Wonderforest Guide for Families 2023-24
A guide for families whose children are enrolled in Wonderforest Nature Preschool, including information regarding health and safety, what to wear, what to bring, and more…
A link to our Release form can be found HERE, and is required before your child attends classes with us. If you have multiple children enrolled, a separate form is required for each child enrolled.
Each family can sign up for a short classroom visit for their kiddo to meet their teachers and see their new classroom. Visits typically last about 20 minutes, and this year we will be offering small group visits with 1-3 families at a time. A link to sign up for visits will be emailed to each family.
Our school year will begin on September 11, 2023 with a phase-in schedule, and will run until Friday, June 7, 2024. Please see our SCHOOL CALENDAR to see dates of closures, early dismissals, and parent-teacher conference dates!
A phase-in schedule for each class will be sent out to each family. A phase-in schedule consists of shorter classes and smaller groups, with an adult/caregiver welcome to support separation and building comfort in our new environment. Our full schedule, including early drop off and extended day care for those enrolled will begin the following week, September 18th.
Communication
An application called Brightwheel is our primary method of communication. Families are sent an invite by Wonderforest to join Brightwheel.
Each family member and approved pickup/dropoff adult is required to have this application during arrival and dismissal, as well as have it on hand for any important communication regarding your child.
Once the application is downloaded, families are asked to use a 4-digit code to check their child in and out, fill out their child’s profile (including allergies, medications, approved pickup adults, etc.), and turn notifications on for important messages from Wonderforest staff.
Families must include all approved pickup adults in their child’s Brighwheel profile. Teachers at Wonderforest will not accept children from or dismiss children to any adult not listed under the approved pickup list.
A short video on finding your child and their class on Brightwheel can be found HERE.
While families do have access to teachers’ phone numbers in case of emergency, we ask that they send all communication through Brightwheel. Important messaging from our teachers to families will include: weather updates for outdoor activities, park scheduling, gear recommendations, and anything related to their child’s physical and emotional well-being at school.
Our teachers at Wonderforest will also update families throughout the week with candid photos of their child in an effort to document their school experience in real time. A weekly newsletter will be sent out to update families on what their child’s class is up to!
Schedule
Drop off & pickup locations at school, procedures, and tips for a smooth arrival will be sent by your child’s teacher as we get closer to the start of school. Our Wonderforest school year runs from Monday, September 11, 2023 through Friday, June 7, 2024. Please see our calendar, linked HERE with all important dates to note, including community gatherings, holidays and other scheduled school closures.
Our typical school day begins at 9:00am, and ends at 3:00pm. If a child is unable to attend class, will arrive late, or will need to leave early, families must communicate this with their child’s teachers via Brightwheel. Families who run more than 10 minutes late may need to meet their child’s class in a location other than Wonderforest. Makeup days are not permitted for families whose child cannot attend class.
We have daily indoor storage space for compact, collapsible strollers, scooters, and small kid bikes. These items must be labeled with your child’s full name, and must be folded up in order to be stored during the day while your child is at school with us. These items must be picked up at the end of each day, and may not be left overnight.
Those families who have signed up for Early Drop Off can drop off between 8:00am-9:00am. Those families who have signed up for Extended Day must pick up their child anytime between 3:00-6:00pm. We ask that families message us on Brightwheel when they are 10 minutes away and again when they arrive, both for Early Drop Off and Extended Day.
Each class at Wonderforest will aim to visit Prospect Park regularly each week. A schedule for each individual class will be shared ahead of time. Safety is our primary concern, and severe weather advisories/alerts and staffing limitations may result in postponement or cancellation of park trips.
Rest Time & Bedrolls
Each day, students will have at least 1 hour of rest time, as mandated by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). Rest time will occur in your child’s classroom, and children will need to bring their own bedroll mat that Wonderforest will provide
We will send each child’s bedding home on the last day of their school week to be washed, and families must return it back to Wonderforest on the first day of their child’s school week. Bedding should be cleaned once per week to avoid the spread of germs and/or any other contagions (e.g. head lice, viruses, etc.).
We ask specifically for a bedroll, which is an ‘all in one’ sheet, blanket, and pillow, which is the most efficient and child-friendly method for kids to help setup and put away their bedding each day.
-Examples of bedrolls we have had success with are noted below. The approved ages for bedrolls vary by company, based on safety regulations. Please ensure you choose one that is approved for your child’s age.
