PREPARING FOR THE FIRST DAY:

Before the first day, we encourage families to take part in our Family Friendly events and Volunteer days, or schedule at least 1-2 transition visits or play dates. Transition visits/play dates are when the child spends some time at Nature Nest accompanied by his/her parent/guardian, playing, exploring...getting acquainted with the other children, the caregivers, and the space. The goal is to create a positive memory here in this space with your child. Our Summer Camp Open House and Garden Volunteer Days are great opportunities to do this.

Each transition visit/play date should last about an hour--just long enough to have a good time, but not too long to overwhelm. By spending time here and playing together with their child, the parents/guardians send the message to the child that this is a safe space which the parent/guardian enjoys and trusts. After transition visits, once the child begins care on their first day, they will already have had a pleasant memory of playing with or doing some activity with their parent/guardian at the Nature Nest.

To schedule your transition visits/play dates, please head on over to the Book Online section of the website and select New Student Orientation, or RSVP to any of our upcoming scheduled events.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

During transition visits/play dates, families can expect to take part in our activities of the day. Your child may or may not take interest in what everybody is doing and that is fine. There is no pressure to join in. Remember transition visits/play dates are simply an opportunity for YOU to play with and bond with your child here in this space....to make a pleasant memory.

WHAT TO BRING:

There is no need to bring anything to our events or your transition visits/play dates other than perhaps a snack for your child.

There are a few items and supplies that you'll need to bring in for the first day, however. Most families prefer to bring in these items on the last transition visit/volunteer day so as to make the first official day easier with a lighter load.

Please refer to our Welcome Letter by clicking here, for a list of supplies needed. If you should need to purchase any of these items, please consider purchasing through the links provided. These are affiliate links for which a small amount goes to the school to help offset some of our costs or fund our projects.

Registration Paperwork

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST:

All enrollment registration forms must be completed and submitted to the office prior to the first day. You can find all the necessary forms in the file share page once you're logged in to the members section of our site. Here is a checklist of all the required paperwork:

Completed and Signed Application
Completed and Signed Contract
Completed and Signed Medical Form
Immunization Records OR Proper Exemptions
Signed Info to Parents Statement
Policies & Handbook Sign-off

MAKING DROP-OFF EASIER:

We know it's unpleasant to see your child (or any child) crying or upset, but we ask that you please refrain from sneaking away when your child is distracted without saying good-bye. Doing so damages the trust relationship you’ve worked so hard to establish with your little one and creates more anxiety for the child down the road. It also robs them of the opportunity to practice expressing and regulating emotions. So it is best to be clear about what is happening and provide assurance.

Remind your child of your previous transition visits/play dates and how much fun you had together. We strongly believe that by spending time here playing with your child, allowing them to see you relaxed and enjoying yourself in the company of the provider prior to the first day, sends the message to your child that this is a safe and happy place which you trust and enjoy, therefore they can trust and enjoy it here too. Drop-off time, however, is a rather difficult time to achieve that for most families, which is why we urge new families to participate in our events or schedule those play dates ahead of time.

After saying good-bye or mentioning that you will leave it’s important to be brief and follow through, as this too adds to the trust relationship you’ve worked so hard to establish with your little one. Therefore, don’t say good-bye until you’re ready and once you do, don’t take your child back or prolong the departure. A smile, cheerful good-bye kiss, and a reassuring word that you will be back is all that is needed. The Provider will avoid taking your child from your arms unless you verbally communicate that you want her to. This is to avoid confusion or a premature separation. Instead the Provider will wait until either you place the child in the provider’s arms or you communicate that you are ready to leave and she can take over to play with or comfort the child.

We find that when taking this approach, children usually calm down rather quickly after expressing their sadness of the parent leaving. Often times, children stop crying before the parent even drives away.

In addition to checking the brightwheel app, parents are also welcome to call anytime throughout the day to see how their child is doing.