Our goal is to expand access to nature-based early childhood education.  Natural Start Alliance reports: “...despite their safety and effectiveness, nature preschools are not equally available to all children. White children are overrepresented in nature preschools, [while] dual language learners and children with disabilities are underrepresented. Disparities in access to high-quality education are widespread across the education system in the United States, and nature-based programs have not been the exception. In addition, children of color have less access to nature than white children, pointing to yet further injustice in bringing the benefits of nature to all children.”

We consider it a moral obligation to serve all children, regardless of families’ ability to pay tuition.  Currently, 30% of BOPN families are on full or partial scholarship; to expand access even more, our preschool at the zoo will be tuition-free through Universal PreK.  We are delighted to collaborate with the Franklin Park Zoo, contributing to their aim to provide environmental education for low-income families in the surrounding neighborhood.