Frequently Asked Questions
So you’re really outside all the time? When and why do you go indoors?
Yes, we spend the majority of our time outside, rain or shine! We dress for the weather and have a list of suggested layers and gear for rain, cold, and heat. We all go inside when there is thunder. Individual children or groups go inside if they become uncomfortable in the heat or cold. Classes will also head indoors for particular projects that make more sense to do inside, like baking together, for example.
What about diapers? Potty training? Bathrooms?
We have indoor bathrooms available in our classroom building. We work with families on their potty training schedule and have outdoor toddler potties for the younger classes. Diapers are also changed outdoors unless the temperature is too low.
What should my child wear?
Our guide for clothing and how to dress for the weather can be found here. Your teachers will also share information with you as seasons change to best support you and your child during those transitions. For additional suggestions on how to dress for the weather, here are some helpful resources:
How do you handle behavioral issues or conflict between children?
Conflict is a big part of the developmental growth processes of children. During conflict we hold space for children to work things through, offering ideas or questions that may support untangle the dispute. When friction arises beyond the margins of the child’s regulated state, we physically move in to give support to both children in order to prevent physical or emotional harm. When a child is actively causing physical and/or emotional harm, we gently but firmly remove the child from the situation and work to return to a calmer state before revisiting the conflict. After the child is regulated, we revisit the situation to identify the issue together and problem solve other ways the conflict could have been handled.
How do you handle separation anxiety?
We have different approaches based on the child, the parents and their present needs. Generally, we ask that parents give a calm, confident and clear goodbye at drop off even if their child is in distress. Some children need more time getting adjusted to school. If a child continues to be in a state of distress throughout the morning, parents are called and a plan is created to ease the child in.
What are the expectations and opportunities for parent involvement?
There are different ways parents can be involved! Each class has 2-3 class parents that head up organizing social gatherings, volunteer opportunities, and gifting for teachers. The school also has workdays when parents can volunteer to help with grounds upkeep, and parents are invited to help with the annual pumpkin sale. Snack preparation and class laundry are other ongoing tasks where we welcome assistance from our families. There is no expectation or requirement to volunteer, though it is encouraged as an opportunity to get to know and be a part of the school community! We understand that some families have very full work schedules and this may not be feasible.
How many children are in each class and what is the child/teacher ratio?
It varies by the average age of the class. In our younger classes, the maximum number of children is 12 with 3 teachers and in our older class, the maximum number is 15 with 3 teachers.
Are lunch and snacks provided?
Children come with their own packed lunch each day. For snacks, one family brings a fresh food for the whole school each day. This responsibility rotates through all the families, meaning that families bring the fruit or vegetable about 6 times in a school year. Along with the fresh food, we prepare a grain—rice, barley, or millet, for example—and also offer bread made by our oldest children.
How do teachers and families stay in touch and address questions and concerns?
We use the Brightwheel communication and management platform, which families can download as an app. Teachers and staff use this app and email to communicate with families. Teachers are also of course accessible at dropoff and pickup to chat and answer questions.
