CAMDEN — When longtime Camden preschool Stepping With the Stones decided to close its doors in June after nearly two decades, it was quickly replaced by a new preschool. 

This fall, Camden native Jennessa Tyler opened Seaside Village Preschool at 12 Lions Lane, where Jerry and Bette Stone operated Stepping With The Stones Preschool for 18 years. 

Seaside Village operates with a mix of Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies. 

Reggio Emilia schools are project-based and based upon the interest of students, while Montessori philosophy helps children develop leadership skills and independence early in life to set them up for their future, according to Our Kids. 

Students at Seaside Village will experience a simple and holistic approach with Reggio Emilia and Montessori ideals incorporated into a science heavy approach to a preschool education.

The goal is to inspire children to explore what’s around them, while providing the ability to create lifelong friendships.

Tyler, a University of Maine at Farmington graduate in elementary education, has dreamed of opening her own school for several years. 

“The timing of it couldn’t have been more perfect with both of my own children settling into full school days,” said the mother of two. “My goal for my preschool has always been to bring nature into the classroom as well as to bring children to nature.”

Her background includes working at Hope Elementary School, substituting in several preschool settings, working as a nanny and at a daycare.

Tyler gained assistance in the up-and-running business stages from her husband, who owns an area heating and plumbing business. 

To establish the business, Tyler purchased materials and curriculum from the Stones. The largest investments for the school included an updated outdoor swingset, resurfaced woodchip play area and new toys such as a Cedarworks playhouse. 

Seaside Village currently has two employees: Tyler, the head teacher, and an assist teacher. 

The school offers preschool for ages two-and-half to five years old and kindergarten for five and six year olds. 

Enrollment is still open for those ages three to six and the preschool is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Cost per child is a monthly tuition rate based on the number of school days attended each week, which can range from two to five days, depending on the program enrolled in. Kindergarten, for instance, is a five day program. 

The cost for three days per week at the preschool level is $370 per month for the school day, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon. 

Extended care is available from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and noon to 5 p.m. for an additional fee of $4 per half hour. 

In the future, Tyler envisions the business expanding into a center serving children six-weeks-old to six-years-old. 

“The daycare will be run much like the preschool with a natural and holistic approach, emphasizing outdoor experiences and science as well as a strong sense of friendship and community,” said Tyler. 

For more information, to enroll a child, or set up a tour, contact Tyler at 542-4353 or seasidevillagepreschool@gmail.com. 

Reach George Harvey at: sports@penbaypilot.com.