Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! We are outside every day no matter the weather- except in extreme conditions. We are fully prepared for all seasons. 

We will shut down programming for the day if there is a major natural disaster, the temperature is above 100°F, in flash flood/landslide conditions, or in extremely high winds. We will go on indoor field trips when possible to avoid closure.

We make sure that everyone is dressed appropriately for the wet weather. You can find suggestions about rain gear in our Parent Handbook, please email us if interested 

Rainy days can be the best days! Puddles abound, streams flow, while worms and salamanders creep out of their usual places. If necessary, we will build a temporary shelter, with either a tarp or natural materials. We may also steep some warm tea (or water for those who haven't yet taken to tea)

There are bathrooms on site at our local nature spaces. They will be supervised and sanitized if used. If we are out in nature,  have portable toilets and pack out solid waste. 

Yes! As of the 2023-2024 school year, children in California are not required to attend kindergarten. Our program is the perfect option for those looking to offer their kindergartener a developmentally-appropriate and nurturing environment. Contact us with questions.

The short answer is yes, but under a few conditions regarding physical and emotional readiness. Please reach out to us at admin@foothillsforestschool.org.

At this time, we offer one class with up to 12 children, ages 3-6 years old. In the future, we  to expand to have at least one additional class.

Our daily schedule aims to run from 8:30am-1:30pm. We will operate Monday through Friday from August through May. We will close for a week for winter break and spring break as well as any federal holidays.

Please see our "Application Process" tab to see details on how to start.

The application form itself can be found under the "Parent Resources" tab.

Not at this time, but only because California Community Care Licensing solely regulates programs that operate within a building/structure.  We would love for forest programs to be licensed and are hoping that our state legislators start seriously working on outdoor licensing regulations as they have in Washington state. We are already prepared for when that time comes!

Until then (and afterwards), we are a member of the California Association of Forest Schools who help ensure best practices when it comes to outdoor preschool programming. See "Our Standards" page to see how we maintain safety, quality, and accountability until licensing becomes available in CA. Please reach out with any questions or concerns at admin@foothillsforestschool.org

Yes, we have all required liability coverage. Programs that operate in public parks are required to have general liability insurance in order to be issued a permit.

We encourage families to communicate with teachers briefly upon drop off and pick up times. Additionally, we will provide a unique link to your child's digital Learning Stories portfolio, and a weekly group blog post on our website. Twice a year, we will have parent/teacher conferences over the phone.

In addition to appropriate clothing and shoes, please provide a child-size backpack with the following inside: lunch, full water bottle, extra change of clothes, a hat appropriate for the season, mittens or gloves when less than 50°F, a fabric placemat, and small hand washing towel. 

Please see our "Tuition" tab to find prices for 3, 4, and 5 day schedules as well as our annual fees.  For five days, the tuition winds up being less than $14.50 per hour for child care.

Yes! Not only will your child be exposed to a variety of language, math, and science experiences, they will also develop important life skills at forest school. This includes opportunities for growth in critical thinking, social skills, self-regulation, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, problem solving, respectful interactions, and more. Children leave Foothills Forest School as curious observers with a love of learning. When the time comes, please reach out and we can connect you with other families who have information about local kindergarten programs both public and private.

Yes, unless a medical exemption is provided. (This requirement does not include the COVID-19 vaccine. Please inquire for more information.)