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Nature SchoolCooperativeParent Handbook2023-2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS3 ⤅ Mission, Ethos & History5 ⤅ Pedagogy & Curriculum7 ⤅ Daily Learning Activities9 ⤅ Clothing, Gear & Materials11 ⤅ Illness Policy12 ⤅ Co-vid 19 Protocol13 ⤅ Medications14 ⤅ Sunscreen14 ⤅ Accidents & Injury15 ⤅ Attendance Procedures15 ⤅ Daily School Protocols17 ⤅ In the event of…19 ⤅ Special Events20 ⤅ School & Family Partnerships21 ⤅ Additional Policies22 ⤅ Late Pickup Policy23 ⤅ Required Signature Page

Mission StatementOur mission is to foster meaningful engagement with the natural world by providing accessible,immersive, nature-based learning experiences for all young people and their families. We giveback more than we take.We honor and apprentice to the synergy from ancestral languages to remind us that fluency andmultilingualism in human and non- human "languages" is beautiful and transformative.We co-facilitate nature based and student led learning for early childhood students, siblings,caregivers and families that galvanizes self-discovery. We do this through adventurous learningexperiences that embrace elements of authenticity, agency and responsibility, uncertainty, andmastery through challenge using Nature Based and Land Based Pedagogy as well as adhering tothe 6 Forest School principles expressed in the UK Forest School Association.Nature School Cooperative uses nature-based and land-based pedagogy combined with physicaladventure tasks, games and extended trips with seasonal and ecology related themes. We arean outdoor-based preschool and we also collaborate with other elementary and middle schoolsand "unschools" to support academic learning with regenerative learning ecologies. This meansstudents and families learn about themselves physically, emotionally and socially in relation tothe land and water they live and depend on. They also might be invited to learn more aboutTraditional Ecological Knowledge and related fields.Nature School Cooperative EthosAt Nature School Cooperative we take care of ourselves, others, and the environment. We are apart of the earth, not only on the earth. We live, play and learn upon the shortgrass prairie inunceded territory of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. We live, play and learn upon thesmooth soft grasses and robust cottonwood trees that turn scratchy and bare in the wintermaking harsh conditions. When we think of land we think of a living being with relationships wecan’t see and can’t fully know. When we think of land we think of soil and all the living thingswithin it. When we think of water we think of life. The short grass prairie, the rocky mountainsand the Cherry Creek knows our nameThe Nature School Cooperative is committed to acknowledging our history and lineage in arespectful way and has learned and adopted this language from the Nature ConnectionNetwork.

Recognizing that many of the systems within which nature connection work is nested are builton the stolen land and/or stolen labor of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian and people of color, weare committed to the work of repair.We support equity and justice by making rights, resources, and representation accessible andhonoring the ongoing labor of Black, Indigenous and other people of color {BIPOC} to bringleadership and skill to this work as we heal divides and find pathways for remembering thingsthat were meant to be forgotten, recognizing resilience and encouraging rest, following throughon actions for reconciliation and reparations with the same diligence we give to paying debt,honoring and giving space for Red Rage, and responding and changing as we learn andunderstand new things along the way.We recognize that many (if not all) of the organizations within our network have benefited fromcultural and physical appropriations from Native and Indigenous peoples of the land where wenow offer our programs. This has caused real and immeasurable harm. We are committed toacknowledging, apologizing, and making reparations for these appropriations and oppressionsthrough accountability for actions with specific timelines and financial contributions through“land taxes” of 3% of profits donated to Spirit of the Sun. Spirit of the Sun is founded on thebelief that effective and sustainable development work recognizes the intersections of culture,community, economy, and health, and that true success is only possible through collaboration.HistoryWe started as a Wild River and a Feileacan (Irish for Butterfly). Like rivers and butterflies, ourcooperative continually goes through seasonal and cyclical changes. When needed we also gothrough metamorphosis, go underground, go over waterfalls.We are a worker-owned cooperative and we co-facilitate nature based, student-led learning forearly learners.We co-create knowledge that instills individual and collective growth within multilingual andmultigenerational communities surrounding our youngest learners. We started with symbols ofa Wild River and a Feileacan Butterfly to represent fluency and multilingualism in human andnon- human "languages" is beautiful and transformative like the shaping of the earth by riversand the metamorphosis from larvae to pupa to butterfly.We hope this teacher owned and teacher led (worker cooperative) will invite more outdooreducators to grow this school model on various creek sides & wild spaces in the front range.

