“There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”
― Ranulph Fiennes
As a nature-based program we spend time outside every day. Making sure your child is dressed appropriately for all outdoor play is critical to the success of our program. This will require a commitment on the part of the parent/caregiver to provide and maintain the proper clothing to ensure your child is protected from the elements and able to fully engage in outdoor play and exploration.
It is also extremely important to remember that we are working with your child to be self-sufficient. Please pack items that are easy for your child to put on and take off by his/herself. Please help them at home to practice those skills while putting on and taking off clothing, coats and shoes.
IMPORTANT RESOURCES: We have partnered with Outdoor School Shop to provide gear recommendations and layering guides for our region. If you choose to oder from them, use code: FOURSEASONS at checkout for 15% off of your entire full price order.
Gear: https://outdoorschoolshop.com/gear-checklists/ (click on Midwest at the top of the page)
Layering: https://outdoorschoolshop.com/layering-guide/
ALL SEASONS
We require waterproof boots and outerwear. Our goal in all weather is to keep the children dry and comfortable.
BOOTS: We strongly recommend a pull on boot with no ties, zippers or Velcro. Be sure to check the temperature rating and these boots can be worn all year.
OUTERWEAR: Waterproof bibs and jackets with hoods are best for the fall and spring when temperatures are warmer. The one piece versions tend to be too warm and condensate on the inside. Avoid rain jackets with snaps as they tend to get clogged with mud.
One-piece waterproof snow suits are recommended for winter months and the best way we have found to keep children dry. This type of snowsuit is the easiest for children to get on and off, saves time, and makes them feel successful in dressing themselves!
MITTENS: Nothing ruins play like mittens that won’t stay on. Mittens should be snug, this is one of those things you don't want to buy hoping they will grow into them.
These items should be packed and sent to school everyday. We remain diligent in tracking the weather and making sure children wear the best combination of outerwear available to them. Please make your child part of the packing process. This way they will feel better prepared by knowing what is available to them and where to find it when getting geared up to go outside. They will gain a great deal of self-efficacy from this process.
Please send children with regular shoes that can be worn in the classroom. It is most helpful if the child can put these shoes on and off by themselves.
FALL/SPRING
WINTER
All students will keep a shoebox size tote at the school with at least one full change of clothing in it, including socks and underwear. This can be brought on the first day of school. It will be the responsibility of the parent/caregiver to make sure the tote is always stocked with clean, season appropriate clothing. Please check your child’s bag everyday for clothing that needs to be washed/dried/replaced.
WATER
Your child can bring a water bottle to school each day that will not drip when on its side. We typically only take water bottles outside with us during warmer weather. Please put their name on their bottle with permanent marker.
*IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL children must be 100% toilet trained to attend Four Seasons Nature Preschool. We understand that accidents sometimes happen and we are prepared for those times. We do ask that your child is able to communicate when he/she needs to go to the bathroom and can go for a period of at least 2 hours between potty breaks.
― Ranulph Fiennes
As a nature-based program we spend time outside every day. Making sure your child is dressed appropriately for all outdoor play is critical to the success of our program. This will require a commitment on the part of the parent/caregiver to provide and maintain the proper clothing to ensure your child is protected from the elements and able to fully engage in outdoor play and exploration.
It is also extremely important to remember that we are working with your child to be self-sufficient. Please pack items that are easy for your child to put on and take off by his/herself. Please help them at home to practice those skills while putting on and taking off clothing, coats and shoes.
IMPORTANT RESOURCES: We have partnered with Outdoor School Shop to provide gear recommendations and layering guides for our region. If you choose to oder from them, use code: FOURSEASONS at checkout for 15% off of your entire full price order.
Gear: https://outdoorschoolshop.com/gear-checklists/ (click on Midwest at the top of the page)
Layering: https://outdoorschoolshop.com/layering-guide/
ALL SEASONS
We require waterproof boots and outerwear. Our goal in all weather is to keep the children dry and comfortable.
BOOTS: We strongly recommend a pull on boot with no ties, zippers or Velcro. Be sure to check the temperature rating and these boots can be worn all year.
OUTERWEAR: Waterproof bibs and jackets with hoods are best for the fall and spring when temperatures are warmer. The one piece versions tend to be too warm and condensate on the inside. Avoid rain jackets with snaps as they tend to get clogged with mud.
One-piece waterproof snow suits are recommended for winter months and the best way we have found to keep children dry. This type of snowsuit is the easiest for children to get on and off, saves time, and makes them feel successful in dressing themselves!
MITTENS: Nothing ruins play like mittens that won’t stay on. Mittens should be snug, this is one of those things you don't want to buy hoping they will grow into them.
These items should be packed and sent to school everyday. We remain diligent in tracking the weather and making sure children wear the best combination of outerwear available to them. Please make your child part of the packing process. This way they will feel better prepared by knowing what is available to them and where to find it when getting geared up to go outside. They will gain a great deal of self-efficacy from this process.
Please send children with regular shoes that can be worn in the classroom. It is most helpful if the child can put these shoes on and off by themselves.
FALL/SPRING
- Long pants (to protect from nettles)
- Long sleeve shirts are best but not always practical in warmer weather
- Waterproof trail shoes. We recommend those that slip on such as Keens, PLAE, Merrell, Columbia, or that type of shoe.
- Fleece coats and puffy vests work well with the varying temperatures of the day.
- A knit hat that covers the ears
- Boots (which we wind up wearing most of the time)
WINTER
- Base layers, both top and bottom.
- Insulated snow pants or bibs
- Warm socks. We recommend wool socks. Smart Wool is a good, comfortable brand.
- Balaclava or knit hat and neck gaiter. Scarves pose a risk and are not allowed.
- Heavy fleece or thin insulated coat rated for cold weather. Bulky and/or puffy coats do not work well under rain gear.
- Warm waterproof mittens (no gloves)
- Boots rated for cold weather
All students will keep a shoebox size tote at the school with at least one full change of clothing in it, including socks and underwear. This can be brought on the first day of school. It will be the responsibility of the parent/caregiver to make sure the tote is always stocked with clean, season appropriate clothing. Please check your child’s bag everyday for clothing that needs to be washed/dried/replaced.
WATER
Your child can bring a water bottle to school each day that will not drip when on its side. We typically only take water bottles outside with us during warmer weather. Please put their name on their bottle with permanent marker.
*IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL children must be 100% toilet trained to attend Four Seasons Nature Preschool. We understand that accidents sometimes happen and we are prepared for those times. We do ask that your child is able to communicate when he/she needs to go to the bathroom and can go for a period of at least 2 hours between potty breaks.