What is the dress code?
Children are required to dress for the weather.
Clothes must all able to be taken on and off by themselves for bathroom breaks and for entering the classroom.
Play clothes and shoes only. No buttons or ties. Children must completely be able to take on and off by themselves.
Clothes are to be “distraction-free.”
Checklist:
For Rain
Rain pants/bib (consider Shell pants as an alternative – more durable and breathable). Child must be able to take bib off and on by themselves if you choose the bib option. Even if it is not raining, if it has been previously raining, there will be mud. To keep your child comfortable, please dress them in their rain layers.
Rain Jacket or shell jacket
Rain Hat (optional if jacket has a hood, but visibility is better w/ a hat vs. a hood for children)
Waterproof boots- no ties.
Brands that seem to hold up are Bogs, Oaki, Stonz, Muddy Puddles, Reima, Patagonia, or KidOrca. The website outdoorschoolshop.com has information and examples of what other schools recommended to keep children dry, warm, and OUTSIDE!
For Cold
If it is cold, layers are important. All layers can be the same size unless they are slim or performance cut on the label. It is ok to mix base layer fabrics. AVOID cotton when layering.
Base layer (includes body, hat, feet)- worn next to skin, made of thin merino wool or high tech poly. Never cotton as it makes children’s skin colder. Long johns are great!
Mid layer- acts as extra insulation between the base and outer layer. Think fleece jacket or sweater.
Outer layer- keeps the warmth in and more importantly the weather out. This should be insulated and waterproof.
Warm hat
Thin ply wool socks. Little toes get cold!
Gloves that are mitten style only (no finger holes). If they zip, it is much easier to get them on and off.
Boots- no ties
For Heat
Keens/crocs or other closed- toed waterproof shoes for summer. No ties. or flipflops
Swimsuit. Girls must have modest, two piece and able to take on/off themselves.
Children will get wet!
