Spring is in full swing at the Bob Jones Nature Center, and there’s nothing better than our award-winning Cross Timbers Forest Preschool!

Cross Timbers Forest Preschool is a unique early education opportunity in Southlake. The Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve is not only a fantastic home for wildlife but an immersive outdoor classroom. Inquisitive toddlers spend over 80% of their day outside learning about our local environment through hands-on exploration. Forest Preschoolers are no strangers to hikes, critters, and respecting nature, and that’s largely thanks to our world-class teachers at the Nature Center.

This semester, our fearless Forest Preschool leader is Delaney Garcia! Delaney is the new Lead Teacher at Forest Preschool, and she brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to the job.

“Delaney is incredibly kind, sweet, hardworking, and passionate. I am so grateful for her and love dreaming up program ideas together. She makes me excited about our programs because she is very invested in them. She puts her whole heart into everything she does. She is loved by staff, preschoolers, campers, and families alike!” exclaimed Nature Center Supervisor Hannah Nyquist.

Let’s get to know the Forest Preschool Lead Teacher a little better.

When did you start working for the Community Services Department?
I started working for Southlake in December of 2019 as an Athletic Recreation Attendant.

What are you most looking forward to in Forest Preschool?
I am most looking forward to teaching so many different kids about the importance of a nature preserve and all the diverse animals that call the Nature Center home.

What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I like to go to the zoo as much as I can. When I’m not at the zoo, I like to paint.

What do you wish more people knew about the Nature Center?
I wish people knew more about the history of Bob Jones Nature Center! I learn something new every day, and I encourage everyone who visits the Nature Center to read about Bob Jones.

Cross Timbers Forest Preschool meets Tuesday-Friday mornings from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Keep an eye out for upcoming summer opportunities and fall registration!