PedagogyNature School Cooperative uses nature based and land based pedagogy combined with physicaladventure tasks, games and extended trips with seasonal and ecology related themes. NatureSchool inspires children to enjoy and appreciate learning through mindful, child-led outdoorexperiences. We guide children in place-based learning that engages their natural curiositythrough hands-on exploration and sensory engagement. This method of learning increaseschildren’s ability to learn and solve problems with their creativity, along with raising theirself-confidence to meet real-world challenges. Our unique educational curriculum promotesimportant educational principles, as well as a compassionate understanding of bio and socialdiversity that lasts a lifetime.CurriculumOur program seeks to build learners’ social, cognitive, physical, linguistic, emotional,problem-solving, and nature skills through a Forest School program that incorporates ecologicalawareness and STEAM concepts in order to help learners of all ages connect to themselves,others, and the natural, cultural, and geographical components of their communities. This isaccomplished through an emergent curriculum.Emergent CurriculumEmergent curriculum focuses on the process of learning that emerges from the children. It isdesigned to be open-ended and self-directed in order to meet the needs and interests of everychild. It relies on teacher initiative and students’ intrinsic motivation. The components of anemergent curriculum are: children’s interests, teachers’ and accompanied adults’ interests,developmental tasks, things in the physical environment, people in the social environment,curriculum resource materials, unexpected events, living together, conflict resolution androutines, values help in the school and community, family, and culture.Real-World LearningReal-World Learning lends itself to place-based and project-based approaches to pedagogy.Nature School Cooperative also uses nature-based and land-based pedagogy combined withphysical adventure tasks, games and extended trips with seasonal and ecology related themes.Real-World Learning also incorporates civic education. Through this innovative type ofeducation, teachers can encourage students to see not only their home and school, but also thecity and surrounding areas in which they are located, as a real world classroom. Teachers assign

projects that help students to map and engage with real world issues and initiatives in thecommunity. This is accomplished through multiple field trips throughout the school year. Fieldtrips bring people together in ways that go beyond traditional classroom experiences.Ecological AwarenessNature School Cooperative curriculum connects adults, infants, toddlers, and young children tothe dynamic ecological systems in Colorado through a series of season-based units and carefullycrafted learning experiences. This pedagogy helps children and families address past, present,and future ecological issues and enhances their understanding of an interconnected ecologicalsystem. Our curriculum is research-based and provides developmentally appropriate activities innature so that children and their families can master and integrate ecological awareness intotheir lives.Forest Schools PedagogyForest Schools are described as a unique learning philosophy in English but in reality sinceancient times, humans have marked the progress of time by observing and being immersed inseasonal changes. The language descriptors in English and 6 Forest School Principles developedin the UK, but adapted from modern day Scandinavian learning cultures, offers people of allages the opportunity to learn personal, social, technical, academic and environmental skills in anatural environment. There are also parallel pedagogies in other languages in parts of Europeand SE Asia like Marutanbō in Japan and waldkindergarten or waldkitas in Germany. Aroundthe world there are these types of indigenous and land based pedagogies. The 6 Forest SchoolPrinciples are part of our curriculum and we combine environmental education with forestschool skills.Ecological ConsciousnessThe Nature School Cooperative curriculum connects children to the dynamic ecological systemsin Colorado through a series of season-based units that prescribe carefully crafted learningexperiences. This pedagogy helps students address past, present, and future ecological issues,and enhances their understanding of an interconnected ecological system. Our curriculum isresearch-based and provides developmentally appropriate activities in nature so that studentscan master and integrate ecological consciousness into their lives.

Daily Learning ActivitiesNature School Cooperative offers students a variety of research-based activities that have manydevelopmental benefits to help them connect to the world around them.Language & LiteracyStudies show that being exposed to different languages improves the brain’s executive functionand helps improve people’s thinking skills and memory abilities. Vocabulary is a key componentof reading and writing development. Studies have shown that free play in nature cansignificantly enhance children’s vocabulary development. We have story time daily, and childrenpractice writing and drawing in their nature journals.Nature Journals & “Sit Spots”Nature journaling involves stimulating curiosity about the world around us. It helps develop asense of place and human’s role in that place. Nature journaling involves stopping and watchinghow something works and recording it through writing, drawing and collecting. We use naturejournals daily to help students record their observations, perceptions, and feelings about thenatural world around them. Sit spots go hand-in-hand with nature journaling. We teach how touse the five senses to observe what is going on around you and encourage students to recordtheir observations, thoughts, and feelings.Mind/Body ConnectionNature School Cooperative believes that learning about your mind and body and the connectionbetween them is an important part of school. Students participate in a mind/body connectionroutine daily. This program also incorporates outdoor recreation, yoga and mindfulness,climbing, playful fitness, and nutrition.Mindfulness & YogaMindfulness is the practice of nurturing a focused awareness on the present. This is a growingpractice that has been shown to help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and heighten focus.We live in a fast-paced world, and children are facing higher levels of stress starting at a youngage. The messages of yoga -- kindness, respect, and empowerment -- are messages that canhelp us understand and care for the natural world. At the end of a yoga class, we might use

