Outdoor Preschool Age Programs

Early Childhood With WYP

Meet our two outdoor preschool programs for early childhood: Woolly Bears & Chickadees

Outdoor Preschool

Woolly Bears and Chickadees are outdoor preschool programs during the school year in Goleta and Carpinteria. Children connect with nature through play, curiosity and awareness. Developmentally appropriate routines include gratitude circles, games, and songs— all mirroring the patterns of surrounding nature.

By experiencing seasonal transitions outdoors, children have the opportunity to cultivate a heightened awareness of the subtleties of nature. They direct their own learning by investigating curiosity and ultimately can experience a deep sense of place. These opportunities for growth provide a foundation for physical, emotional, and social intelligence that lasts a lifetime.

Current Openings

Login to your account or create an account to join our waitlist and then email registrar@wyp.org with the weekly days you would like to attend.

Preschool Square

WYP Early Childhood Seasons

  • Fall Semester: Tuesday, August 25 - Friday, December 18, 2026
    • No Programs:
      • Labor Day [Sep 7]
      • Gratitude Week [November 23-27]
      • Winter Break [December 21, 2026 - January 5, 2027]
  • Spring Semester: Wednesday, January 6 - Friday, June 4, 2027
    • No Programs:
      • Early Childhood Staff Development Day/MLK Jr. Day Observed [Mon. January 18]
      • Spring Break Week [March 29- April 2]
      • Memorial Day [Mon. May 31]
Take a peak into Woolly Bear land
Chickadees 3-5 1 day/week nature enrichment program Learn More
Woolly Bears (Goleta) 2.5-5 2-4 days/week outdoor preschool program Learn More
Woolly Bears (Carpinteria) 2.5-5 2-4 days/week outdoor preschool program Learn More

Woolly Bears (Goleta)

Ages: 2.5-5
Meets Monday-Thursday, must attend at least 2 days
9AM - 1PM
Learn More

Woolly Bears (Carpinteria)

Ages: 3-5
Meets Tuesday-Friday, must attend at least 2 days
9AM - 1PM
Learn More

Chickadees

Ages: 3-5
Meets Fridays, 1 day per week program
9AM - 1PM
Learn More

Woolly Bears (Goleta)

Woolly Bears is a nature immersion program because the group is together in the same location multiple days per week. In Woolly Bears, your child has the opportunity to continue a project or theme of play that they started the day before in a seamless manner. There is a strong continuity from day to day, week to week.
 
In this program, there are also opportunities for parents to participate if they choose; perhaps by coming out for a day occasionally, committing to one day/week as a volunteer, coordinating regular family potluck gatherings, and an annual campout at the Santa Ynez River.
 

AGES: 2.5-5

DAYS AND TIME: Monday-Thursday, 9 am-1 pm (enroll for 2-4 days a week) 

COST

  • Fall 2026 Semester (16 weeks):
    • 2 days/week: $2,688
    • 3 days/week: $3,792
    • 4 days/week: $4,588

LOCATION: Tucker's Grove (Kiwanis Meadow)

LEAD INSTRUCTORS:

  • Mon/Wed - Ashley Parrilla
  • Tues/Thurs - Xochitl Pacheco

QUESTIONS: Please direct all questions regarding enrollment, availability, pricing, scholarships or scheduling visits to registrar@wyp.org.

REGISTER: Login to your account or create an account to join our waitlist. 

Woolly Bears (Carpinteria Bluffs)

Woolly Bears is a nature immersion program because the group is together in the same location multiple days per week. In Woolly Bears, your child has the opportunity to continue a project or theme of play that they started the day before in a seamless manner. There is a strong continuity from day to day, week to week.
 
In this program, there are also opportunities for parents to participate if they choose; perhaps by coming out for a day occasionally, committing to one day/week as a volunteer, coordinating regular family potluck gatherings, and an annual campout at the Santa Ynez River.
 

AGES: 3-5 years

DAYS AND TIME: Tuesday-Friday, 9 am-1 pm (enroll for 2-4 days a week) 

LOCATION: Carpinteria Bluffs

COST

  • Fall 2026 Semester (16 weeks):
    • 2 days/week: $2,688
    • 3 days/week: $3,792
    • 4 days/week: $4,736

LEAD INSTRUCTOR: Kristin Van Der Kar

QUESTIONS: Please direct all questions regarding enrollment, availability, pricing, scholarships or scheduling visits to registrar@wyp.org.

REGISTER: Login to your account or create an account to join our waitlist. 

Chickadees

A one-day-per-week drop-off enrichment program for young children to spend more time in nature. Each day has a rhythm, and new and different themes of play emerge from week to week.

AGES: 3-5

COST:

  • Quarterly Sessions (7-12 weeks): $640-$880

Location: Tucker's Grove (Kiwanis Meadow)

Lead Instructor: Diana La Riva

Days and Time: Fridays, 9am - 1pm

QUESTIONS: Please direct all questions regarding enrollment, availability, pricing, scholarships or scheduling visits to registrar@wyp.org.

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A Day in Our Programs

Our days are thoughtfully structured, balancing creativity, nature, and connection. Here's an overview of the flow of a typical day with us:

  • Welcome & Free Play or Crafting
  • Song Circle with seasonal music
  • Sharing Circle with nature names and gratitude
  • Tea Time & Snack
  • Free Time to Wander, Play, & Craft
  • Storytime & Lunch

Adventure, learning, play, joy and time in nature are waiting for your child. Our professional mentors believe in helping kids play and grow while gaining new skills. Sign up for WYP and support your preschool-age child in growing smarter, healthier and happier.

For more information, please email us at registrar@wyp.org.

How to Prepare For Rainy Days
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