frequently asked questions
our philosophy
We believe ourselves to be co-discoverers and guides for the children at Small Meadows. We begin with the passions of the children, and through creative play and exploration guide them into experiences that nurture their connection to the planet and community, while also integrating a social and educational curriculum through weekly themes.
Our educational philosophy focuses on:
Providing fun, hands-on opportunities for children to get outside and learn about the natural world. At least half of our day will be spent outside of the classroom exploring.
Variety through weekly themes that embrace core routines of nature connection.
Curious minds lead the way: adaptability so that the programs match the energy of the group.
Teachable moments through gratitude practices, storytelling, cultural sensitivity, sensory awareness practices, questioning and singing.
Using Coyote Mentoring, a widely-respected educational philosophy developed at the Wilderness Awareness School, to encourage creative thinking rather than providing answers, help students develop problem-solving skills and self-sufficiency, and encourage a much deeper level of learning.
WILL NATURE PRESCHOOL PREPARE MY CHILD FOR KINDERGARTEN?
Yes. Small Meadows has the same early childhood development goals of traditional preschools, but will accomplish these goals through meaningful and authentic experiences in nature with curriculum influenced by Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, and Montessori philosophies.
what is the child/teacher ratio?
There is a program limit of 10 children to 2 teachers
how do i enroll my child?
When you have visited our school, if interested we will give you the registration forms that we will need for your child's file. These forms will include a parent/caregiver guide, an application, emergency contact form, health history form, and a tuition agreement. A registion fee is also required to reserve the spot. Space is limited and regestion starts in March.
what happens during inclement weather?
Children can love mud puddles and snowy days as much as sunny ones! As long as they are dressed appropriately. We will engage in learning outdoors on rainy and snowy days as long as the weather conditions aren’t extreme, so please send the appropriate clothing and gear- waterproof and toasty warm. In the event of lightening or frigid temperatures, we will retreat indoors.
snow days
We do follow the Portland Public school calendar for most snow day. Small Meadows may close if travel is deamed unsafe for staff or snow/ ice removal issues. Please be aware that if school is cancelled for the district due to inclement weather, Small Meadows will be closed as well. Check the local Portland stations for closing information and a text message will be sent out by 6am if Small Meadows needs to close different than the Portland school district.
how much time will my child be outdoors?
We will spend at least half of the program day outside, exceptions being inclement weather.
DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE POTTY TRAINED TO ATTEND?
Yes, children need to be fully potty trained in order to attend. We are willing to work with families in the proccess.
what about MEALS AND SNACKS?
Parents should supply their child with lunch, and water each day. We strive to model and to support healthy habits and request that lunches support this vision; nourishing and healthful foods only- please no candy or processed food items.
We will provide snacks for children, with the freedom to individually choose when they would like a snack break. Once a month or so your child will get to take home the ‘snack basket’. This is an opportunity for you and your child to share with the class any favorite foods or food traditions. We encourage unprocessed, healthy choices, and welcome any homemade treats such as muffins or salads. This is an opportunity to share family recipes, and a story or two by your child on their time and efforts cooking for their classmates.
Our lunches will be eaten ‘family style’ – preparing the table and enjoying time together.
birthdays and celebrations
Please feel free to send in a special snack, and join us to share a story of your child’s birth, special memories, or namesakes.
how much structure will there be?
Our goal is a healthy balance between predictable daily routines, group activities, teacher-led curriculum, and plenty of time for open-ended nature play and exploration.
what will my child do?
Children will spend their time playing, learning, exploring, running, jumping, digging, building, climbing, hiking, balancing, tumbling, skipping, observing, exploring, negotiating uneven surfaces, drawing, imagining, collaborating, storytelling, and building friendships.
