Wild Acorn’s Handbook

We are delighted to welcome you to our preschool! Communication is at the top of the priority list with all parents. Please read carefully and contact us to discuss any concerns, questions, or new ideas.

This handbook must be signed annually by each family, and for repeating families, a notice of updated policies, prices, and procedures will be emphasized prior to signing.  

Wild Acorns

Wild Acorns Nature Preschool is an outdoor school with Montessori undertones and a social/emotional focus. We recognize that when a child is engaged and enjoying what they are doing in a safe and respectful environment, that learning is exponential. Our preschool is located in Waxhaw, North Carolina and includes a 12 x 16 foot building filled with intentional learning materials, art supplies, musical instruments, and toys. The outside space includes areas for process art, dramatic play, sensory play, two playgrounds, sand/gravel pits, loose parts stations, raised garden beds, a chicken coop/run area filled with gentle egg-laying hens, lizards, squirrels, and of course- acorns everywhere!

Our garden is operated year-round from germinating our own seeds to transplanting, watering, weeding, and harvesting. We add our harvested bounty whenever possible with arts/crafts/baking projects/natural remedies /teas (with our calendula, mints, and herbs).

At Wild Acorns, caring for our hens (Silkies/Cinnamon Queens/Polish) is part of our morning routine. We feed them, water them, clean up after them, collect eggs, give them dried worm treats, and learn to interact gently with them. We have chosen docile and patient breeds of hens with no roosters. They are very sweet and mild-tempered ladies. In the spring we borrow a rooster, incubate the eggs, and welcome baby chicks/ A whole new adventure begins culminating in holding them during our Easter party.

Your Teacher

Teacher Hannah does not wish to promote any agenda on children except a love of learning, a deep respect for classmates, a genuine care for animals, skills in gardening, gratitude, and protecting the magic of childhood. She does have a bent towards Montessori style learning and the majority of curriculum surrounds a nature theme. Part of her earliest school experiences (in the 80’s!) involved learning the Pledge of Allegiance/songs about America and that will be practiced as part of singing time.

Curriculum

All curriculum is Montessori based and offered just before snack time. Children may choose which of the learning materials look interesting to them and completes it with teacher’s help. Additionally, each child will have name-writing practice and music time includes name songs.

• Math- Counting, sorting, matching numbers to amounts, ordering numbers, recognizing numbers by name, recognizing shapes, using shapes to create pictures, and ordering by size, building with blocks are practiced regularly.

• Writing- This is encouraged differently than older children due to the hand bone structure of preschoolers. Bones in the hand must be given time to develop so we focus on pre-writing and fine motor skills practice more than handwriting. Cutting, playdough, and tracing parts of letter shapes (pre-writing) are practiced regularly in class.

• Science- Our outdoor and nature based focus means science comes naturally. Montessori materials focus mainly on animals and the world around us while our gardens, chickens, and forested acre inspire discovery of processes. Additionally, there are sensory based science projects done as a class meant to bring excitement around science.

• Art- Outside art projects are the main focus. This includes working with nature themes and materials. Open-ended art is offered vs. crafts.

• Reading- Each day a story is read during snack time with group discussions surrounding the content, usually related to our theme.

• Music- Our musical instrument collection includes tambourines, shakers, kalimbas, and steel drums. Additionally, play silks are offered to dance and twirl with. Music is done outside and includes name songs and free dance.

• Social Emotional- Though this is spontaneously incorporated throughout the day, it is also taught during circle times.

Outdoor Spaces

The property for the children is completely fenced and they cannot reach high enough to open the gates. There is a play structure, gravel/sand/dirt areas, mud kitchen, gardens, chicken coop, and the deck stocked with dramatic play and sensory experiences. There are natural hazards such as tree roots, spiders, mosquitos, cut logs, ants, sticks,wood pile, chickens, and most things that children manage to touch! That said, we work hard to create first and foremost a safe, supervised environment and spray the property with kid-safe products for bugs frequently.

Our property has a well that has a complex filitering system. For extra precaution, children’s water bottles are filled at home and returned to school in backpacks each day.

Schedule/Calendar

Explained in detail on website

Dress Code (added details on the website under FAQ section)

We spend time both outdoors and indoors regardless of the weather. Therefore, a dress code is required.

• Each child is to bring to school and leave in the classroom a pair of “indoor only” slippers or fuzzy socks. Your child must be able to put them on themselves.

• For outdoor footwear, your child is recommended to wear waterproof boots (Bogs are waterproof and warm) for cold/wet weather. Velcro shoes such as Keens are ideal for warmer days as they have foot protection and are waterproof. Crocs have been successful as well. Please do not send your child in flip flops. We will do water play when the sun gets hot. Children must be able to take on and off their own shoes.

• “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing” is our motto. Clothing must be weather conscience. Please layer if in doubt.

• Sunscreen must be applied before school by parent. We do not apply sunscreen during class time. Our area is shaded the entire time and sun exposure is rare.