Sanskrit language and say “Namaste” to one another, which means “The teacher in me sees andrespects the teacher in you.” That phrase of acknowledging co-creation of knowledge can beapplied to the environment as a valuable teacher in children’s lives.AcademicsDevelopmentally appropriate methods to introduce and deepen conceptual understanding ofthese areas are included in daily practices, transitions, songs, play activities, structuredguidance, teacher feedback:- Numeracy, Counting, Numeral recognition, Addition & Subtraction, Subitizing- Communication skills, Cognitive skills, Connecting concepts, Comprehension- Literacy, Vocabulary, Ecological literacy (knowing the plants & animals in theirenvironment), Book handling, Reading comprehension, Connecting concepts- Social-emotional development, Conflict resolution skills, Cooperative skills language- Sensory development, Self-advocacy, Independent & collaborative play skillsDevelopmental SchemasIn the critical development years (0-5) children are building neurological pathways, andestablishing many lifelong skills. As sensory input informs many aspects of learning at this age,we attend to the ways in which the children repeatedly engage in activities (independently &collaboratively). Repeated play schemas can tell us a lot about what developmental skillschildren are working on, integrating, and exploring with others. This framework will be one wayin which we can communicate with you about your child’s play during their time at NatureSchool, as it can connect to some of their play in the home environment as well.Assessment & EvaluationWe work closely with parents to celebrate every successful milestone and problem solvetogether when there is a concern about every child’s development. Through the use of informaland written daily observations, your child’s strengths are identified, and strategies areformulated to support the building blocks of development. Your child’s challenges or difficultiesare also identified, and an action plan is developed in collaboration with the family whenneeded.Childhood development is an area in which Nature School Cooperative staff have extensiveeducation and experience. Child outcomes are measured using authentic assessment practicesthrough which providers and families observe children in their everyday routines, activities, andplaces, and collect documentation that illustrates what children know and are able to do in allareas of development.

Clothing, Gear & MaterialsOur mission is to foster meaningful engagement with the natural world by providing accessible,immersive, nature-based learning experiences for all young people. All students must comewith gear that is appropriate to the weather that day. Anyone who is not adequately dressed isnot able to attend that day. You can refer to our gear guide here. If you are in need of support inobtaining additional weather gear for your child, please contact us about our gear closet!Everyday Materials - Please label your belongings!● A backpack your child can carry independently● Spill-proof Water Bottle● A healthy, high-energy snack (in a bag with your child’s name on it)● Extra shirt, pants, and underwear (& a bag for messy clothes/accidents)● Extra socks (MUST BE WOOL),● Gloves (at all times, even the summer)● Winter hat (at all time, even the summer)● Nature journal - We recommend a hardcover sketch journal.● Markers, crayons, or colored pencils (whichever your child prefers)● Hand sanitizer (optional)LayersWe recommend wearing layers of clothing so your child can make adjustments as neededaccording to changes in weather and activity levels.FootwearBoots or sturdy waterproof shoes with good grip on the bottom. Even when it is not raining, wemay play in water or mud. Footwear should be closed-toed (no sandals).When it is rainy and snowy● An inner layer of 100% polyester or natural fabrics such as wool or silk. The fabric shouldwick moisture away from the skin and provide a warm, breathable layer.● A middle layer of insulation made of wool or fleece.● An outer shell of waterproof, windproof clothing, including a rain or snow jacketand rain or snow pants.● For the feet, we recommend neoprene Bogs or Sorel boots. Alternatively, your child canwear waterproof boots that are one size too large with two pairs of socks (wool is excellentfor socks). Please make sure boots are not too small. This cuts off circulation to the feet

