Wildwood PARENT HANDBOOK
About + POLICIES
Relational Forest School
Wildwood is at the forefront of the Relational Forest School model that places relationship at the heart of education. It is a practice rooted in the understanding that children’s learning and growth unfold most fully within relationships - with themselves, with trusted adults, with peers, and with the living world. Relational forest school is about cultivating ways of being with each other and with the Earth that foster belonging, respect, and reciprocity. We don’t just learn about nature, we learn with nature. This approach honors learning not as something transmitted, but as something emerging through connection. Connection is the foundation of deep learning. ↟ Relationship: Learning happens in relationship with the land, with seasons, with community. ↟ Attunement: Children feel secure when adults notice, respond, and hold space for their inner world, their experiences, learning and expression. ↟ Ecosystemic Identity & Belonging: Children come to know themselves as part of the natural world, not separate from it. ↟ Reciprocity: Both children and adults practice giving and receiving care within their communities and with the land. ↟ Whole Child Approach: Children are seen as whole beings, curious, capable, and connected to the living world. ↟ Co Learning: Teachers and caretakers are co-learners, not just instructors. ↟ Nature Based: Nature is not just a backdrop, but a living participant in the learning journey. BENEFITS OF RELATIONAL FOREST SCHOOL ↟ Builds resilience and adaptability by spending time outdoors in varied conditions. ↟ Cultivates empathy, cooperation, and emotional regulation through community practices. ↟ Supports nervous system regulation for both children and adults. ↟ Strengthens ecological identity: a felt sense of belonging to the more-than-human world. OUR CORE VALUES: ↟ Children: We believe children are inherently competent, intelligent, creative, and loving beings. ↟ Curiosity: We harness the natural curiosity of young children by asking questions at the peak of discovery or interest. We continue asking questions to encourage reflection, conversation among peers, or further exploration. ↟ Connection: We believe that we are a part of nature, not separate from it. We model and instill a deep love, wonder, and gratitude for nature and all of its gifts. This authentic connection to nature leads to caring for our forest and our natural environment. ↟ Compassion: We treat ourselves, each other, and every living thing, big or small, with kindness, empathy, and respect. ↟ Physical Experience: We strive to create a place where children can be fully “in” their bodies, testing their limits and experiencing themselves as strong, confident physical beings. Children are free to explore and learn with all of their senses. Through year long nature-immersion programs, children become hardy and resilient, and more in-tune with their body's needs.
LOCATIONS
Our Wildlings and Earthlings classes will be held at the Big Springs Hollow Trailhead at the top of Big Springs Park in Provo Canyon. Please plan to drop off your child at the trailhead. Our Seedlings classes will be held at Southfork Parkin Provo Canyon. Please plan to drop your child off near the pavilion on the north (right) side of the park. We also have a secondary location that allows for flexibility when the weather is more intense or road conditions are unsafe. On these days, classes may migrate to Battlecreek Falls Trailhead in Pleasant Grove. Parents will be notified at least one hour before class time via Brightwheel if class will be held at the secondary location. For maps of these areas, visit our Locations page under the About tab on our menu.
Our program offers seasonal lessons from our Wildwood Way Curriculum: All Seasons created by Lis Kennedy, Kylie Finlinson, and Jessica Schirmer. This bespoke curriculum includes earth science lessons, songs, verses, mindfulness, and unique activities and crafts for the children to integrate what they are learning. In addition, Wildwood integrates an emergent curriculum that flows organically from what the children are curious about and what Mother Nature presents to us that day. We have found that creating space for both short, structured lessons as well as a lot of free play and exploration is a good balance for all ages. Elements that inspire our curriculum: ↟ Commitment to nature immersion regardless of weather ↟ Flow learning ↟ Inquiry-based teaching style ↟ Place-based education ↟ Respect for others, self, and the earth ↟ Positive reinforcement approach ↟ Emphasis on all relationships ↟ Authentic play ↟ Exposure to moderate risk ↟ Small class size, low student-teacher ratio To learn more about our curriculum, or purchase a copy, please visit our Curriculum page under the Wildwood Way tab on our menu.