• Bug spray is helpful during the warm season as we have an abundance of mosquitos, no-seeums, etc. Please apply before school as we do not apply during class time. Keeping it in the backpack is recommended.

• With only one teacher, it is important that each child dress in clothing they can take on and off independently during our bathroom break. Buttons and zippers are not allowed for pants, only elastic waistbands. Regular jeans are not allowed during cold weather- they must be fleece/flannel lined.

• For rainy days, in addition to boots, please dress your child in rain gear/Oakiwear/MuddyBuddy over play clothing. It is recommended to keep a tote box in your car trunk for dirty boots and rain gear to be removed before entering the car. Layering is key. Do not use cotton as a base layer when cold as it increases coldness.

• For sunny days, we will get dirty and wet. Do not send one piece swimsuits for girls as it is difficult to maneuver during bathroom breaks.

Snacks

Nutrition is taken seriously at Wild Acorns. Please considering making snacks that will energize the children and provide some source of nutrition (limiting artificial colors and sugar if possible). This does not include a birthday celebration or a holiday party.

If your child has an allergy, please let us know immediately.  We will work with your family for solutions for the safety of your child.

Families are to provide snacks for their own child each class day. Suggestions include a cheese stick, granola bar, and a piece of fruit. The children play HARD and get very hungry when it comes to snack time. Parents are invited to sign up to bring a snack for various themes. When bringing a special snack, please bring enough for 12 children so it can be shared two days in a row.

Expectations and Discipline

We encourage friendly, cooperative, caring behaviors during school. Aggressive physical or verbal behavior towards teacher, peers, or other parents will not be tolerated. Name calling, mean teasing, or foul language is not welcome. We create a culture of respecting others’ feelings, personal space, and projects (building tower, puzzle, etc.).Toys are to be cared for and children put them away where they belong. Rules also include not:

• standing on furniture, deck railings

• entering the house without permission (it has a keypad)

• touching other children in unsafe ways (wrestling, hugging without permission)

• touching the stacked wood pile, chickens, or plants without permission

School discipline includes positive reinforcement, redirection, teacher directed choices, problem solving with children, resolving issues with peers, and taking a break near the teacher to become regulated again. There is no physical punishment for a child’s behavior. The goal is to learn interpersonal skills and healthy respect with teacher, peers, and self.

Tuition

Tuition is due each day by the 1st day of class in the month regardless of any absences for any reason of your child.  There are no deductions for closures due to any holiday, illnesses, emergency, inclement weather, power outages, or situations beyond teacher control.   

Paid tuition is a requirement for attendance.  Unpaid tuition results in a $10 late fee per day and tuition not paid after 7 days is considered dis-enrollment and the spot may be given away to another student on a waitlist.

Payments are accepted via cash, check, Zelle, or bank-to-bank digital invoicing (which is a 1% fee paid for by the school). If you need credit card options, they are available but the additional fee of 3% will be passed to you.

Enrollment fee/deposit/supply fee/first month’s tuition/re-enrollment

Enrollment Fee

Enrollment fees are charged annually and are non-refundable.  Enrollment fees are due either at enrollment or March 1st of each year for renewal towards the next school year. Please see website for fee rates.  

Deposit

Each student additionally pays a two weeks tuition deposit upon enrollment which is applied towards the last two weeks of enrollment in Wild Acorns.   If less than 30 days notice is given, this deposit is applied towards the required last 30 days.

Supply Fee

Supply fees are a one-time fee per child per family (and are not annual). Please see website for fee rates.

First Month’s Tuition

First month’s tuition (for September) is due as a part of enrollment. It is non-refundable if family chooses to not go forward with the decision to attend Wild Acorns. Please see website for tuition rates.

Re-enrollment

Beginning February 1, there is opportunity for current preschoolers to re-enroll for the following school year by paying the annual registration fee (non-refundable). The first month’s tuition is due June 1st and is non-refundable if student does not attend in September. If they do attend, this applies to September’s tuition. There is no supply fee for re-enrollment.

Class Changes

If you are dropping to less days please provide a 30 day written notice as it takes time to find a replacement.  When increasing days, a written request is required and approved when there is space available.

Drop-off/Pick-up/Absence/Parking

Students will only be released to individuals listed on the enrollment form. Parents may revise that list in writing at any time. If anyone is not recognized by staff as an authorized person, ID will be required. Please send a photo of who is picking up that day if it is someone not recognized by teacher.

After 11:30, late fees are applied at $1/minute (as this is time with our family). Please send a message if you anticipate being late.

Please let us know if your child is going to be absent or arrive later than usual time.  If they are absent due to illness, please let us know so that we can be alerted and watch for any of the same symptoms in other classmates. We do not share the identity of any sick child specifically but other parents will be alerted that there was illness in the classroom.

Our driveway is likely sufficient for dropping off and picking up but you might have to wait a few minutes if you are blocked in by another family.  Please be patient as it’s one of the quaint components of in-home preschool!

