Can parents come to class, or is it a drop off only program?
Parents are welcome to join in on most classes as long as they participate! We are a village and expect that everyone present will be engaged in the activities & set a good example for others on how to do so. Exceptions are noted on the individual class page.
Does Earthroots accept Charter School payments?
Yes! Please see the current list of Charter Schools for which we are a vendor. Please email us at [email protected] to request we apply to become a vendor for your child’s charter school.
We love meeting in the rain and even the very occasional snow! We also have safety and emergency protocols for unsafe weather conditions. Classes may be rescheduled or relocated if necessary. We ask that parents check their email the day of class to be on the lookout for updated class information.
Can I bring my younger kids to class even though they are not officially enrolled in the class?
We welcome younger siblings who are supervised by their parents; however, if the younger child is distracting the group, you may be asked to step away from the group momentarily so the other children can focus on their projects. Please introduce your younger children to the instructors at the beginning of class and bring a signed Participation Waiver for them as well. See sibling section on individual class page(s) for details.
How about my mother? Can she come? She’s visiting for the week.
We welcome all parents and grandparents to our classes. All visitors must fill out a Medical and Release form and participate in the day’s activities.
Why can’t I use my cell phone during class?
All parents and children must turn off cell phones and other electronic devices during class to maximize our outdoor experience. We expect students to be attentive and focused in class and we hope that parents will model this behavior.
How can I extend the Earthroots learning at home?
I will be emailing you with suggested follow up question after each class. In the past, some families have used these questions as a launch pad for a variety of options, and other families have chosen not to use them at all. Your choice! You can interpret the questions as a way to engage your child and talk about stories of our day together, as academic homework, evening journaling, art projects or all of the above. It is up to each family to determine how to use the questions. I would love to see the work and stories that come from these follow-up questions and conversations, but it is not mandatory to “turn them in”. If your child does create something and wants to “turn it in” or show it to the instructors, we will enjoy seeing them and will respond with feedback. This can be a beautiful way to carry on the experiences of our adventures together.
What are your expectations of my child during class?
1. Treat each other with respect and kindness
2. Treat each place & property we visit with respect
3. Treat animals, plants and other things we find with respect
4. Students are in the direct care of Earthroots instructors during class time and will need to stay with the group at all times
5. Disrespectful speech/actions, violence, and destruction of property are not allowed during Earthroots classes
What happens if my child breaks a rule?
Instructors will bring it to the attention of the child at the moment and to the child’s parents after class (or during class if behavior warrants an immediate phone call) so that a solution consistent with child, parent and instructor can be made. If that behavior occurs a second time, parents and instructors will meet again with the student to encourage behavior modification and co-create an agreement for positive change. During that conversation, we will make it clear that a third strike is grounds for Earthroots to limit involvement or remove a child from Earthroots programs.
What should I pack for my child to eat?
Each child will be bringing their own lunch and snack to class every week. You are welcome to pack whatever you choose for your own child. We honor everyone’s unique nutritional needs and choices. However, we do request healthy, nutritious food for your child. Please do not send candy or junk food. Spending a day outdoors tends to make children very hungry. Please include a substantial meal and snacks, as well as plenty of water in a refillable container.
As a way to bring Earthroots teachings to life, we recommend packing lunches in re-usable containers that can be washed out and reused throughout the year including water bottles. Please reduce, reuse or exclude “one-time use” disposable plastic bags & bottles whenever possible.