SCHOOL YEAR SCHEDULE
SEEDLINGS Mondays 1:00 - 3:00 South Fork Tuesdays 1:00 - 3:00 South Fork Thursdays 1:00 - 3:00 South Fork WILDLINGS Mondays 10:00 - 12:30 Big Springs Tuesdays 10:00 - 12:30 Big Springs Wednesdays 10:00 - 12:30 Big Springs Thursdays 10:00 - 12:30 Big Springs EARTHLINGS Wednesdays 10:00 - 12:30 Big Springs Wednesdays 1:00 - 3:30 Big Springs
TUITION
For tuition, we use the Brightwheel app. We require that one parent download the app in order to access your child's class messaging, tuition invoices, and the payment system. Tuition is paid monthly and due by the 1st of the month and no later than the 5th. We require all parents to set up autopay for their child's monthly tuition. Initial automatic setup can be inputted by using the Brightwheel app/website by credit card (2.75%fee) or bank account transfer {0.5% fee plus ($0.25 min, $1 max)}. If tuition is more than 1 month late, students will not be able to return to class until all invoices are paid up. Also, the student's spot cannot be held in the meantime, and Wildwood reserves the right to fill the class spot(s) at any time. We understand unexpected things come up and hardships occur! We are always happy to work with you the best we can and just ask that you keep us in the loop and communicate. **The cost of tuition is spread evenly over the course of 9 months, no matter how many class days or weeks end up falling in that month. Some months will have holidays or weeks off (i.e. December), where other months will have 5 weeks of class rather than a typical 4. To keep the tuition consistent we have opted to set up our tuition payments this way. SEEDLINGS CLASS 1 class per week $115/month 2 classes per week $230 /month WILDLINGS CLASS 1 class per week $140 /month 2 classes per week $280 /month EARTHLINGS CLASS 1 class per week $140 /month
BRIGHTWHEEL APP + COMMUNICATION
We use the Brightwheel App for most school and class notifications. We require at least one parent to download the app, so you are informed of important information regarding your child's class (cancelations, location changes, school events, etc.) Please make sure to turn your notification settings on in the app so you do not miss any important communication. COMMUNICATION: If you need to convey time-sensitive information about an upcoming absence, late arrivals, or a change to pick-up plans, please contact your teacher directly via Brightwheel messaging before or after class. We keep our class time free from interruptions and screens unless there is an emergency. For all other non-time-sensitive questions, please email wildwoodschoolutah@gmail.com. *Please do not pass along important information to teachers at drop-off or pick-up, as that can be a hectic time and we may forget. Brightwheel message or email is preferred.
Sick + ABSENT CHILD POLICY
Please keep your child home if they show severe symptoms, such as a fever or heavy vomiting, and notify the school. Children should be symptom-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medicine before returning to class. This helps them recover and prevents illness from spreading. Since we are outdoors, there is a reduced chance of passing germs than in a traditional indoor school setting. ↟ If your child will be absent or late, please message teachers directly in the app. ↟ If you know in advance that you will miss a day for vacation, etc., you can also email us ahead of time to let us know.
Class CANCELLATION POLICY
Wildwood Forest School generally follows the Alpine School District schedule and rules for weather closure. However, since class is held at a higher elevation, we can experience more severe weather and may need to cancel class or issue a delayed start due to weather, even when Alpine is in session. We have built into the tuition cost of our programs up to 4 cancellations days (3 for Monday classes) for severe weather, illness, or emergencies. This means that if your child's class is canceled more than the alotted times throughout the year, we will reimburse you for the additional canceled class(es). We keep track of all canceled days for each child. We will notify families of a cancellation or delayed start as soon as possible via Brightwheel.
Drop-Off / PICK-UP PROCEDURES
DROP OFF: ↟ Please walk your child to the designated meeting area and make sure a teacher acknowledges their arrival. ↟ If you arrive late, the group may have already moved to a different location on the land. ↟ Please contact staff before arriving so we can direct you to the group, if possible. PICK UP: ↟ Children will only be released to a parent/guardian or an adult listed on the child’s authorized pick-up list. ↟ Please notify school who you would like to be included on your child's Authorized Adults list. ↟ If someone new will be picking up your child, please notify the teachers in advance. Staff may request identification if the person is not known to us. ↟ We ask that you please do not drop off your child more than 5 minutes before class starts and make sure to pick up your student promptly when class ends. All of our teachers have obligations before and after class to attend to. ↟ If you are more than 5 minutes late more than once, we will need to charge a late fee of $10 for every 10 minutes late.
RISKS + HAZARDS
Student safety is our top priority. All teachers are CPR-certified and carry cell phones and first aid kits at all times. We teach children outdoor safety practices to prevent injury, and we maintain clear protocols for responding to emergencies. In the event of any accident, a full incident report is completed and caregivers are notified by the end of class, or sooner if warranted. We have established safety protocols and trained staff for the following risk areas: ↟ Climbing ↟ Plants ↟ Water Play ↟ Stick Play ↟ Wildlife + Domestic Animals ↟ Wandering/Hiding ↟ Rock Throwing ↟ Weather Events Teachers actively supervise the group at all times, minimize distractions, and conduct regular head counts to ensure every child is accounted for. Research shows that children with regular outdoor play experience are injured less often than those without it. Outdoor play builds real-world risk assessment, gross motor skills, and body awareness - foundational abilities that support lifelong safety and confidence outdoors. Within clear safety boundaries, our students are free to explore, play, and learn to their fullest potential!