-Please note, children who are still 2 years old must bring bedding that is approved for children ages 2 and up.
-We recommend choosing a bed roll from Moonsea. These bed rolls are 50” long by 21” wide.
-For ages 3 and up, we recommend choosing a bed roll from Delta Children . These bed rolls are 53” long by 21” wide.
Sick Policy
It is the responsibility of each family and each member of our school staff to ensure they are diligent in monitoring their own health, as it directly impacts the overall health and wellbeing of our Wonderforest Nature Preschool community.
A health check for each student must be completed on Brightwheel each morning by their parent or caregiver that indicates a healthy status before coming inside.
Teachers will also conduct a wellness check with each child as they arrive to determine whether a child is healthy enough to attend our program that day.
Families must communicate with teachers to ensure that any student who shows any potential signs of illness is able to attend without risking their own health and well being, as well as the health of those around them.
If a family decides to keep their child home sick, we ask that they please share their child’s symptoms so we can determine any contagious illness that may be spreading among students.
Teachers and Wonderforest staff reserve the right to require families to pick their child up from school if their child’s health prohibits them from attending a full school day and/or risks the health and well being of those around them.
Students must stay home if any of the following occur:
-A fever of 100.4 F or greater
-A rash of unknown origin
-A combination of cold symptoms exhibited (excess mucus, frequent coughing, frequent sneezing, lethargy)
-Vomiting and/or diarrhea
-Exhaustion
Students may return to school when the following occur:
-They are confirmed to be no longer be contagious by a medical professional (if relevant)
-They have been fever free–without the use of medication for 24 hours
-They have not vomited and/or had diarrhea within the last 24 hours
-They are physically and emotionally able to attend a full day of school
*Covid specific policies listed below in the section entitled, “Covid-19 Policies and Protocols”
School Closures and Delays
Wonderforest Nature Preschool follows the NYC Department of Education school closure schedule, as well as our own judgment regarding school closings and delays. These include snow days, flash floods, and any situation where traveling to and from, and attending school is unsafe. Regarding closures and delays, families will be notified prior to 7:00am the day of. On rare occasions, we may dismiss early so as to avoid any unsafe weather conditions that prohibit safe travel to and from school.
School Safety and Emergency Drills
As mandated by the Department of Health, Wonderforest will hold monthly fire drills and two lockdown drills per school year.
Our designated evacuation site is in front of 18 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, 11217 on the sidewalk at the metal barriers in front of the building. In the event that the back door of the building is obstructed or unsafe to use AND/OR inclement weather upon arriving at the evacuation site that would prohibit children from safely waiting to return to school, children and staff may be directed to the covered entrance to the Barclay’s Center side door, located at 467 Dean Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11217.
Fire drills will be held monthly and may be conducted with the bell and alarm system. We will practice without the bell in order for students to feel more comfortable with the evacuation procedure.
On the day of the drill, teachers will discuss with the children that we will be practicing what happens in the event of an emergency when we all need to leave the school to stay safe. Teachers can let the children know that the alarm will be loud to help everyone know it is time to leave the building “Quickly, Quietly, and Safely.”
In our experience, some children can be frightened by the loud sound of the bell upon first hearing it and then become more comfortable with the sound after each drill. Children may feel like talking about the drill with their families after it has occurred and talking through the drill can help them process the experience. Our intention with each drill is to ensure that all teachers and students are knowledgeable and confident in evacuation procedures in the event of an actual emergency. After each drill, families will be notified that a drill has taken place.
Lockdown drills will be held at minimum two times throughout the school year. We will call them “Waiting Drills,” with the children, as this is a drill where we wait to make sure the school is safe outside of our classroom. During the drill, we will instruct children to “huddle up against the wall,” to stay together in the designated classroom lockdown location.
Should an emergency evacuation happen during drop off or pickup time, teachers are unable to return to the school building to retrieve children’s personal belongings. Additionally, children must remain with the class until the class reaches our assembly area, and it is safe to sign children in or out. We ask that families follow this policy and remain with their children and class during these moments so that teachers can focus their attention on caring for children during an evacuation.
In the event of an evacuation, if it has been determined the school is not safe to return to, children will be picked up by their families or other caregivers. Families will be notified via Brightwheel of the evacuation by a Director and will be instructed to immediately pick up their child and where to pick up their child if the children have moved from the designated evacuation site.