and makes them colder.● Warm hat that covers the ears● Gloves that can be taken on and off easilyWhen it is cold● Warm and waterproof mittens that slip on and off easily● Long underwear● An extra pair of warm gloves and warm socks in your child’s backpackWhen it is warm● A long-sleeved shirt - We recommend light cotton, silk or hemp.● Durable pants● A large sun hat that covers face and neck● Running or hiking shoes (note that children may play in water and mud)● Sun protectionMessy Play● A change of clothes (or two!) supports students to engage fully in messy play, yet remaincomfortable in all weather conditions. While we do not expect students to have anadditional pair of snow pants or boots, an alternate layer to change into would behelpful! We recommend a spare bag or two to wrap wet/muddy clothes in to send home● Nature-play often includes exploring: water, mud, soil, snow, sand, paint, mulch & plants.● Climbing on: on fallen trees, rocks, dirt hillsides, gravel paths, overgrown “wild” spaces,etc can wear & snag pants/shirts.● We focus on keeping kids safe during messy & risky play, however we know it can take atoll on clothes & gear. Please reach out if you need support in finding additional gear!Snacks and LunchEach student should arrive at school with a healthy snack, lunch, and a water bottle. NatureSchool Cooperative staff provides additional drinking water throughout the day.

Child Health and WellnessA record of current immunizations and a recent physical exam are required for full timeenrollment. These documents are kept by Nature School Cooperative and must be updated asrequired by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment, Denver Department ofHuman Services, and Colorado Department of Early Childhood Licensing.Sick Student PolicyFor the protection of your child and others at Nature School Cooperative, please keep your childat home if any of the following symptoms are present:● Vomiting or diarrhea● Rash that is unexplained or contains fluid● Difficult or rapid breathing● Discharge from the eyes or pinkeye● Fever of 101 degrees or more● Runny nose with green mucus● Severe coughing● Head lice or nits● Head or ear pain● Severe itching of the body or scalp*Students need to be symptom free for 48 hours, without medication, before returning**Caregivers are required to sign that they have read & agree to the guidelines of illness policy*Below are the illness guidance documents we use for reference:● How Sick is Too Sick?● Infectious Disease Guidelines for Schools and child care settings● Caring for Our ChildrenStaff are required to follow this illness policy as well.An ill child will not be allowed into care and you, or an approved caregiver, will be asked to pickyour child up (following the same procedure as the uncollected student protocol). When a childis ill and a parent/caregiver cannot be contacted and no other emergency contact is available topick the child up from school, Nature School Cooperative reserves the right to call 911 or theDepartment of Social Services, depending on the urgency of the situation.We want your children to be well! Please notify Nature School Cooperative as soon as possible ifyour child is unable to attend due to illness or if you arrive late due to a doctor’s appointment.If your child or another member of your household contracts any communicable disease,please notify Nature School Cooperative immediately. The Colorado Department of PublicHealth and Environment requires that staff and parents communicate with one another when a

child becomes ill to ensure that the child is receiving appropriate medical care and to ensurethat other children at school aren’t needlessly exposed to certain infections. This information ishandled in a confidential manner and may help to prevent other children and staff fromcontracting the disease. If any of these symptoms develop while your child is in our care and theillness is contagious, the child is separated from the rest of the children. You are notified byphone and should make arrangements to pick up your child within one hour.COVID-19PrecautionsWith a focus on the health and safety of children and staff, we are following official healthguidelines to ensure our community is protected at all times during this pandemic. With moreand more research supporting the idea that outdoor activities are safer, we are set up tooperate 90-100% of our classes out-of-doors.● All staff and students will be screened, evaluated, and monitored for illness. Please keepyour child at home if they are sick or any person in the household is sick. Staff andstudents will be sent home if they are ill upon arrival; they will be excluded from class ifthey are experiencing the following symptoms:● Fever or chills● Cough● Shortness of breath or difficultybreathing● Fatigue● Muscle or body aches● Headache● New loss of taste or smell● Sore throat● Congestion or runny nose● Nausea or vomiting● Diarrhea● Students & staff with any of these symptoms may not return to school until they have beencleared by a doctor.● Handwashing guidance will be given to students, along with basic hygiene procedures like useof tissues, protecting coughs and sneezes, and proper tissue disposal.● Alcohol-based hand sanitizer will also be available for use.● Students will be encouraged to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth.● Staff will disinfect frequently touched surfaces using COVID-19 effective cleaners.● Physical distancing will be practiced whenever possible.● Programs will take place in small groups.