Drop off and pick up times are a great opportunity to briefly discuss how your child is doing that day.  For example, teacher’s appreciate knowing if they slept poorly or have life changes occurring, if someone else is picking them up, if there are upcoming planned absences, of if tuition will be late.  Let us know via email or text if you need to discuss anything requiring more in depth such as plans to drop your child from the program, concerns about your child’s behavior, or concerns about our program. We can schedule a more concentrated time to discuss your needs.

What are children to bring to school?

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

• travel size tissues especially during cold season.

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

• small hand sanitizer

  At the beginning of the school year:

• two complete changes of labeled clothing- one for warm weather and one for cold. This includes underwear (or Pullups) and socks. Please place in gallon Ziplock bag(s) labeled in Sharpie with child’s name.

• package of baby wipes.

  Illness  

We have a very strict illness policy. 

With one teacher, sicknesses are to be curtailed as much as possible in order to keep from closing days for everyone.

Giving your child Tylenol/fever reducer to cover up illness a fever is grounds for termination from the program. 

If anyone in your home has had viral diarrhea or vomiting, lice, contagious rashes or other contagious illnesses THREE DAYS prior to your child’s school day, DO NOT bring your child to school. Please keep them home.There is a HIGH chance your child is contagious and the virus is incubating.

Children are to be KEPT HOME if they themselves have any of the following: contagious illness, lice, nits, pink eye, eye discharge, viral vomiting, viral diarrhea, skin rash that has not been diagnosed, severe coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing.

Fever: 100.7 or greater is considered a fever. Please keep children home for 24 hours after being fever-free. This means if your child is sent home from school with a fever, your child will be out of school the following school day.

Lice- Child must be completely lice and nit free. 

Pink eye/eye discharge- children are to be kept home for 24 hours after beginning the medication.  Eyes must be free of mucus or running substance.

Rash- Rash must be gone or a doctor’s note received that the child is not contagious.

Covid Policy- We follow the guidelines of the local health department/school systems.

Parents will be called immediately if any of these symptoms arise during school to be picked up. Children will be made comfortable yet isolated if this arises while waiting for parent/emergency contact to arrive.

Please don’t enter the preschool as a parent during drop off or pick up if you have symptoms.  If another child is with you that has symptoms please do not have them enter the preschool as well.

 All medications should be administered at home including over the counter medications.

Safety/Accidents/Injuries/Incidents

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. Unfortunately, there’s a chance that a child will get bumped, bruised, or grazed interacting with managed risks of the outdoors.

You will be contacted should your child be injured at school.

If there are any significant bumps and bruises at drop-off, please alert the teacher during drop off.

Incidents where your child had intense feelings of anger, embarrassment, or sadness during class will also be reported to parents.

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

Emergency policy

In the event of an emergency for your child, you will be contacted immediately.  If you are unable to be reached, other emergency contacts listed will be contacted. The teacher will use her best instinct to take appropriate action. If it is a life threatening emergency, 911 will be called.  If the emergency personell feel your child should be transported and you are unable to arrive in time, your child will be transported by ambulance.  Wild Acorns does not transport children to the hospital and is not responsible for payment for ambulance services.

Birthdays

Children birthdays are celebrated at Wild Acorns.  Parents are welcome to bring classroom treats and teacher will supply a birthday sensory table theme. If your child has a summer birthday, we have designated celebration days for them also!

Field Trips

Field trips are approximately once a quarter and will be attempted to rotate days of the week that field trips fall. Every student will be included regardless of it is a usual school day or not. 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.

Special Events

In-class celebrations where families are welcome are preschool must-haves filled with laughter and memories! Examples of these events are Thanksgiving feast/Valentine’s party/Easter party and others are to be determined, (but fall on your child’s regular school day/hours). Outside school hour events include meet & greet popsicle party, St. Martinmas lantern party, Jingle Jams concert/program, and Graduation.

Withdrawal

If you wish to unenroll at any time in the program, a 30-day notice is requested in writing. If you cancel your child’s participation in the program at any time without the required 30-day notice, you will be required to pay tuition for any of the remaining 30 days (after you give notice of end of participation), regardless of whether your child is receiving care. Every family pays a two-weeks tuition deposit upon enrollment and that will be applied in situations of less than 30 days withdrawal.

Discontinuation of Service

We desire that all children thrive at Wild Acorns.  If we feel we cannot meet the needs of a child or their family, enrollment will be ended. Though we wish to work with parents and children first before ending enrollment, we reserve the right to do so at any time. We also reserve the right to terminate based on repeated non-compliance with program rules and policies.

Risks

Being in a nature school necessitates more natural risk than traditional schools. Despite every effort to make an outside environment safe, there are elements that are not under control of the school. Some of these risks include: falling sticks/branches from our forest trees, illnesses caused by chickens or chicken feces (though their coops are cleaned daily, chickens monitored for health, and children are required to handwash after touching chickens), tenatus from wild animal feces, rocks/sticks being misused by students causing injury, falling from playground toys, snake bites, spider bites, etc. If there is a rain/snow/freezing rain/wind storm that could be dangerous we will cancel school . We believe the rewards outweigh the risks and by signing the handbook, you believe this too!