FAQs

What should my child bring to Wildhaven?

Your child should bring a backpack they can comfortably wear. Inside, please pack:

- a large snack with healthy choices that will keep your child energized.

-a reusable water bottle filled with water

-an extra set of weather appropriate clothing (socks and underwear!)

How will Wildhaven prepare my child for Elementary School?

Wildhaven will teach your child skills that will last a lifetime. By providing outside, unstructured play, your child will learn how to move their body in challenging ways, strengthen essential muscles, resilience, persistence, and problem solving. These skills are the building blocks for any child entering elementary school. They will send your child off with a strong foundation from which to build other essential skills.

Where do the children go potty?

We teach children how to relieve themselves outside. We will designate a spot away from where the children are playing as the bathroom spot. They will always have a teacher available to help with those tricky buttons and zippers, yet we will encourage children to do as much as they can independently.

How will my child be protected from the elements?

Wildhaven Forest School will change locations based on where is most appropriate depending on the weather. If it will be a hot sunny day, we’ll meet in a spot with ample shade and possibly cold stream for children to cool off in. If it is going to be a bit cooler, we will find a spot with less trees and more sun to keep us warm. If it will be a rainy day, we ask that you dress your child in waterproof clothing and we will meet in an area with many trees to shelter us. We will also build a small shelter on days that require more coverage to be comfortable.

You can find wonderful weather appropriate clothing for your child online. One of our favorite companies is “Oaki.” (oaki.com). Another is a local company based out of Jackson, WY called “Iksplor” (https://iksplor.com/). You will receive discount codes for each if your child enrolls!

If the weather is unsafe to be out in, we will cancel or reschedule Forest School for the day.

What is your weather cancellation policy?

-Heat: If the temperature is forecasted to exceed 100 degrees F for more than 1 hour of the school day, school will be cancelled. I may also arrange an early pick-up if the morning temps will be safe to have school for a shorter amount of time.

-Cold: If the temperature is forecasted to dip below 20 degrees F for more than 1 hour of the school day, then school will be cancelled. We may have a delayed start if the temperature is forecasted to warm up within a reasonable time.

- Winter Storms: While snow can provide a wonderful learning and exploration experience for kiddos, it can be unsafe to travel in. School will be cancelled whenever there is a winter storm warning or heavy snowfall that I feel is unsafe.

-Wind: If wind gusts exceed 25 mph school will be cancelled.

-Thunderstorms: This one is tricky as we often have thunderstorms come and go quickly. If there is a high chance of thunderstorms rolling through during the morning, I most likely cancel. This will be on a case-by-case basis and I will assess all families' comfort levels if ever unsure. If we hear thunder happening frequently, I may call for an early pick-up.

-Air Quality: School will be cancelled if the AQI is above 150 or forecasted to exceed 150 for more than one hour of our day.