Policies

Class Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy

If classes need to be canceled by the leader due to an unavoidable issue, such as unsafe weather or sickness, every effort will be made to reschedule the class within the same season. The class leader will aim to reschedule in the same week or on the same day and time as the class just at a later date, when possible. The season end date may be extended to accommodate for a rescheduled class if necessary. If a class needs to be canceled by the leader without a rescheduling option, families will be eligible for a refund or credit for the canceled session. 

Activity Liability Waiver

All participants attending Little Sprout Explorer classes must agree to and sign a liability waiver before participating in classes. Minors must have a parent or legal guardian sign and all adults accompanying children to class must also complete a waiver for themselves. Families can view the Activity Liability Waiver online and print it prior to class or copies will be available to sign prior to class.

Photo Policy

Little Sprout Explorers uses photography to illustrate learning concepts and promote outdoor play and playful learning. Class photos are posted in a private class gallery for children and families to revisit our play and are compiled for a personalized end-of-season slideshow. We also use photo images for community outreach, through emails, on our website and on social media, to share our amazing play and help grow our outdoor community. 

All enrolled families, including families attending a free trial, are asked for their photography preferences for children and adults attending class. All adults will be asked to complete a photography consent form to document their preferences. Photos will not be taken or used without a parent/guardian’s consent and identifying information is never included. Safety, both in class and online, are a top priority for our group. Please note that families declining photo permission will not receive a seasonal photo slideshow.  

Class Safety Guidelines

Each explorer (child) is accompanied to class by a guide (parent/caregiver). The class leader supports both children and adults in learning to play and explore safely in our outdoor classroom. We practice safe risk taking in class (e.g. how to play safely with sticks) and the teacher will give clear guidance to children and adults if or when the safety of anyone is compromised.    

A basic First Aid Kit is available and can be utilized by the adults accompanying children to class, if needed.

A few, simple rules help to address most situations:

• Explorers (children) can explore independently as long as they can still see or hear their guide (adult) or the class leader.

• If explorers are taking physical risks (e.g. climbing), we practice checking in to make sure that they are aware of the risks and feel sturdy and safe, so they can explore safely. 

• The class leader will support children in engaging in “risky play”, but will give clear redirection if anyone’s safety could be compromised. For example, we love using sticks in our play, but ensure that sticks have plenty of space to not touch other’s bodies. The ultimate goal of risk-taking in play is to help children, over time, learn to play adventurously and gauge their own limits while keeping themselves and others safe. 

• We encourage children not to put nature items in their mouths. If a young explorer is doing so as a natural part of exploring the world, we work with their guide to try to honor that need in the safest way possible.

Health and COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

Food and Allergies

Families are encouraged to bring their own foods for snack time to reduce possible issues with allergies and cleanliness. Each family brings their own blanket to create a “nest” space for eating snacks. Families are asked to eat only in their nest area to ensure we keep our play space and nature classroom food free. Children are welcome to take breaks and have a snack at their nest area during class if needed. To keep everyone safe, our class is a nut-free space, please keep nuts and products with nuts at home. 

Cold and Illness Guidelines

To maintain a healthy class setting, individuals who feel sick or have symptoms of sickness (cough, runny nose, fever) should stay home until symptoms resolve. Children/adults with fevers or contagious viruses or rashes are not able to attend class. You are welcome to make up a class at a later date - see Class Substitution Policy. All participants are asked to wash their hands prior to class and the hand washing station will be available throughout the class for use as needed. 

Before class:
All participants (class leader included) will review the Pre-Class Health Checklist before each class to insure everyone is healthy and cleared to attend class. This is a self-assessment guide and includes checking for typical viral illnesses and symptoms of COVID. Sick individuals will not be able to attend class for the health and safety of the group.

During class:
All participants follow an In-Class Safety Checklist with 6 simple strategies that enable us to play safely together!

Masks are not required, however families are welcome to wear masks if they prefer. 

We design our classroom spaces and activities so that participants have plenty of room to move around and have the option to limit close contact with people outside of their family.

Confirmation of confirmed positive COVID cases:

• Exposure Before Class:
  If you or one of the people who join you in class test positive or are exposed to someone who is positive, follow the current CDC Guidelines for isolation or quarantine. While in isolation or quarantine, individuals must stay home from class.

• Testing Positive After Class:
  If you or someone in your household who attended your class test positive for COVID-19 after participating in a session, reach out to us at littlesproutexplorers@gmail.com.

FAQs

What ages of children can attend class?

Little Sprout Explorers is a mixed-age program with a recommended age range from 18 months - 7 years old. Since every child is unique in their play, interests, and capabilities, younger or older children are welcome to enroll if families feel the class is a good fit. Families can experience how we play and learn together at Little Sprout Explorers by attending a free trial class. If you have questions about the class or want to learn more about how we explore and discover, please email Littlesproutexplorers@gmail.com.  

Can siblings come for free?

Siblings under 18 months can come along with their family members at no cost. Siblings who are 18 months old, or who will turn 18 months during the class season, should enroll in the class. There is an automatic 25% sibling discount applied after the first child is enrolled in class. Children enrolling together as siblings must be siblings from the same family to receive the discount.

If a sibling needs to attend class due to a family scheduling conflict (eg. day off school), they can attend up to 2 classes without enrolling. Families should contact the class leader at least one day in advance to request to bring along a sibling and ensure there are materials and space for them to participate.   

Can families try a class for free before enrolling in the program?

New families are invited to come join for one free trial session of Little Sprout Explorers to see how we play and learn in nature. This is a great way to learn about child-led, nature-based, creative play and to experience exploring with us first-hand. Families can find trial class options and complete their registration for a free class online at Littlesproutexplorers.com. 

Are refunds offered?

If a refund is requested BEFORE the season classes begin, families can receive a full refund, minus 10% for processing fees, or full credit towards a future season. If a refund is requested AFTER the season of classes begin, families can receive a refund for half of the value of the remaining sessions of the season, minus 10% for credit card processing fees. 

What happens if we miss a class?

Families who enroll in a season and miss a class are able to attend up to 2 substitute classes in another Little Sprout Explorers class that season, if openings are available. Please check for space availability and scheduling with your class leader. Classes missed by families are not eligible for a refund or credit for a future season. 

Do you play outdoors in all weather?

Little Sprout Explorers classes are held in all kinds of weather and year-round to celebrate nature’s seasonal changes, as long as conditions are safe. Families are encouraged to prepare for class by dressing both children and adults in clothing according to the weather. We want everyone to be prepared and comfortable so we can focus on playing. Please feel free to ask if you need guidance on how to dress for outdoor play during certain types of weather or seasons. We believe “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing” - Alfred Wainwright.

There can, however, be unsafe weather and learning to play safely outdoors is a top priority. The class leader regularly monitors local weather and air quality guidance, and uses a weather safety guidelines chart to determine if outdoor conditions are safe. Any potential weather or safety concerns will be communicated with families prior to class. In the rare event that a class needs to be canceled due to unsafe conditions, families will be notified as soon as possible, but no later than 1 hour prior to class.