1. How does safety work at an outdoor school?

Outdoor learning does come with inherent risk different than those that are indoors. Using rocks, mud, sticks, plants, vegetables, dirt, chickens, tools, swings, and slides are a special part of our program. There’s a likely chance that a child will get bumped, bruised, or grazed interacting with managed risks of the outdoors.

There are rules and procedures set in place to limit the various risks of not just outdoor schooling, but safety in general.

• Gates encompassing the property shut at all times except parent drop off/pick up. Children taught to stay away from shut gates.

• Children taught safety rules such as “sticks stay low, they tickle our toe, if they go high, they’ll poke us in the eye!” Rocks are to be palm size, held like a baby, and set down like a baby (never thrown).

• Handwash station outside for frequent washing and no fingers in mouths during outside learning.

• Clothing/shoes appropriate for safety is explained to parents and dress code is enforced.

• Schedule of the day is altered based on weather to avoid overheating/being too cold.

• Bathroom breaks- using our covered outdoor potty.

• Children must be able to see an adult at all times. They are taught that if they cannot see an adult, they are out of bounds.

• Parents are encouraged to send the children in bug spray/sunscreen weather dependent.

Additionally, the following is completed:

• Background checks/fingerprints for all family members living on the property.

• CPR classes.

• State nurse trainings (alongside local daycare workers) each year.

• State of North Carolina Family Child Care Home Licensing Workshop completed (understanding up to date safety regulations)
  

2. What are children to bring to school?

Each day, children are to bring the following in a backpack:

• nutritional snack (fruit, granola bar, cheese stick)

• filled water bottle

• travel size tissues

• Bug spray and sunscreen so that you have it available each morning to apply to your child. School does not apply either to children.

  At the beginning of the school year: 2-gallon Ziplock bag(s) labeled in Sharpie with child’s name that includes:

• two complete changes of labeled clothing- one for warm weather and one for cold. This includes underwear (or Pullups) and socks

• package of unscented baby wipes

3. Do you do field trips/special events?

Field Trips

Field trips are approximately once a quarter and parents are required to transport their own children. This gives a chance for parents to know each other and build our Wild Acorns community. All parents and younger siblings are invited to join in the field trip and parents drive children to the field trip and back (school does not transport).

Field trip fees are paid by the family and include trips such as the pumpkin patch, tree farm, strawberry picking, and swinging bridge hike. If you have connections or suggestions for a field trip, please let us know!