Clothing and Gear
Please read the following carefully to ensure safe and prepared outdoor play, and reach out with any questions that arise. Families should be aware that we provide a nature, art, and messy-play experience, and should expect their child’s clothing to become dirty or stained throughout the day.
All items (clothing, shoes, gear, snack/lunch/water bottle, rest mats, bags, and anything else you bring to school) must be clearly labeled with your child’s name.
Families are asked to bring the following on their child’s first day at Wonderforest, to be stored at school:
Inside shoes (1 pair): clean, comfortable, closed-toed footwear with good tread (an athletic shoe, tennis sneaker, or similar sturdy soled shoe)
3 spare changes of clothes: weather appropriate, well fitting clothing to be changed into in the event that their clothing that day has been soiled (2 spares for their cubby, 1 spare for outdoor outings)
-Spare changes of clothing include: tops, bottoms, socks, underwear/diapers
-As the weather becomes colder, teachers will update families on additional spare clothing and gear to be stored at school
-Those children who are potty training and/or prone to multiple clothing changes per day will be asked for additional clothing to be stored
Families are asked to bring the following items each day, and these items will remain with your child when they dismiss:
Backpack (large child/adult size, to hold all items daily). Please no tiny child backpacks, which will not hold all necessary belongings. An example is below for size reference HERE
1 full water bottle
Morning Snack (tree-nut and peanut free)
Lunch (tree-nut and peanut free)
Afternoon Snack, for extended day kids only (tree-nut and peanut free)*
Rain suit**
Optional “lovey” for emotional support during rest time and transitions
*For children enrolled in our extended day program, please include a second snack for the afternoon, in a separate container, labeled “PM Snack.”
**Your child’s teacher will message each family in the morning (or night before) to let you know if your child needs to arrive to school wearing their rain suit. Otherwise, the rain suit will stay in their backpack and travel back and forth to school each day.
Each child must arrive at school with their rain suit packed (or on their body if it is raining), weather appropriate clothing, and closed-toed, weather appropriate shoes.
Crocs and Natives are not permitted, as they have little tread and can result in hazardous play.
Please be sure to label every single article of clothing, shoes, food container, and water bottle with your child’s name.
If a child arrives at school unprepared for safe indoor and outdoor activities, we reserve the right to deny their admittance until they have appropriate clothing and gear. This is to ensure the utmost safety and comfort of all children.
Gear Guide For All Weather:
(*Warm Weather Months)
Rain Suit & Rain Gloves
Rain suits & rain gloves are provided for each family at the beginning of the school year, and include a rain jacket with rain overalls. Rain suits are to be worn over your child’s clothes, with the bottom part of the pants pulled over their rain boots and strapped underneath.
Rain suits must travel with your child back and forth to school each day, and must be worn outside on rainy and wet days. Rain suits are worn in both warm weather and slightly colder weather months.
Footwear
During any time outdoors, children must wear closed toed, weather appropriate footwear. We do not permit children to come to school wearing Natives, Crocs, open toed sandals, or flip flops.
During very hot and rainy weather, children must wear either rain boots or closed toed hiking sandals. As the summer heat cools slightly, we prefer children to wear rain boots.
On dry days during the warm weather months, children should arrive to school wearing sneakers, hiking boots, or open toed hiking sandals.
Hats
Sun hats are necessary for hot and sunny days, as they provide sun protection and help to prevent children from overheating.
Sunscreen and Bug Spray
We ask that on park days each child comes to school wearing sunscreen and bug spray. Wonderforest will provide additional sunscreen and deet free bug spray for application/reapplication during outdoor play. If you prefer to send a specific brand of sunscreen/bug spray for your child to wear, please let us know in writing.
(*Cold Weather Months)
Base Layers
Top and bottom base layers are absolutely necessary for cold weather months to circulate body heat and prevent hypothermia. Base layers include any underlayer of clothing made from wool, silk or heat tech. Cotton is not an accepted material for cold weather base layers, as it absorbs moisture and cools the body down.
Warm Pants
Warm pants that can fit over base layer bottoms.
Warm Top
Warm top that fits over the top base layer.
Fleece or Sweater
To fit over top the warm top and base layer.
