What ages does the program serve?

The Tinkergarten program was originally designed for children ages 18 months-8 years. At Wondernest, all of our classes use the Tinkergarten method, but have been split into classes for different age ranges.  Children younger and older than the recommended age range are welcome to enroll if they believe it is a good fit for their explorer.  Reach out to discuss and perhaps try a class before committing.

 

How many children are in a class?

Tots & Kids classes have a minimum enrollment of 4 and maximum of 15 children. Babies classes have a maximum of 12. 

If a family registers for a class that does not meet minimum enrollment, you will be notified 24 hours prior to the start of class and will receive a refund or credit toward a future class.

 

Can siblings come for free?

For Tots and Kids classes: Siblings under 12 months of age may join at no cost. Siblings over one year should enroll in the class, and they will receive a 25% sibling discount.

If a sibling needs to attend due to scheduling change (eg. day off at school), they can attend up to two sessions 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.

 

Are refunds offered if a family changes their mind?

If a refund is requested BEFORE the season of classes begins, families can receive a full refund (less any processing fees) 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.

 

Are credits or refunds offered for missed sessions?

Credits and refunds are not offered for classes missed by families. If classes need to be canceled by the teacher, they will be rescheduled at the end of the season and offered free of charge to families enrolled in a full season. If more than two classes are canceled/rescheduled by the teacher, families are eligible for a refund or credit for those canceled sessions.

For drop-in classes, no refund is offered to a class missed by a family. However, a credit may be offered for any classes cancelled by the teacher.

 

What happens in inclement weather?

Decisions about whether it is safe to hold class are determined by the teacher using local weather guidance. The teacher will update families at least 90 minutes prior to class by email and/or text message. If class needs to be canceled due to unsafe weather, they will be rescheduled for the end of the season (up to 2 classes). Note that classes will not be canceled due to rain only, but class may move to a covered area of the park.

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Do I need to stay for class?​

All Wondernest classes are designed for child + a caregiver, who must remain during the class.  This is both to ensure the safety of all children and to give caregivers the opportunity to connect with each other, learn how to support the child at home, and experience the joy of outdoor play together!

 

How do you keep safe with the risks of outdoor play?

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 safety situations:

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

  • 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 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.