FAQ about NSNs
1. Do you go
outside
in bad weather?
YES! We go outside in all kinds of weather - rainy, snowy, sunny,
windy, cold. We try not to refer to the weather as "bad" or "good", but
just to describe it. As long as children are dressed appropriately,
they can have fun outside all the time. The one exception to this rule
is that we do not go out in a severe thunderstorm.
2. Does my child need to be toilet-trained?
We prefer for children to be trained, as we don't have the facilities
or the time to be changing them, but we don't make it a rule. We will
deal with an emergency, but for the most part, if a child is in diapers
they will not be changed. We also make sure each child has used the
toilet before we go outside.
3. Can I stay with my child?
We encourage parents to leave for several reasons: we like children
to feel the classroom is their space, and that is hard if the room has
too many adults. It's also hard on other sensitive children if a parent
stays when their own parents have left. If you feel you need to be
present
for longer than a few minutes, we suggest you leave the room at circle
time. Some people have found it useful to stay on the premises (in the
library or the living room) until they are reassured that their child
is fine. Yes, your child may cry at first, but we can cope with that,
and, believe me, it will only be temporary.
4. Can I come into the room early?
The teachers are often still setting up and discussing last minute
changes before the class. And our opening activities are designed to
take only 15-20 minutes. So we would ask that you come into the room no
more than 5 minutes earlier than the time set for class. If you arrive
early, you can go for a walk (get your child to show you a special
place) or visit other parts
of the building (Habitat hosts art shows in the living room that change
monthly)
5. What happens if we forget snack?
We have cups and will give children water (at any time). There are
limited snacks available in the office for 65 cents each - I suggest
you go in to choose by yourself, as there are tempting candy bars
there. We can also share our own food in an emergency. By the way,
please remember to keep it
simple - it is just a snack, not lunch!
6. Can I bring in snack for the whole group
(for a birthday celebration, for example)?
Please check with the teachers first, in case we have children with
food allergies in the group. Please note that our room is a
peanut-free
zone.
7. What is the snow policy?
If Belmont schools are closed, our class does not meet. If Belmont
declares a delayed opening, we will have class. The issue is your
safety on the roads - you should use your own discretion when
travelling from other towns. We have few opportunities for make-up
classes, so if we have to cancel class because of snow, you will get a
credit.
8. How will I know how my child is doing?
Your child is doing fine. If we have any concerns, we will talk to you
after class or call you during the week. If you have any concerns, call
617 489 5050 ext 207 and leave a message about the best time to return
your call.
You may also talk to us briefly after class - but it's better if the
time before class is used for quick issues only (someone else picking
up your
child that day, etc) as we need to be focused on the children. You can
also
use email:
fhutchinson@massaudubon.org
9. Are the teachers qualified?
Yes - you can read about our individual qualifications on the board
outside the classroom.
10. Is there danger from poison ivy?
West Nile Virus? Eastern Equine Encephalitis?
Lyme Disease?
We DO have quite a lot of poison ivy, but we show the children what
it looks like, we teach them to keep to the paths in the affected
areas,
and we will tell you if we believe your child has come into contact
with
it. Young children tend to be less susceptible than older children and
adults.
Mosquitoes are prevalent in the spring and summer, and we recommend
that you use insect repellent on your child if s/he is particularly
susceptible to the bites. But we haven't had any cases of
mosquito-borne disease - we would let you know if a problem developed
in this region.
Deer have been sighted close to the visitor center at Habitat. So it is
possible that there may be deer ticks on the property (we usually find
the
larger dog ticks) but we have had no cases of Lyme Disease. However, we
recommend
that until the first hard frost, you should check your child for ticks
after
class, and that children wear long pants and/or insect repellent.