Our Standards

In addition to completing and passing a CA Department of Justice Fingerprint Background Check, all staff will be trained in the following subjects: active supervision, all school policies seen in FFS Parent Handbook, food handling, first aid, pediatric CPR, poisonous plants, and child abuse awareness/mandated reporter requirements. Trainings that require certification will be updated per the legal guidelines at minimum.

All staff meet early childhood educational requirements of CA Community Care Licensing. All staff are required to complete FFS Orientation Training (specific to forest school programming), and continue professional development via semi-annual trainings, seminars, monthly staff meetings, etc.

The maximum group size is 12 children, and the maximum ratio is 1 adult to 6 children. When 3 teachers are present, the ratio can even be 1:4 or less. This allows for ample supervision, keen observation, and deep relationships amongst children and teachers.

All staff will be aware of the risks specific to each natural space and/or activity provided for the children as well as how to mitigate those risks, while still providing a beneficial and enriching experience. Copies of completed risk/benefit analyses are readily available upon request!

We understand that nurturing young children's social/emotional development is pivotal in their ability to thrive. Although we find extensive value in all domains of development (cognitive, physical, language, social, emotional), relationships, emotional intelligence and conflict resolution are keystone features of our program. Our approach is heavily influenced by the work of Dr. Becky Bailey and Conscious Discipline. 

Through conversation, stories, and activities, this approach aims to actively challenge bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. We help the children to understand differences, value them, and promote inclusivity. We help children to become allies of all people, especially those who have been marginalized. We challenge racism, anti-blackness, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, ageism, ableism, classism, religious prejudice and all other forms of oppression. This isn't always a specific type of activity nor something we visit from time to time, but an open-minded way of thinking that is intentionally interwoven into our day-to-day experiences. We will also spend time honoring and learning about Native American tribes, specifically the Miwok and Ohlone people of the bay area.

Forest schools are unable to be licensed in the state of California at this time and therefore not eligible to obtain a license. The current licensing regulations are specifically for child care programs that operate within a building structure. Each year, we do have to obtain a land use and program permit.

However, we want state licensing regulations for outdoor programs! Washington state has been the first state to license outdoor programs, so the train is rolling and we are along for the ride. We welcome licensing and hope that our state legislators take a serious look at providing written regulations for 100% nature-based schools. 

Foothills Forest School is a member of the California Association of Forest Schools. This organization aims to help create Forest School standards and best practices state-wide.

We also commit to upholding all California Community Care licensing regulations (that are not related to a physical school building/structure). Families are always welcome to observe our program to ensure we are following through with our commitments. Please contact us with questions or concerns.