Snow Suit
Snow suits should be worn on all very cold days, even when there is no snow on the ground.
Winter Coat
A winter coat that comfortably fits and zips over the previously mentioned layers.
Wool Socks
At least one pair of socks is necessary to keep children’s feet warm during cold weather months.
The socks layer that goes over the feet should be wool, or a comparable synthetic. No cotton socks during colder months, as cotton absorbs moisture and cools the body down.
Boots
Winter boots must be insulated, waterproof, and have rubber soles with good tread.
Hat/Head & Neck Coverings
All children must have a warm hat, balaclava, coat hood, or other head covering to help circulate body warmth. A scarf/gaiter is recommended in addition to these items.
Mittens/Gloves
During cold weather months, children will need at least 2 pairs of smaller gloves to wear during snacks and meals outdoors, which will also be worn underneath their mittens or snow gloves.
Mittens or snow gloves must be waterproof and insulated, and are worn atop their smaller gloves to keep hands dry and warm as they play in the snow, ice, rain, and/or cold air.
Hand/Foot Warmers
Hand and foot warmers are necessary for each park outing. We recommend hot hands or USB rechargeable hand warmers. Please note, we do not permit rechargeable hand warmers that contain lighter fluid.
Please watch this video as a useful guide to the gear recommendations above!
We understand that this gear can get expensive. If you have any issues acquiring the necessary gear, please reach out to sarah@wonderforestpreschool.com or jenna@wonderforestpreschool.com . We are here to help!
Please make sure all items - bags, water bottles, lunch boxes, hats, and outerwear - are clearly labeled with your child's name. While we strive to keep each child’s belongings organized with their bags at all times, items do sometimes become lost or left behind and it is much easier to return them to you when they are labeled clearly.
Gear Company Recommendations
We have had success with the following products & children's outdoor gear companies:
Oakiwear *
Gear Discounts & the BND Outdoor School Shop
*Polarn O. Pyret offers a 20% discount to families that are enrolled in our classes. To register, please fill out the form found here: http://www.polarnopyretusa.com/outdoor_schools_form
-Please include the address of our sister school, Brooklyn Nature Days location on the form:
-Address: Brooklyn Nature Days, LLC, 22 Caton Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11218
-Class Location: Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY
*Oakiwear offers a 25% discount off your order when you enter the discount code: brooklynnaturedays at checkout.
*To find many of the items on our gear checklist and for help choosing the right gear for your kids, we have partnered with Outdoor School Shop. Founded by mothers who support and have children in Outdoor Learning programs, they will be a resource for you, answering any questions you may have regarding what to purchase, how to layer, and the differences between brands and types of gear.
-Be sure to use the coupon code BROOKLYN to receive 15% off anything in the shop!
Please note: Neither Wonderforest Nature Preschool nor Brooklyn Nature Days do not make any money from this affiliation and there is absolutely NO obligation to shop here. We just wanted to streamline everything for families in the hopes this can make layering for winter a bit easier. If you have any questions about the gear offered on this site, you can reach out to Outdoor School Supply directly and they can answer any questions you have.
Things We Need To Know
Prospect Park is not a manicured environment and contains hazards like bees, poison ivy, and other irritants. We will do our best to avoid these hazards, but if your child is particularly susceptible to them, please let us know.
Please be aware that NYC posts a tick advisory for the public parks. We generally avoid areas where they are most likely to be found, but ticks do live in the park and nature can be unpredictable. Please read the advisory below and check your child after class each day.
If you do find a tick, please let us know as soon as possible.
NYC's tick advisory is posted HERE
IMPORTANT
If your child has any allergies, any other medical conditions, or is taking any medication, please make sure to let us know in writing via the Child Information and Release Form AND on the brightwheel app. Once we receive this information, we will send an additional permission form to parents of children who need to carry an allergy action plan, epipen, or other medication at all times in case of emergency.
Regarding bathroom use: Children will have access to the public park restrooms, and in most cases our portable potette potty & privacy tent. An example of what this looks like can be found HERE.
Covid-19 Safety Protocol and Procedures
Our current Covid Safety Protocols can be found HERE.
Please note, weekly covid testing of each student and teacher is no longer required, though we will ask those with covid-like symptoms to test and rule out covid-19. We also ask that those who are well enough to be in school, but exhibit cold symptoms, mask appropriately when possible to ensure the safety of others.