AllergiesParents are required to notify Nature School Cooperative Preschool in writing if astudent has any known allergies. This form is provided at enrollment.Medication AdministrationWhenever possible, parents should give medications at home. If a student requiresmedication, parents must comply with the following protocols for care of prescribedmedications.All information must be complete and correct in order to safeguard your child. We returnmedication to you once it is no longer needed or all of the medication was used so that youcan dispose of the container. Please be aware that we need the following information fromyour doctor before we can administer any medication:● Name of medication● Reason for medication● Amount of medication to beadministered● Route of medication● Specific time the medicationshould be given● Start date and end date of themedication● Possible side effects● Signature of the doctor prescribingmedication● Prescribed medication must be in theoriginal pharmacy labeled bottle orcontainer and any over the countermedications need to be labeled withyour child’s name.*Staff cannot administer any herbal or homeopathic preparations, even with a doctor’s note.Parents must complete a Medication Form and log-in and log-out all medications. Onlymedication that has been prescribed by a physician for a particular student is administered.This includes antibiotics, rash ointments, and over-the-counter medications. Fever controlor pain medications (Advil, Tylenol, etc.) is not administered to students unless prescribed.When a student has a fever, the student must be picked up to be able to rest at home.Under no circumstances must medicine reside in the student’s possession while at NatureSchool Cooperative. Please give any and all medications, including lip balm, sunscreen andEpi-Pens to a staff member. Medication Forms are required when any medication is taken intocare & responsibility of Medical Administration trained staff.

SunscreenTo protect your child from sunburn and other hazards of sun exposure, sunscreen should beapplied daily. Caregivers should apply sunscreen to their child before arriving for the day.Nature School Cooperative re-applies sunscreen as directed by the manufacturer’sdirections, and is required every 2 hours children remain outdoors. Parents may eitherprovide sunscreen or consent to having Nature School Cooperative apply sunscreen to yourchild. This form is provided at enrollment.Universal PrecautionsNature School Cooperative staff takes extensive precautions to maintain a healthyenvironment for students. All staff members are required to present evidence of a currenthealthy physical examination. They also attend a Universal Precautions Class, along with CPRand First Aid, to ensure that they are doing their very best to ensure all students remain safe,healthy and happy. Additionally, there is one staff member on site at all times with anup-to-date certification in Wilderness First Aid.Accidents and InjuriesAll teachers and staff are trained in CPR and First Aid and are qualified to treat students in thecase of a minor injury, illness, or accident.In the case of an accident or injury, the parent receives an Accident or Incident Reportdescribing the nature of the incident and the actions taken in response. A copy is kept on file.In the case of a serious medical emergency, the staff calls 911. The hospital designated by theparent on the Emergency Contact Form is the first choice for Nature School Cooperative, butmedical personnel or paramedics make the final decision. Parents/Caregivers are notifiedimmediately, and a staff member from Nature School Cooperative Preschool accompanies thestudent to the hospital. If the parent/caregiver cannot be reached, people on the emergencycontact list are called.*Please note that parents/caregivers are required to respond to the school when contactedregarding a student’s illness or injury within no more than one hour after contact or after amessage was left.*Nature School Cooperative staff Wilderness First Aid certified. We use Dynamic RiskAssessment (including hourly weather tracking) to prioritize children's health and wellness, inall ways while still creating opportunities to receive the benefits of risky play & learning. If youwould like to learn more, we are always happy to nerd out about Risk Benefit Analysis andDynamic Risk Assessment. Caregivers also sign a waiver of liability at the time of enrollment.

Attendance ProceduresDrop-offStudents are dropped off at the Trailhead, Rec Center, or other specified program locations,and join the Nature School Cooperative through the Arapahoe County open space foradventure! Students must be signed in & out each day by a caregiver. The sign-in and sign-outsheets must have the time of arrival and departure and an authorized person’s signature.Please ensure that students have sunscreen applied, and are dressed appropriately for theweather, with a full change of spare clothes in a backpack they can carry independently.Pick-Up ProtocolsAt the end of a session, Nature School Cooperative staff bring all students to the designatedpick-up location at for your program (Trailhead, Rec Center, or other specified programlocation) Caregivers are required to sign your child out for the day before picking them up.An authorized individual is defined as a parent (people listed on the student’s birth certificate),legal guardian, or persons granted authorization in writing. Students are not released tounauthorized individuals. Caregivers can authorize adults or teenagers (16+) to pick up theirchild by including them on the Emergency Contact Card. If an individual other than a parent oremergency contact adult is picking up a student, Nature School Cooperative requires writtenand signed notice by the parent. The pick-up adult is asked for a photo ID every time, and theparent may be contacted for verification.Late Pick-Up PolicyParents need to plan to arrive at Nature School Cooperative on time in order to be able togather all their children’s belongings. Nature School Cooperative has a late pick-up policy thatincludes late fees and possible suspension or exclusion if the student is continually picked uplate.The Urgent or Sick Student Pick-up Fee is $5 per minute if the student is not picked up withinone hour after the call or message. A student’s enrollment may be terminated if a parent is notaccessible by phone for emergencies and illnesses and for repeated late pick-up. Late fees areadded to your monthly invoice. There are no exceptions to late fees.When a student is left past the end of the school day, the staff attempts to contact theparent/guardian or other persons designated on the authorized Emergency Contact Form. Ifno one has been located to pick up the student after 60 minutes, staff contacts the DHS andevery attempt is made to contact the parents to inform them.

