Admissions & Enrollment

Chicks-The day starts with a warm welcome followed by free play in the outdoor classrooms, snack time, circle time, and indoor free play, simple lunch. The day ends with a goodbye song and a gentle transition to pick-up. Peeps- The day starts with a welcome circle time where we find our group interest and collaborate on our current projects. Every circle time includes music and books. Indoor exploration time includes all areas of the classroom, cooperative games, and projects- probably building something fantastical! Children prepare and serve the snack before we transition into our outdoor classroom where we continue with our learning and play. Our group projects will include an outdoor component that the class has planned together. We eat lunch together and end with a circle time where we recap our day and celebrate our successes.

Activities include sensory play indoors and outdoors, simple crafts and introduction to artistic materials, music and movement, nature walks, and storytelling.

Safety is a top priority. The classroom and outdoor areas are created with the children’s freedom to explore in mind. Teachers have been trained in first aid, bloodborne pathogens, and CPR, as well as maintaining a low teacher-to-child ratio to ensure close supervision.

Outdoor play is integral, providing opportunities for physical development, exploration of nature, and sensory experiences. Children engage in activities like gardening, nature walks, and free play in a safe, enclosed space.

We use a gentle approach. Some children benefit from a short goodbye while others benefit from a caregiver staying for a short time. Comforting routines, familiar objects from home, and a warm, reassuring presence from teachers help ease the transition. We aim for your child to feel safe, not simply distracted and we are happy to build that trusting relationship together.

Discipline is based on gentle guidance and positive reinforcement. Wren is trained as a Simplicity Parenting Group Leader and we practice consistent and positive discipline by focusing on setting clear, consistent boundaries and modeling our most upright, appropriate behavior. Lizzie is trained in the Parenting with Heart and Soul program.

We observe each child closely to understand their unique needs and interests. Activities are adapted to meet different developmental stages and learning styles.

Our teachers are trained in early childhood education. Wren has degrees, certifications and trainings in Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Waldorf, Simplicity Parenting, and Nonviolent Communication. Lizzie has a degree in Early Childhood Education, a Montessori teaching certification and is licensed in Kindermusik. She is trained in the Reggio Emilio philosophy. They are committed to ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices.

Regular handwashing, sanitizing toys and surfaces, and maintaining a clean environment are standard practices. We also follow our Sick Day policy to prevent the spread of illness.

We support the parents and caregivers by maintaining consistency with the routine at home. If we see signs of readiness we will let the parents know and offer advice if wanted. Each child will be ready at their own time and progress at their own pace. Therefore we have no policy regarding potty learning and class enrollment.

We ask that children are accustomed to napping outside the hours of 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Our program's schedule includes activities during these hours. It is important for children to be alert and engaged during this time to fully benefit from our program. We recommend establishing a nap routine that accommodates this schedule prior to enrollment to help your child transition smoothly into our program.