General FAQs
What age groups do you serve?
Saplings offers programs for children aged 18 months to 12 years, including toddler programs, preschool, after-school care, Pro-D Day camps, and our independent Nature School. Each program is thoughtfully tailored to the developmental needs and interests of the age group it serves.
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What are your staff qualifications?
Our educators are certified Early Childhood Educators (ECEs), ECEA assistants, Forest School Practitioners, or have relevant degrees and experience in child development or education. All staff hold current First Aid and CPR certifications and undergo regular professional development in outdoor education, child-led learning, and safety.
Do you go inside at all?
Saplings is a fully outdoor program, meaning we spend our days immersed in nature—rain or shine. We use tarps and natural shelters to stay dry and warm when needed. However, in extreme weather conditions (such as high winds, lightning, or extreme cold), we follow our extreme weather policy, which may include temporary indoor alternatives or program cancellation for safety.
How do you manage safety in outdoor settings?
Child safety is our top priority. Educators are trained in outdoor risk assessment, emergency response, and child supervision in nature-based settings. We maintain low child-to-educator ratios, use walkie-talkies for communication, and conduct regular site checks and dynamic risk assessments.
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How do children use the bathroom?
We encourage a nature pees where possible and staff are also on hand to assist if needed. We may use portable potty systems and public facilities (when available), depending on the location. All toileting and hygiene practices follow licensing guidelines, and we work with each family to support children in a respectful, developmentally appropriate way.
What should my child bring each day?
Children should arrive in weather-appropriate clothing (please see the Resource area for a comprehensive gear list), including waterproof layers and sturdy footwear. Each child should also bring a backpack with a snack, water bottle, spare clothes, and any personal items requested by the program.
What’s the cancellation policy?
We require one month written notice for all cancellations. Please see our policies page for details regarding our cancellation policy.
What happens if it rains?
At Saplings, we believe there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. When you register, you will receive a list of suggested gear to keep your child comfortable in all weather. When it rains, we use tarps to build shelters, share hot tea and bring reusable hand warmers for the children. But the most vital thing we do is keep a positive attitude! Our attitudes about the weather influence the way we feel about it and the way the children feel about it. When we hit rain season, we’re sure you’ll see our educators joining the children in jumping through puddles and singing in the rain
What do the children do at Saplings?
Each day at Saplings is a little different. Our program capitalizes on children’s intrinsic desire to learn, play and discover the world around them. We adapt our program to the natural pace of the children, and allow them to explore their interests to the fullest. Some of the nature based activities include fort and shelter making, fairyhouse building, and nature art.