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Fall 2025 registration is now open for children 3 to 4 years old
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FAQ
It is a powerfully beautiful sight to step into the forest and see children playing. There are children climbing on stumps, dirt piles, or onto the low branches of the trees.The climbing, running, and zooming risks they seem to be taking are merely pseudo risks that will foster a greater respect for their own abilities and limitations. Children may begin their tenure here not being able to do the things mentioned above, but peer apprenticeship and adult encouragement quickly bolsters confidences and bodies are set in motion. Children do not generally take risks beyond which they feel comfortable, nor do they like to experience pain or fear. The teachers are watching the kids extremely carefully but not obviously. The student/teacher ratio is such that we are never more than a few feet away from an intrepid climber.
Additional safety protocols:
Low adult to child ratio of 1:6.
Children wear matching bright Muddy Buddy rain suits in the woods and on trips to the creek.
Children must stay in sight and sound of their teachers at all times.
Teachers constantly count making sure all children are in view.
Children are given clear physical boundaries.
Children are not allowed to go to the bathroom without an adult and the door is always propped open.
We only allow children to be picked up by designated friend and family members.
We are an unlicensed registered ministry. This term can be confusing, but it essentially means that while our center is structured as a ministry rather than a licensed facility, we are still subject to state oversight. The state conducts evaluations twice a year, and we are held to the same operational standards as licensed centers. This includes comprehensive background checks, fingerprinting for all staff members, and required certifications in CPR, first aid, safe sleep, and universal precautions, all of which ensure we meet the state's health and safety requirements.
One key difference between our ministry and licensed centers is the structure of age groups. Licensed centers have strict regulations against mixing age groups, but as a ministry, we do not have to follow this rule. We believe in the educational and social benefits of children from different age groups interacting with each other. For example, our two-year-olds often engage in activities alongside three-year-olds, creating a more integrated and collaborative learning environment.
We have explored participating in Paths to Quality (PTQ) but, due to our current setup where age groups are mixed within a larger room, we are not eligible for PTQ certification at this time. However, we are in the process of planning an expansion to create additional classrooms, which will allow us to better align with PTQ requirements. Once the expansion is complete and additional funding becomes available, we fully plan to pursue PTQ certification.
I hope this explanation provides more clarity on our licensing status and regulatory adherence. Rest assured, we are held to the same standards as licensed centers when it comes to child safety and compliance with fire and health codes.