frequently asked questions
*Please note, once enrolled, care givers and parents will have access to our Parent Handbook*
OUR PHILOSOPHY
We believe ourselves to be co-discoverers and guides for the children at Finch & Fiddle. 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. Finch & Fiddle 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.
Pricing and hours of operation
Finch and Fiddle is open M-F 8:30am- 4:00pm
Tuition is $70 a day for Preschool age 4 years- 5 years
and $80 a day for toddlers 2 1/2- 3 years of age
Although we follow the Yarmouth Public School calendar, we WILL be open during the summer.
WHAT IS THE CHILD/TEACHER RATIO?
There is a program limit of 8 children per one teacher.
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 handbook, an application, emergency contact form, health history form, and a tuition agreement. A registration fee is also required to reserve the spot. Space is limited.
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 Yarmouth Public school calendar for snow days. Finch & Fiddle may close if travel is determined to be unsafe for staff or snow/ ice removal issues. Please be aware that if school is cancelled for the district due to inclement weather, we will be closed as well. Check the local Yarmouth stations for closing information and a text message will be sent out by 6:30 am if Finch & Fiddle needs to be closed due to an extenuating circumstance.
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 by the start of the school year in order to attend. We are willing to work with families in the process.
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 and aunties, 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.
Dependent on the weather, 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 :12 teacher/student ratio
WHAT HOLIDAYS ARE OBSERVED?
We follow the Yarmouth Public School calendar.
WHAT ARE THE AGES OF CHILDREN ACCEPTED?
Finch & Fiddle welcomes children ages 2 1/2 to 5 years of age.
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.