Class policies and rules

Program description

The program is designed for children ages 18 months-8 years. The program is held outdoors in all weather, except for hazardous. Decisions about whether it is safe to hold class are determined by the teacher using local weather guidance. The teacher will update families at least 90 minutes prior to class by email and text message. The canceled session will be rescheduled.

Discounts

Siblings under 12 months of age may join at no cost. Siblings over one year should enroll in the class, and a 30% sibling discount is applied to the tuition of a second child. Families with three or more children attending have a special family price.

If a sibling needs to attend due to a scheduling change (eg. a day off at school), they can attend up to two sessions without enrolling. Families are asked to notify the teacher if an extra child needs to attend a session so they can prepare any necessary materials. 

Trial classes

Families are invited to attend one session of the season for free to try Tinkergarten. Families are also invited to enroll in free trial classes prior to the start of the season.

Safe learning environment 

Each explorer (child) is accompanied by a guide (parent or caregiver). A guide is required to stay with the explorer throughout the class. Guides are responsible for their interactions with other families in our nature program. Teacher supports guides and does all that they reasonably can to provide a learning environment that allows for safe risk-taking. Guides and explorers need only to participate in the suggested activities they feel comfortable and safe participating in.

 A teacher brings a First Aid Kit to class, which can be utilized by guides (attending adults) if needed.

A few simple rules help to address most situations:

 Explorers (children) can explore on their own as long as they can still see or hear their guide or the Leader.

If explorers are taking physical risks, we check in to make sure that they feel sturdy and safe in their risk-taking. 

The class instructor encourages children to engage in risky play, but gives clear redirection if or when safety and the safety of friends in the class could be compromised. 

Refund policy

 No refunds will be issued for missed classes. Class cancellations due to weather conditions or instructor illness are non-refundable, but make-up classes will be scheduled. If a family needs to unenroll two weeks or more before the start of the first class, a full refund will be issued. No refunds will be issued for families who unenroll less than two weeks before the start of the classes.

Sick policy

 If a guide or explorer is experiencing any of the following symptoms; fever, cough, sneezing (not caused by allergies), or an upset stomach, we ask that they skip that week's class to keep our nature class family as healthy as possible.