TOILETING
Please take your child to the restroom upon arrival so they can begin the day ready to play. If a child needs a bathroom break during class and public restrooms are not accessible, a teacher will assist the child in a private area away from the rest of the group. For many children, this may be a new experience, and our teachers work gently with students to help them feel comfortable and at ease with the process. In keeping with Leave No Trace principles, teachers pack out or bury all biodegradable waste.
DISCIPLINE + CONFLICT RESOLUTION POLICIES
As a relational forest school, we believe that conflict is a natural and valuable part of childhood development, an opportunity for children to build empathy, communication skills, and self-regulation. Rather than relying on punishment or shame, our teachers are trained to use the principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) to guide children through conflict in real time. When disagreements or conflicts arise, our teachers help children: ↟ Identify and express their feelings and needs. ↟ Listen to and acknowledge the feelings and needs of others. ↟ Find solutions together that respect everyone involved. This approach allows children to practice real conflict resolution skills rather than having outcomes imposed on them, and it strengthens the trusting relationships between children and teachers that are central to our school's philosophy. WHAT WE CONSIDER TYPICAL CONFLICT: Young children are still developing impulse control and emotional regulation, and it is developmentally normal for conflicts to occasionally become physical (ie. a grab, a push, or a frustrated shove). These moments are treated as teaching opportunities. Our teachers will step in, support the children involved in working through the conflict, and help them find a resolution using our NVC-based approach. ZERO-TOLERANCE FOR VIOLENT BEHAVIOR: Separately from typical conflict, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy for violent behavior that puts other children or teachers at serious risk of harm. This includes repeated, escalating, or intentional acts of aggression that go beyond developmentally typical conflict and cannot be resolved through our standard conflict-resolution approach. OUR PROCESS/EARLY CONCERNS: If a teacher observes a pattern of escalating aggressive behavior, we will communicate with the child's caregivers as soon as possible to share our observations and collaborate on a plan to support the child. SERIOUS INCIDENTS: If a single incident poses a serious risk of harm to another child or teacher, we reserve the right to remove the child from the program immediately, without a prior warning, in order to protect the safety of all participants. ONGOING RISK: If concerning behavior continues despite our best efforts to support the child through it, we may determine that we are not able to safely accommodate that child in our program going forward. Our goal is always to support children and families through challenges whenever possible. Removal from the program is a last resort, reserved for situations where the safety of the group cannot otherwise be assured.
VISITOR POLICY
To protect the safety of our students and in accordance with our insurance coverage, we do not permit visitors during class time. This policy allows our teachers to maintain full attention on the group and ensures a secure, distraction-free learning environment. All staff are required to complete a background check prior to working with students.
WILDWOOD COMMUNITY GATHERINGS
We strive to create community among the Wildwood families. Building a network of support for nature loving families empowers and encourages them to get out in nature even more - in all weather! We host 4-6 Wildwood family gatherings throughout the year to provide opportunities to build community and share experiences together. We encourage families to stay after class and continue playing in nature together. We also encourage caregivers to meet up during class time and enjoy the forest or trail together. If you do decide to stay in the area for your own nature time, please stay out of sight of our class to make sure the students are not distracted. Thank you!
CLOTHING + GEAR
WHAT TO BRING
↟ A comfortable backpack that your child can carry themselves. ↟ Provide a healthy, hearty and convenient lunch as we have lunch/snack time every day. ↟ Your child will also need a water bottle, refilled for each class. If it is a large bottle, filling it up only halfway for the younger kids can be helpful in reducing weight in their backpack. ↟ A second set of clothing, socks, and mittens (winter) stored in a plastic bag in case a change of clothes is needed. Please label everything! ↟ Optional: sunscreen and bug spray can be applied before the start of class. *Please DO NOT bring any toys, electronics, or personal items from home. This creates a distraction from our play in nature, and we will not be held responsible for anything lost or damaged.
GENERAL SUGGESTIONS
↟ We wholeheartedly embrace the mantra : “there is no such things as bad weather, only inadequate clothing!" ↟ Two important things you can do to set your child up for success in our program: 1. Role modeling a positive attitude about weather/gear 2. Helping your child dress appropriately for class ↟ LABEL EVERYTHING you send with your child. ↟ Make sure any and all clothing and shoes can get wet, stained and dirty. ↟ Have an extra layer, top to bottom, including socks & gloves inside your child’s backpack. ↟ Please check your child’s backpack regularly and remove any trash and dirty items. ↟ Layers, layers, layers! Many thin layers can be more comfortable than one thick layer and is more flexible for heat regulation. ↟ Recommended websites for gear shopping: www.oaki.com www.outdoorgearshop.com www.rei.com www.sierra.com
BACKPACK
Your child's backpack needs to be comfortable and the appropriate size for their body as well as able to carry all of their belongings. Each child is required to carry their own pack for the duration of the class.