Themes will be rooted in the changing landscape and the seasons, and areas of study include: earth-friendly habits such as composting and recycling, tracking, shelter building, sensory awareness, bird language, singing, movements and yoga, garden planting and harvesting, wetland walks, drawing, journal writing, clay work, nature sculpture, natural dyeing, indoor and outdoor cooking, climate change, rocks and minerals, scavenger hunts, storytelling, dancing, and singing.
how do you keep my child safe while exploring?
We’re parents too! The well-being of the children in our care while we explore and play is the primary focus. Our small class size and small child-to-teacher ratio allows for us to make all of the children are safe, heard, and supported during our time together. While on the trails or in the field, we will establish physical boundaries for play, code words for staying near each other when exploring, and strategies for respecting the flora and fauna around us and each other. Staff are also trained in CPR and First Aid.
what clothing will my child need?
What child doesn’t love puddle-jumping or playing in the mud? Being outside is fun as long as children have the right gear.
Clothing should include the following:
warm, waterproof snow pants
warm, waterproof mittens or gloves
a warm hat for winter play, a sunhat for summer play
wool or silk long underwear
sunscreen
a spare outfit with your child’s name on it
warm socks
rain boots
warm, waterproof winter coat
bug spray, preferably natural
slippers for indoor time
will children ever be unsupervised?
No. We are a small school, with a low 2 :10 teacher/student ratio
will there be opportunities for parent involvement?
We strongly believe in building community! To that end, yes, there will be chances to gather together to celebrate nature and the changing seasons through meal-sharing and nature exploration.
We also welcome presentations. If you and your child have something special to share with our class form your culture or travels, or, would like to share your talents or read a story, please let us know!
how do you track my child’s progress?
A key feature of Emergent Curriculum is documentation showing a child's learning and discovery process. We will do this at Small Meadows School through photos, video and our nature journal where teacher's document daily inquiries, discoveries and teachings, and use as a guide for documenting learning that has taken place.
what holidays are observed?
We follow the Portland Public School calendar. Soom vacation times will differ for Portland Schools, those dates are found in the parent handbook.
Will there be special events?
Yes! We will have special events to mark the changing of the seasons and an end of year picnic.
what are the ages of children accepted?
Small Meadows welcomes children ages 2 1/2 to 6 years of age.
parking
There is ample parking available on Hillside Road. Please park your car and come through backyard gate with your child. School entrance in the back of home.
health and WELL-BEING
Please give us any prescription medications with written instruction as to the dosage and schedule.
We are prevented by state law to provide over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, or cough syrup.
For the sake of our school community, should your child have had within 24 hours a fever, diarrhea or vomiting, a rash, mucous discharge from eyes, nose, or ears, or pink and inflamed eyes, please keep your child home.
Also, please use your best judgment should your child have been exposed to head lice, chicken pox, strep throat or any other contagious conditions that could infect other students and staff.
photography and publicity
Please share any objections with pictures of your child being shared on our social media pages or written material.
quiet time
We will have a quiet rest time for one hour after lunch. Children will each have their own individual mats, and are welcomed to bring in any special blankets or stuffed animals if they’d like.
discipline
We believe that the happiest adults are able to discipline themselves from within, and this grew from a foundation of love and respect.
Effective discipline is not about punishment, but rather comes from having a consistent response from a caring adult, trust, deep attachment and a sense of belonging and purpose.
As your child’s guide, we will set the standard for respectful, responsive and reciprocal exchanges in the classroom, have a familiar daily schedule, and respond frequently with specific positive reinforcement and praise.
teacher QUALIFICATIONS
All teachers have current First Aid and CPR certification. Lead teachers must obtain at minimum an associate’s degree. All teachers and substitutes have completed an interview process, background check and come with strong references from their previous employers. Please refer to the ‘About Us’ page for more information on our staff, their certifications, interests, and educational backgrounds.
After School Pick-up Policy and Procedures
No child is ever released to an adult who is not listed on the emergency form without direct communication between the parent and teacher. Parents must sign out upon departure. An adult will accompany each child on their walk to their car after school. No child may be left at school in the morning until they are signed in and the teacher is aware of their presence.