FAQ's
What is your student: teacher ratio?
Our licensing requirements are 10:1. In an environmental education setting best practice is 7:1 which is what we strive for.
What credentials do your teachers have?
Our teachers have Teaching Degrees or CDA Certifications and 20+ years of experience. In addition, all current teachers are Nature and Forest School Certified Educators, and trained in Wilderness CPR and First Aid.
Is there a nap or quiet time?
Because our classes are half-day, we don't take naps. We practice sitting quietly in nature and observing. It is a very relaxing and refocusing practice that children learn to utilize when they need some quiet time.
How much help is offered with toileting?
Children must be 100% toilet trained to attend FSNP. “Toilet trained” means that the child can recognize their body’s need to use the bathroom, can let an adult know when they need to use the bathroom, and can use the bathroom independently. We understand that accidents sometimes happen, and we are prepared for those times.
What is your illness policy?
A child who is ill should be kept home from school until he/she is well enough to return to a normal routine. The following are general guidelines to assist you in deciding when your child should stay home from school: Fever of 100 degrees or higher. A child should be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication (Tylenol, Advil) before returning to school. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea: keep your child home as long as these symptoms occur. A child should not return to school until symptom free for a minimum of 24 hours. Our full policy including pandemic protocols are in the Family Handbook.
Where can I find your school calendar?
Our calendar can be found on our website.
Four Seasons will be closed when the weather conditions warrant. Conditions may include heavy snowfall; ice covered roads or anticipated heavy snowfall during school hours. Due to our location, it may be necessary to cancel school on days that the local school districts do not close. If the weather conditions worsen during the morning session and a decision is made to cancel the afternoon session, you will be notified.
What and how does FSNP communicate with parents?
We have an open-door policy and are happy to visit at any time about any questions or concerns. We have a private family Facebook page where we post pictures (a lot of pictures) and communications. We will also have a digital platform that we use for some items.
What are the expectations from parents?
There is a certain level of commitment to be a nature school parent. It will be your responsibility to bring your child with proper gear everyday as well as replenishing their extra clothing as needed. Parents will be expected to keep all gear clean and in good repair. All parents are welcome to visit but are not required to volunteer.
What about snacks?
Snacks will be served each day. If your child has food allergies or special dietary needs, you will be responsible for providing snacks that your child can eat. Parents are welcome to donate snacks from our healthy snack list during the year. All snacks must be nut free.
What does a typical day look like?
Much of the day at FSNP is play and inquiry based, student-led and outdoors. Children are allowed to explore and play without interruption or interference. We play outside in all weather. We are also fortunate to have a nature inspired indoor classroom. Our indoor classroom has a variety of learning centers where children have free choice play and learning.
What technology is used in the classroom?
None! Except for the occasional nature identification tools used by teachers.
How do you promote diversity?
We offer a sliding scale tuition model based on household income making nature learning available to more children. We offer many diverse books and other materials in our classroom. We also invite parents and families to share their traditions and culture with us.
What do you do in a moment of unwanted behavior?
FSNP practices Conscious Discipline. We provide the verbal tools and modeled behaviors for conflict resolution. It is based on current brain research, child development information, and developmentally appropriate practices. For more information on Conscious Discipline visit their website at: https://consciousdiscipline.com
Please note that FSNP does not practice time-out as a form of discipline
What emergency protocols do you have in place?
We are committed to providing a safe learning and work environment. Unfortunately, natural, and manmade disasters do occur. Such emergencies are best met by preparedness and planning. A system of emergency preparedness has been developed that addresses the following goals and/or objectives:
a. The health and safety of students and staff are safeguarded.
b. Minimal disruption to the day’s activities.
c. Students learn self-reliance skills and are trained to respond sensibly to emergency situations.
Our licensing requirements are 10:1. In an environmental education setting best practice is 7:1 which is what we strive for.
What credentials do your teachers have?
Our teachers have Teaching Degrees or CDA Certifications and 20+ years of experience. In addition, all current teachers are Nature and Forest School Certified Educators, and trained in Wilderness CPR and First Aid.
Is there a nap or quiet time?
Because our classes are half-day, we don't take naps. We practice sitting quietly in nature and observing. It is a very relaxing and refocusing practice that children learn to utilize when they need some quiet time.
How much help is offered with toileting?
Children must be 100% toilet trained to attend FSNP. “Toilet trained” means that the child can recognize their body’s need to use the bathroom, can let an adult know when they need to use the bathroom, and can use the bathroom independently. We understand that accidents sometimes happen, and we are prepared for those times.
What is your illness policy?
A child who is ill should be kept home from school until he/she is well enough to return to a normal routine. The following are general guidelines to assist you in deciding when your child should stay home from school: Fever of 100 degrees or higher. A child should be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication (Tylenol, Advil) before returning to school. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea: keep your child home as long as these symptoms occur. A child should not return to school until symptom free for a minimum of 24 hours. Our full policy including pandemic protocols are in the Family Handbook.
Where can I find your school calendar?
Our calendar can be found on our website.
Four Seasons will be closed when the weather conditions warrant. Conditions may include heavy snowfall; ice covered roads or anticipated heavy snowfall during school hours. Due to our location, it may be necessary to cancel school on days that the local school districts do not close. If the weather conditions worsen during the morning session and a decision is made to cancel the afternoon session, you will be notified.
What and how does FSNP communicate with parents?
We have an open-door policy and are happy to visit at any time about any questions or concerns. We have a private family Facebook page where we post pictures (a lot of pictures) and communications. We will also have a digital platform that we use for some items.
What are the expectations from parents?
There is a certain level of commitment to be a nature school parent. It will be your responsibility to bring your child with proper gear everyday as well as replenishing their extra clothing as needed. Parents will be expected to keep all gear clean and in good repair. All parents are welcome to visit but are not required to volunteer.
What about snacks?
Snacks will be served each day. If your child has food allergies or special dietary needs, you will be responsible for providing snacks that your child can eat. Parents are welcome to donate snacks from our healthy snack list during the year. All snacks must be nut free.
What does a typical day look like?
Much of the day at FSNP is play and inquiry based, student-led and outdoors. Children are allowed to explore and play without interruption or interference. We play outside in all weather. We are also fortunate to have a nature inspired indoor classroom. Our indoor classroom has a variety of learning centers where children have free choice play and learning.
What technology is used in the classroom?
None! Except for the occasional nature identification tools used by teachers.
How do you promote diversity?
We offer a sliding scale tuition model based on household income making nature learning available to more children. We offer many diverse books and other materials in our classroom. We also invite parents and families to share their traditions and culture with us.
What do you do in a moment of unwanted behavior?
FSNP practices Conscious Discipline. We provide the verbal tools and modeled behaviors for conflict resolution. It is based on current brain research, child development information, and developmentally appropriate practices. For more information on Conscious Discipline visit their website at: https://consciousdiscipline.com
Please note that FSNP does not practice time-out as a form of discipline
What emergency protocols do you have in place?
We are committed to providing a safe learning and work environment. Unfortunately, natural, and manmade disasters do occur. Such emergencies are best met by preparedness and planning. A system of emergency preparedness has been developed that addresses the following goals and/or objectives:
a. The health and safety of students and staff are safeguarded.
b. Minimal disruption to the day’s activities.
c. Students learn self-reliance skills and are trained to respond sensibly to emergency situations.