General Program Policies

Policies in this section apply to all Nature Play with Kay programs.  Please read farther down this page for policies specific to individual programs.

The Tinkergarten, Tinkering with Nature, and Ben's Truck Time programs are secular.  Eco-Adventures are faith-based, with a non-denominational Christian perspective.  All Nature Play with Kay programs are open to all who wish to attend.   

Are refunds offered? (Scroll down to see specific refund policy for Ben's Truck Time.)
If a refund is requested BEFORE the season of classes begins, families can receive a full refund or credit towards a future class.

If a refund is requested AFTER the season of classes begins, families can receive a refund for half of the value of the remaining sessions in the season, or a credit toward the next season.

Are credits or refunds offered for missed sessions?
Credits and refunds not offered for classes missed by families. 

If a class needs to be canceled by the teacher without rescheduling, families are eligible for a refund or credit for the canceled session.  We will make our best effort to reschedule cancelled classes.

What happens in inclement weather?
In general, we believe that "there is no bad weather, only bad clothing."  We encourage appropriate clothing to play outside in a variety of weather.  We will typically hold class in light rain or snow, as well as on cold days, as long as conditions are safe for outdoor play.

Of course, some weather is not safe for outdoor play.  Decisions about whether it is safe to hold class are determined by the teacher using local weather guidance and a weather chart.

The teacher will update families at least 90 minutes prior to class by email and text message.

Whenever possible, sessions cancelled due to unsafe weather will be offered at another time in the season.

What is the approach to health/COVID-19 safety in classes?
Before class:
All participants (leaders included) refer to our Pre-Class Health Checklist that includes a check for symptoms of COVID to self assess. 

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 participants 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 sustained close contact with people outside of their family/pod. 

When temperatures are above 50 degrees, class leaders provide a soap + water mixture for participants to wash hands as they arrive. 

Confirmation of confirmed positive 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, 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 NaturePlaywithKay@gmail.com.

Tinkergarten Program Policies

What ages does the program serve?
The Tinkergarten program is designed for children ages 18 months-8 years.

Children younger and older than this age range are welcome to enroll and families are encouraged to try a free class to see if it is a good fit for their explorer.

Can siblings come for free?
Siblings under 18 months of age may join at no cost. Siblings over 18 months should enroll in the class, and are eligible for a sibling discount.

If a sibling needs to attend due to scheduling change (eg. day off at school), they can attend one session without enrolling. Families are asked to notify the teacher if an extra child needs to attend for a session so they can prepare any necessary materials. If the sibling will attend additional times, that family may pay the drop-in rate for that child.

Can families try a class for free before enrolling in the program?
Families are invited to enroll in free trial classes prior to the start of the season to try Tinkergarten.  If the pre-season trial classes have already taken place, then new families are invited to attend one session of the season for free.

How do teachers foster a safe learning environment during class?
Each explorer (child) is accompanied by a guide (parent or caregiver). Teachers support guides and do all that they reasonably can to provide a learning environment that allows for safe risk-taking.

Leaders bring a First Aid Kit to class, which can be utilized by guides (attending adults) if needed.

A few simple rules help to address most situations:

• Explorers (children) can explore on their own as long as they can still see or hear their guide or the Teacher.

• If explorers are taking physical risks, we check in to make sure that they feel sturdy and safe in their risk-taking.

• Leaders encourage children to engage in risky play, but give clear redirection if or when safety and the safety of friends in the class could be compromised. For example, we celebrate that sticks are the #1 toy of all time, but we make sure that our sticks have plenty of space so they do not touch our friends' bodies. Ultimately, over time, we want to help children learn how to learn their limits while still playing in a way that keeps them and their friends out of true harm.

We encourage children not to put nature treasures in their mouths. If a wee one 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.

Tinkering with Nature & Eco-Adventure Program Policies

What ages do the programs serve?
The Tinkering with Nature and Eco-Adventure programs are designed for children ages 7-10 years.  Children who have previously enrolled in a Tinkergarten class may join the Tinkering with Nature class at the age of 6.

Can siblings come for free?
The Tinkering with Nature and Eco-Adventure programs are designed to be drop-off programs, and are specifically geared to the older age range.  If parents choose to stay, they are welcome to have younger siblings with them, however they should plan to have younger siblings occupied separate from the class program.  Siblings within the age range of the class may enroll, and are eligible for a sibling discount.

What are Parent Volunteers?
A limited number of Parent Volunteer spots are available for adults who agree to stay and assist with the class.  Parent Volunteers will help pass out and collect class materials, encourage and assist participants, take photos during class, and generally assist the teacher as needed.  Parent Volunteers will be refunded a specific amount for each day they assist. 

Can Parent Volunteers bring additional siblings?
Since there are only a limited number of Parent Volunteer positions each day, those volunteers need to be available to assist with the class, and not distracted by other children.

How do teachers foster a safe learning environment during class?
Teachers do all that they reasonably can to provide a learning environment that allows for safe risk-taking.

Leaders bring a First Aid Kit to class, which can be utilized by the teacher or attending adults if needed.

A few simple rules help to address most situations:

• Children can explore on their own as long as they can still see or hear the Teacher.

• If explorers are taking physical risks, we check in to make sure that they feel sturdy and safe in their risk-taking.

• Teachers encourage children to engage in risky play, but give clear redirection if or when safety and the safety of friends in the class could be compromised. For example, we celebrate that sticks are the #1 toy of all time, but we make sure that our sticks have plenty of space so they do not touch our friends' bodies. Ultimately, over time, we want to help children learn how to learn their limits while still playing in a way that keeps them and their friends out of true harm.

Ben's Truck Time Program Policies

What ages does the program serve?
Ben's Truck Time is designed for children ages 2-4 years. Children of other ages are welcome. 

Can siblings come for free?
Siblings under 12 months of age may join at no cost. Siblings over 12 months should register, and are eligible for the family price.

Are refunds offered?
If a refund is requested 24 hours BEFORE the class session, families can receive a full refund or credit towards a future class.
If a refund is requested AFTER that point, families can request a credit toward any future Nature Play with Kay class.