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Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your program hours and tuitions?
We operate Monday to Thursday from 8.30 AM to 1 PM. Our tuition is on a sliding scale from $22 to $30 per hour ($1,782 to $2,430 monthly). Families can choose a two-day or four-day weekly schedule. ($891 to $1,215 monthly for two days a week).
We offer after care until 4 PM and the cost for that $14 per hour.
Is Two Pines Forest School a yearly program, or do you offer shorter-term enrollment options?
Our program is semester-based, and we ask for a seasonal commitment. We offer fall, winter, and spring semesters, beginning in September and ending in late May. Any good-bye gatherings or graduations will take place during the final days of May.
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We have 2 longer breaks during the year, winter break (2 weeks) and spring break (1 week). During the spring break and holidays we still request tuition for the full month so we can retain our educators’ wage. We take all the major holidays, Federal holidays and professional development days.
The calendar details as well as our parent handbook will be shared with accepted families. ​
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During our summer break we offer several weeks of summer camp, giving priority to any of our current and previous students.
How many class groups and what are the age ranges?
What is your application process?
At this time, we offer two class groups each with up to 4 children, ages 2-6 years old.
1st step: Filling out our application. Once you start the application, you must complete it in one sitting.
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2nd step: An in person interview with the child and their parents. Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed, and within the next seven days you will be contacted about a good day and time for an in person interview in our site. The interview process is a space to get to know us better and for us to know more about you and your family. As we are a new program, we want to be able to get to know each child to make sure that our program is a good fit for them.
After this interview acceptance will be finalized and you will be notified within a few days.
Once accepted, a non-refundable deposit of $150 will be due within one month in order to hold your child’s place in the program.
Is the class REALLY 100% outdoors?
Yes! We are outside every day no matter the weather- except in extreme conditions, for which we will move to indoor spaces.
We are fully prepared for all seasons.
Is there a sibling discount?
What clothing will my child need?
Yes, there is a 5% discount for any siblings in the same program.
We firmly believe that children should embrace nature regardless of the weather, and suitable clothing is essential for their comfortable engagement outdoors. Since children are still learning to understand their body's needs, we request that they come dressed appropriately for the day's weather, including layers, sturdy closed-toed shoes, and clothes that can get dirty. On rainy or water play days, it's crucial for children to wear well-fitted, water-resistant gear to stay warm and dry. You can find a helpful layering guide at outdoorschoolshop.com, along with recommended gear for California climates.
What does my child need to have in their backpack?
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Filled water bottle
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Yoga mat
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Sunscreen -- please apply before your child comes to school, teachers can reapply
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Placemat or cloth -- for mealtime(s) to help keep food from falling in the dirt​
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A hearty snack and lunch
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Hand towel -- to dry hands after washing
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Full set of extra clothing (underwear, socks, pants, shirt), in a sealed bag
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Gardening gloves ( optional, can have if you prefer it for mud play and digging )
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Hat (for sun protection; for warmth; for rain)
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Magnifier
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Treasure bag (a medium sized bag with zipper that we can use to collect small nature gifts)
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2-3 side opening diapers & a small bag of wipes
Do children take nap/rest?
Yes, we have nap time after lunch, during which we all gather to read stories, rest, relax, and have quiet time. Even if a child doesn't take a nap, they still are highly encouraged to participate in this calming period.
How do the children use the bathroom?
There are bathrooms on site at our local nature spaces. They will be supervised and sanitized if used. If we are out in nature, have portable toilets and pack out solid waste.
How do teachers communicate with families?
We see our school as a community that includes children, families, and educators. As a growing program we welcome questions, concerns, and feedback. We are happy to respond to these via email when we can. However most of more important, immediate or urgent communication will be done through text.
There is also a Whatsapp group for the enrolled families where everybody can get in touch with each other and connect, ask questions, share news, etc.
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What do you all do when it rains?
We ask families to make sure that their child is dressed appropriately for the wet weather, which includes layers, rain suit and rain boots.
Rainy days can be the best days! Puddles abound, streams flow, while worms and salamanders creep out of their usual places. If necessary, we will build a temporary shelter, with either a tarp or natural materials. We may also steep some warm tea (or water for those who haven't yet taken to tea).
If rain falls under the category of "extreme weather," characterized by continuous heavy rainfall and high winds, we will relocate to our indoor alternative spaces.
What does “extreme weather” mean and what do you do when that happens?
Extreme weather includes conditions such as storms, heavy rainfall, and unhealthy air or “smoke days.” As we do work with young children who fall into the “sensitive group” for air quality, we will move indoors when the air quality index reaches 100 and is climbing (we use the site Purpleair.com with the US EPA conversion).
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We have a few different options to choose from for alternative indoor spaces. Generally on most rainy days we go to the Little Farm in Tilden park, so that we stay in the forest with the option of as going indoor to the Visitor Center as needed. We might also go to libraries or community centers sometimes, if needed.
When will we be notified of moving to indoor locations due to extreme weather?
We aim to inform you about indoor days the night before whenever possible. However, occasionally we must assess air quality and rainfall in the morning due to overnight wind changes. In such cases, you'll receive a notification by 7:30 AM.
Is Two Pines Forest School a licensed preschool?
Two Pines Forest School stays current with the information given by the California Association of Forest Schools. Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) provides regulations for indoor childcare facilities and programs. While we are licensing exempt by the state, we follow all CCLD regulations that can be applied to our setting for the health and wellbeing of the children and educators.
Our passionate educators participate in a variety of professional development opportunities and training throughout the school year. Beyond early childhood education units, our educators are required to be up to date on CPR and First Aid certification, a negative TB test, pass a background check, COVID-19 vaccination.
Do you have liability insurance?
Yes, we have all required liability coverage. Programs that operate in public parks are required to have general liability insurance in order to be issued a permit.