Wild Wisdom Play

Do you offer free trials? 

Families are encouraged to try a free trial class to see if Tinkergarten is a good fit for their child. Children younger than 2 are encouraged to attend our less structured Nature Babies Play Group but are welcome to attend Tinkergarten class with an older sibling, at no additional cost. Older children are  welcome if after a trial class the child enjoys the experience and their Guide feels it is appropriate.

To attend a regular season class as a trial, families must register at least 2 days prior to attending.

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Do you offer any discounts?

     Yes. We offer generous Sibling Discounts. A second child in the same family may enroll at a 25% discount. A 50% discount will be applied for a third child and 75% for any additional children from the same household.

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Can siblings attend? 

     Siblings under 24 months of age may attend at no cost. Older siblings may attend up to two classes free due to school holidays or other scheduling issues. Guides are asked to notify the teacher asap so they can prepare any additional necessary materials.

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How do you foster a safe learning environment during class?

     A comfort station will be available at each class which can be accessed by any adult. Comfort Station will include:

• First Aid Kit, Hand Sanitizer, Child-friendly insect repellent and sunscreen

• Hand washing station with hypoallergenic, environmentally safe soap, water and bandanas for drying

The teacher will do her best to police the play area before class for any environmental hazards left by humans. Please understand that evidence of wild animals is always a factor in playing outdoors but we do our best to minimize those.

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Safety Guidelines

     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 using natural elements like sticks, stones and soil in our play. We can remind explorers to give our sticks plenty of space so they do not touch our friends' bodies. We also encourage explorers and give them language to establish and maintain boundaries around their own personal space.

     We know our youngest learners naturally explore their environment with their mouths. We make every effort to ensure that provided materials are safe and to monitor their play along with Guides. If a wee one is attempting to put something unsafe in their mouth, we work with their guide to try to direct that natural inclination in the safest way possible.

     Many of our play materials must be used by multiple explorers. Since true sharing is not a developmental expectation for many of our Explorers, we embrace taking turns and encourage problem solving to avoid or resolve conflict. We empathize with big feelings of disappointment and intervene only when we see safety may be a concern.

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Health Guidelines

     Explorers and Guides (parents) are prompted to use the hand washing station prior to snack and reflection time but are welcome to access that whenever needed.

     Guides are asked to please not attend if they are their Explorer are experiencing fever or other flu-like symptoms. We do not require proof of vaccination nor require (but do deeply appreciate) being advised if you or your Explorer test positive for Covid or flu within a few days after a class.

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What happens when there is stormy weather? 

     Classes are held rain or shine. Conditions that would require postponement/cancellation or ending class early are lightning, high winds, hail, icing, flooding of the class site, and temperatures (adjusted for wind chill) below 10 degrees.

     Decisions to hold class are determined by the teacher using local weather guidance. Weather related delays or cancellation will be communicated to families by email and text message at least 90 minutes before class time.

     If a class cannot be held as scheduled due to unsafe weather conditions or unavailability of the teacher, class will normally be rescheduled to the following week, effectively extending the end date of the season.

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Refunds

     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 of half of the value of the remaining sessions in the season.

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