Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need to be toilet trained?
Yes. By toilet trained, we mean that your child can tell us when he/she needs to go, and can wipe himself/herself.
Will my child get dirty?
Yes! Your child will get dirty. We suggest you have an extra set of clothes in your car if your child needs to change before riding home. We suggest designating special “clothes for the forest” on Nature Days.
What is the daily schedule?
Each day is a bit different depending on what nature presents, but we always start with a group gathering called Stump Time. A story is read and a mini-lesson is presented. The remainder of our time is spent exploring and playing, using all our senses. At the close of time, we engage in a time to be still in our Sit Spots. At dismissal time, we offer our gratitude for our time together and sing one another goodbye for the day.
What about ticks?
Ticks are ever present in the woods of Connecticut, regardless of the season. If we discover a tick on your child, we will send it home in a plastic bag. We also ask that you check your child upon arriving at home.
What does my child need to bring?
After you register your child, we will email you a list of appropriate gear.
What type of curriculum do you follow?
We follow an emergent, nature-based curriculum. Each day, the children’s interests and what is happening outside form the basis of the daily curriculum. Throughout the year, we also incorporate core routines from the Coyote’s Guide to Connecting to Nature which enhances and deepens our connection to the earth and one another.
Are there hazards or dangers we should be aware of?
Yes, as with any form of active learning there are hazards that educators must anticipate and be mindful of each day. We conduct daily site scans to ensure that our changing environment is safe for the children to explore. Safety protocols and benefit risk analysis are in place for all activities.
How many children are in a group?
The maximum number of children in a group is 10 with two educators. We require a minimum of 5 children to run a program.
How do you make decisions on holding program based on the weather?
We hold classes in all weather conditions. In some of our locations, we have access to indoor space and will retreat inside if the weather is not safe. We will cancel if the roads are unsafe, temperatures below freezing or the winds are too strong.