Daily School ProtocolsToiletingStudents have access to outdoor porta-potty toilets throughout the day at the WabashTrailhead and inside flushable toilets during rest time at the Tumfo Tu Movement Masters.Please make sure your student uses the restroom before school. Teachers will sanitize &disinfect all toilets & high touch bathroom surfaces before and after use. In the event of anaccident, students are supported by staff using universal standard precautions. All soiledclothes are placed in a bag, and given to the parents at the end of each day. All students need aset of clean, spare clothes in order to attend Nature School Cooperative.HandwashingPer the guidance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Rules andRegulations Governing the Health and Sanitation of Child Care Facilities’ section 7.10.3.D, handsanitizer or wipes are used by staff and students. These items are stored out of the reach ofstudents. A handwashing station is accessible and used periodically throughout the day.Guidelines for Safe Behavior in NatureSticks, Rocks & PlantsStudents will interact with these materials everyday, and we will facilitate their play inage-appropriate ways. Our guidance is centered around keeping each other safe, attending toour immediate environment, and building communication skills.Collecting, Digging & BuildingAs we support the students in being good stewards of the land we are on, we encouragechildren to not take the first thing they see & not to take more than they need. We encouragecollaborative play, which often includes gathering, altering the land, and creating structures orplay areas. Collectively, we decide how to engage in this activity in relationship with the land.Rolling, Running, Climbing & BalancingImportant sensory experiences, from the vestibular movement of balancing on a log to theproprioception of rolling down a hill, are integral to developing neural networks. We facilitatechildren in exploratory play, collaborative games, and skill building with these activities.Water, Climbing Trees, Fire & ToolsEach child goes through individualized assessment on the risk and capabilities of eachhigher-risk activity. In water or climbing trees: students must be within an arm’s length of anadult and may not engage in water play or climbing without permission from an adult.

In the Event of…Snow ClosureIf we are unable to operate safely for the day, we will send out notifications to all enrolledfamilies by 6 am via text and email. Nature School Cooperative reserves the right to close foremergencies and inclement weather conditions that are unsafe for students or staff. If youthink that Nature School Cooperative may be closed, please call 801 633-3474 and check ourInstagram page @natureschoolcooperativeEvacuationIn the event of a Severe Weather Warning issued by the City and County of Denver that includesthe geographic location of Nature School Cooperative, staff and students follow weatherwarning procedures and evacuate to the designated emergency shelter. Once the students aresafe, Nature School Cooperative staff will begin contacting parents to update them on thesituation and their location.Vacations, Absences, HolidaysPlease let your child’s teachers & staff know about any planned absences as soon as possible.The full monthly tuition is due every month of the year regardless of closures, family vacations,snow days, in-service days, individual family holidays, or extended illness of a child or parent.VisitorsAll visitors are required to sign in and out with Nature School Cooperative and have a validreason for visiting. Visitors may be prospective parents, volunteers, investors, or communitymembers interested in the school or other services we provide. Visitors may also be staff fromregulatory agencies such as Denver Human Services, the Department of Health andEnvironment. The staff of Nature School Cooperative accompanies these visitors at all times.Visitors are never permitted to be alone with a student or group of students at any time.TransportationParents are responsible for dropping off & picking up their child with a staff of Nature SchoolCooperative, as per the procedures detailed above. Staff are not permitted to transportstudents in vehicles. If there is an emergency evacuation procedure we may use an e-cargobike in pedal-only mode, or cargo wagons to transport students to our emergency shelter.

