJnaI
10/28
October 28, 2025 Tiny Trekkers (SSNC) 1:30 PM
https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/jqYdOlQTP7QzUzS4vNFe
11/4
November 4, 2025 Tiny Trekkers (Scully) 1:30 PM
https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/e6va5LBqJCKOOg3lj1wD
11/18
November 4, 2025 Tiny Trekkers (Scully) 1:30 PM
https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/7z825VPjzQr2oAgH85eb
11/25
November 25, 2025 Tiny Trekkers (Scully) 1:30 PM
https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/Qb9Xgu4CiIZ8qJxaWveN
12/2
December 2, 2025 Tiny Trekkers (SSNC) 1:30 PM
https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/z684QW5B1PpLFOJY8vN3
12/9
December 9, 2025 Tiny Trekkers (Scully) 1:30 PM
https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/xBuSQrMXvAYfnlUgBeJQ
12/16
December 16, 2025 Tiny Trekkers (SSNC) 1:30 PM
https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/VnJFizPwxKegRoE7KlLA
Related Information
South Shore Nature Center
The South Shore Nature Center is a public nature center located in East Islip, New York. The facility is operated by the Seatuck Enviornmental Association through a partnership with the Town of Islip, which owns the property together with Suffolk County and The Nature Conservancy.
Summer Programs
Seatuck’s summer programs are perfect for children with an interest in nature, animals or plants. Registration now open.
General Public Programs
Our all-ages programs are targeted for family groups and designed to be suitable for everyone. Our adult programs are more challenging, offer a higher-level interpretation & instruction, and focus on more sophisticated topics.