about us

Nature Pathways Early Learning Center opened December 1, 2025 on the former Children’s Country Day School property, a seven-acre model farm in Mendota Heights.

Nature Pathways is a nature and farm-based child care program serving children ages 16 months to 5 years. During the summer, children who have completed Kindergarten may also enroll in the Summer Camp program.

To support a smooth transition and ensure the continuation of a long-standing tradition of high-quality, licensed child care, Anna Dutke will co-own Nature Pathways with Gayle Johnson, former co-owner of Children’s Country Day School, for one year.

Learn more

School Term

Now Enrolling! January 2025-June 3rd, 2026. Options include half-day or full-day, and the choice of a three, four, or five day a week schedule. Contact in**@************ys.org for additional details.

2026-2027: Nature Pathways Early Learning Center will offer a nine-month school term program. Registration will open in January, 2026 for the 2026-2027 School Year. Stay tuned for program options!

Summer Camp

Nature Pathways Early Learning Center is located in Mendota Heights on a seven-acre model farm, just minutes south of Saint Paul. An orchard, gardens, two outdoor classrooms, and a variety of farm animals provide a unique opportunity for the young child to experience nature first hand.

Summer Camp Registration will open in January 2026.

Two, 5 week options:

  • June 15-July 17, 2026
  • July 20 – Aug 21, 2026

Please Note: We will be starting our Summer programming a little later this year as we launch our new program and ensure we have adequate time to thoroughly train any new staff.

Summer Camp Home Page Image

Enrollment Home Page Image

Enrollment

Now Enrolling! January 2025-June 3rd, 2026.

Options include half-day or full-day, and the choice of a three, four, or five day a week schedule.

Contact in**@************ys.org or call us at (651) 454-4000 for additional details about tuition rates and scheduling options.

Summer Camp & 2026-2027 School Year:

Stay tuned for more details! Registration will be opening in January.

Our Staff

We at Nature Pathways Early Learning Center are proud to share that all our classroom teachers are lead teacher qualified. Our dedicated staff has been involved with quality early childhood education for many years. We strive to provide a lower child to staff ratio than is required by the State of Minnesota.

Parents’ Corner

A password-protected area of the site for our school term parents.

Parents’ Corner Login