Emergency Contact Pick-UpsAccurate Emergency Contact information enables Nature School Cooperative to contact aparent or other authorized adult in a timely manner. It is required by Colorado Licensing thatthe staff be able to reach you or an emergency contact person in the event that your child is sickor injured. Please provide phone numbers where you or your emergency contacts can bereached during the day. If your phone number changes, please provide the new numberimmediately. It is recommended that every parent list any additional individuals who areauthorized to pick up the student.It is the parent’s responsibility to remove the names of adults who are no longer allowed topick up the student or if someone is legally restricted from visiting or picking up a student dueto custody arrangements or a restraining order. The staff releases a student to either parentlisted on the birth certificate unless there is a court order on record allowing staff to refuse torelease.Please note, Nature School Cooperative is not able to admit a child (or may exclude thechild) in the absence of reliable contact information or if the parent often changes phonesbut does not consistently update the emergency contact card.If someone else is picking up your child make sure that they:● Are listed on the Emergency Contact Form● Have a valid driver’s license or ID● Have a car seat if providing transportation in a vehicle● Sign your child out

Special EventsBirthdaysBirthdays can be a very special time. Parents are welcome to plan a class birthday party withNature School Cooperative staff. In line with our holiday policy, please refrain from bringingsugary treats and snacks to school and use single-use plastics sparingly.For non-traditional ideas of ways to celebrate a birthday at school, here are a few ideas thatdon’t involve food:● Have the class sign a t-shirt and make a birthday crown for the child● Take a piece of festive paper with the child’s name and date of birth and pass it aroundfor each student to write something kind about them● Make a supply donation to the class and have the child share it with the students (askthe teacher what would be helpful/needed)● “Mystery Reader” where a special person surprises the child/class and reads a fewbooks to them● Birthday child brings in favorite book to the class to read● Create a song about the child to the tune of “Happy Birthday”HolidaysNature School Cooperative intends to be as mindful and thoughtful as possible in everythingthat we do — striving for the best for our students and families, and the environment as awhole. In doing so, we recognize that the history of many holidays commonly celebrated in oursociety has been lost, and not all holidays have a positive history, some have more commercialpurposes rather than to commemorate a traditionally significant event.We aim to honor and celebrate holidays and traditions from around the world in authentic andmeaningful ways, while also truly honoring our mission of being an environmentally-consciousschool that helps students connect with the environment, themselves, and others. In teachingour students to be mindful of how what we eat impacts our bodies and brains, along with otherpeople and the environment, we ask that families please follow these guidelines:● Avoid bringing sugary snacks and treats to school● Try to use single-use plastics sparingly● Be aware that many families may not recognize or celebrate the same holidays

Nature School Cooperative does close for the following holidays:● New Year’s Day● Memorial Day● Fourth of July● Labor Day● Thanksgiving Day and the day after● Christmas Eve and Christmas DayThe calendar is subject to change, and we notify parents of all changes via email.Instead of celebrating these holidays in the traditional way at school, we will be touching onsome of the history of each holiday, along with teaching and brainstorming with our studentsways of expressing love and appreciation for people in ways that don’t involve giving traditionalgifts or candy to that person. For example, children can learn that giving the gift of quality timeto a person can be very special. This time can be spent in nature, volunteering, or creatingsomething together, like cooking a meal or making a meaningful project (especially one that canpositively impact the environment or those in need).In-service DaysIn order to continue to provide your child with the highest quality early learning opportunities,Nature School Cooperative staff members are required to attend professional developmenttraining throughout the year. In order to comply with Licensing requirements, each staffmember attends 15 hours of continuing education throughout the course of the year. NatureSchool Cooperative is closed on particular days throughout the year so that staff hasopportunities to attend the required amount of training and education.The Nature School Cooperative CommunityWe strive to create a strong community among Nature School Cooperative families. Tofacilitate that, we host several gatherings throughout the year where parents and otherfamily members can join our staff in celebrating the wonderful things that are happening atNature School Cooperative and with our children.We want you to feel free to contact us at any time to discuss your child, our program, oranything else that may be on your mind. Please be aware that during class sessions, our staff isdiligently supervising students and facilitating the learning process. Additionally, some studentshave a difficult time with transitions and seeing you may cause them to disengage from learningand not participate fully. For these reasons, Nature School Cooperative staff are available beforeand after class to meet with parents.