UNDERLAYERS
It is helpful to have a range of 1-3 under layers (top and bottom), depending on the seasonal temperatures, to keep your child comfortable and warm. ↟ BASE LAYER: a thin layer of silk, wool, or Capilene long underwear on the coldest days. ↟ MID LAYER: a middle layer of wool, Capilene, or fleece is suggested. Cotton blends are ok too, but are not as ideal since they do not wick away moisture. ↟ THIRD LAYER: for the coldest days, adding another layer similar to the types above may be needed. ↟ OUTER LAYER: (see Outerwear section for suggestions). TEMPERATURE GUIDELINES: During 20-32 degree days, using all three layers under waterproof outer layers will be necessary to keep your child warm and dry. When temperatures are around 45-55 degrees outside, you will find a base layer under waterproof pants & a fleece under a rain coat is sufficient.
OUTERWEAR
Waterproof outer layers are crucial and are required for the months of October - April. They keep your child comfortable even when it’s not raining because the forest floor will often still be damp or wet. We recommend you invest in a full waterproof suit similar to the Oaki suit pictured below. These suits can be worn with a variety of layers underneath depending on the temperature that day, so they are very seasonally versatile. If you prefer, you can also send your child in a pair of waterproof pants and a waterproof jacket as separate items. PANTS: During very rainy and wet weather, rain pants are better than snow pants since snow pants can absorb water and rarely have ankle cinches. It is crucial that the pants or suit have a closure (Velcro, elastic, cord and toggle) at the ankle to cinch the pants tight over boots to keep snow and water out. RECOMMENDED BRANDS: Oaki, REI, Lands End, Polarn O. Pyret. https://outdoorschoolshop.com COATS: Fully waterproof coats/jackets or a full body suit are required. It is crucial that the waterproof coat have a system for cinching at the wrist to keep water out. We highly recommend Oaki, REI, Columbia, Polarn O. Pyret, or Hatley brands. TREATING RAIN GEAR: Rain pants or waterproof jackets must NOT be dried in dryers otherwise they will loose their waterproofing ability. Wash in washing machine on cold and gentle and hang dry. You can also rinse rain pants/jackets in the sink and hang to dry. For gear that has been out in the rain for a season or more you may want to spray it with a water repellent spray such as Atsko's Silicon Water guard.
FOOTWEAR
SHOES: When the weather is fair and boots are not needed, we recommend comfortable, flexible shoes that will stay on and not hinder a child’s play while running, balancing, etc. Athletic shoes like tennis shoes, or water sandals with heel straps work well. Please NO flip flops, clunky shoes, heals, or ballet flats. BOOTS: Boots must be waterproof and insulated. We highly recommend “Oaki,” or “Bogs.” Having warm and dry toes is CRITICAL for a successful day in the winter and fall forest, so please acquire the best boots you can for your child. WATER SHOES: In the early fall and summer, we recommend thin soled “water shoes” for water play and even for general use. They provide excellent flexibility and grip for playing outside, and have the added benefit of being easily washed in the washing machine. SOCKS: When it is cold we recommend wool or wool-blend thermal socks (SmartWool is a good brand). Don’t forget extras in the backpack! Some parents like to double-up on socks, but just make sure they are not too tight on your child's feet, as the tightness reduces their circulation and can make their feet colder. TOE WARMERS: On the coldest winter days, please send your child with disposable toe warmers in their boots! They provide great warmth for feet that are playing in snow for 2+ hours and make a HUGE difference for your child.
MITTENS + GLOVES
Send your child with 2 pairs of waterproof gloves/mittens and 2 pairs of knit finger gloves, minimum. We have learned that there is no such thing as a fully waterproof glove. They are really only waterproof for an hour in wet snow, sometimes less! Due to this, it is critical to include pairs of BACKUP GLOVES in their backpacks. FIT: Gloves should fit well - if they don't, they often slip off and expose tiny hands to the cold. It’s important that the glove fits over the sleeve of the jacket, not under. The best gloves have a longer arm section and a cinch around the wrist and/or forearm. Knit finger gloves are needed for eating lunch on the coldest winter days! PRO TIPS: It will keep your child's hands warm and dry longer if you are able to layer their thin finger gloves underneath their waterproof gloves on the coldest days. HAND WARMERS: We highly recommend keeping a few pairs in your child's backpack for use on the coldest winter days!
HEAD + NECK GEAR
A well-fitting wool or fleece hat is the best. Preferably with ear flaps. Please do not rely on hoods. A neck warmer or balaclava like the one below is recommended. Do not send your child in a scarf.