School/Family PartnershipsParents are the architects of the next generation and their child’s very first teacher. Thepartnership between parents and teachers is the cornerstone for building successful futureleaders and community members. We want to support and encourage parents asdecision-makers and active participants in their child’s education.Parents are invited to visit Feileacan Nature School Cooperative anytime. The best way fora parent to feel confident in the quality of their child’s experience is to observe it firsthand.Stop by anytime.Parent Teacher Conferences (for year-round students)Twice each year, the Nature School Cooperative staff asks parents or guardians to participate inparent/teacher conferences. This is another opportunity for you to stay in contact with yourchild’s teacher, develop goals for your child’s learning, build a good relationship with theteacher, and discuss your child’s development. The conference is a time for the teacher andparent to share the results of the latest developmental assessment and the child’sdevelopmental successes and challenges. The goal is to be able to have open, supportive, andrespectful conversations about the child.MediaNature School Cooperative Preschool would like to take photographs and videos of your childto document their activities and progress while at Nature School Cooperative. Thesephotographs and videos may be used for internal or external purposes. Please complete thePermission and Informed Consent Form to alert Nature School Cooperative of your preferencein this area. We will not sell/advertise photos which identify your children by names or faces.Nondiscrimination PolicyNature School Cooperative is committed to inclusivity and equal opportunity for all staff,students, and families. Nature School Cooperative does not discriminate or allow unlawfulharassment of any kind in our community on the basis of age, color, disability, national or ethnicorigin, ancestry, political affiliation, race, religion or creed, gender, sex (including pregnancy,childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,military service, marital status, or other classes protected by law. This nondiscrimination policyapplies to all aspects of affiliation with Nature School Cooperative.This is a zero tolerance policy. Nature School Cooperative staff, parents, or students whoparticipate in language or actions that harass, demean or belittle another person based on theclassifications listed above will first have a meeting with the Nature School Cooperative director.If this behavior continues, it will result in expulsion from the school without tuitionreimbursement.

Additional PoliciesGrievanceIf you have any concerns, you may contact the Directors of Nature School Cooperative by emailat: natureschoolcoop@gmail.com or by phone at: (720) 802-2667.SiblingsDiscounts are offered to families that have more than one child enrolled at Nature SchoolCooperative. Please see the tuition & program page on our website for more information.SmokingNature School Cooperative is a smoke-free environment. Smoking or the use of tobaccoproducts is prohibited on the premises. This includes the parking lot. In addition, we wantparents to know that secondhand smoke is particularly dangerous to a child’s still-developinglungs and body. Children who breathe secondhand smoke are more likely to develop earinfections, allergies, bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma.Cell PhonesPlease end all cell phone conversations before dropping off or picking up your child at NatureSchool Cooperative. Staff members are looking forward to sharing news of the day with you& your child has a lot to tell you as well! Parent/teacher communication is an important partof supporting your child’s growth and development.Nature School Cooperative staff carry cell phones at all times to be accessible to parents inthe event of an emergency. If you reach voicemail, please leave a message and someone fromNature School Cooperative will contact you within an hour. Feel free to text as well.Children’s BelongingsNature School Cooperative is focused on reconnecting young children with nature. While thereis room for man-made materials that support the exploration and investigation of their naturalenvironment, please talk with Nature School Cooperative staff before sending items from homewith your child to school. Nature School Cooperative and its staff are not responsible for anyforgotten, lost or stolen items brought from home.We recognize that families invest a great deal into the proper gear for children to be able toaccess outdoor education, so please label all items with your child’s first name & last initial sothat our staff can ensure that we facilitate their safe return.Late ChargesLate Charges are added to your account if tuition is not paid on time and/or for late pick-up.

*If it is determined that the pick-up (or any other) policy of Nature School Cooperative is notfollowed as agreed, Nature School Cooperative reserves the right to terminate enrollment.**I have read the handbook and my signature below indicates that I understand & agree to it’sterms and will adhere to protocols and policies outlined withinMy signature below indicates that I have received the Parent Handbook for Nature SchoolCooperative.By completing the enrollment process, I understand and accept responsibility for all that isinvolved in having my child(ren) in the care of Nature School Cooperative.I also understand that my child and I are responsible for adhering to all of the above policiesand procedures as stated in this Parent Handbook. Failure to abide may result in my child’sdismissal from the program.________________________________________Parent Name (Please print)________________________________________Parent Signature________________________________________DateAdditional forms:Emergency contact formKnown AllergyMedications Administration FormsWaiver for safety & weather protocolsSunscreen application permissionPhotography release (box)Illness policy (box),Release of liability form