Roly Poly Class

modeling consent & respectful relationship-building for AGEs 2-3

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Roly Poly Class is a part-time drop-off program in a small group setting intended for families with children age 2-3 who are seeking a soft middle-step before their preschool adventures begin.

If you are looking for a program to attend with your child, please see our Family Forest Explorers program.

daily rhythm

9am — Arrival

songs / stories

snacks

free play / adventuring

lunch & stories

12:30 — extended day begins

~rest~

art / music / birding

2pm— goodbye

 

intentions

Our goal is to support your child and family through this next stage of development as your child grows more independent, and begins to take steps into their own autonomy. Consent is a key element at this stage in your child’s life. We model consent practices to help children develop the skills to be in good relationship with each other, and the environment. Our job is to earn each child’s trust. We nurture a foundation of a trusting relationship, allowing each child to embody what it feels like to be a respected and appreciated member of a community— all while making friends in the mud, foraging berries and herbs for tea, giggling in excitement at the burrowing owls and gopher snakes, and singing along the way!


hours & cost

This program has multiple enrollment options between 2-5 days per week, 9am - 12:30pm, following our school calendar. There is also an option to extend the day until 2pm.

The cost for the 2024-2025 school year is $975 for 2 days per week, $1450 for 3 days per week, or $1850 for 4 days per week, and $2100 for 5 days per week. We recommend that all households with an annual gross income of less than $200k annually fill out our tiered tuition form to find a tuition rate that works for their family.

The class size is 8-10 children total, with 2 teachers present. This class is held outdoors rain or shine, with the exception of unsafe weather conditions when we retreat to an indoor backup location.

Behavior & communication

After these years of fewer social opportunities for families and young children, we do expect that many children may not have had much practice in playing together, “sharing”, or communicating with adults outside of their household. We have patience for all of the ways in which these feelings may manifest in their communication and behaviors, and will work with children to show them safe outlets for their frustrations.

Hitting and biting are oftentimes the result of feeling overwhelmed, especially if a child is not able to communicate their needs, feelings, or fears. We do not shame children, or use any punitive punishments. If a child is hitting or biting we work to ensure each child is understood, feeling safe, and supported, and offer each child (and their family) tools to help them communicate their needs. Non-speaking children, children from multilingual households, and children with communication challenges are always welcomed. We aim to work with the language and communication style of each child.

“What’s that sound? Do you hear?”

“What’s that sound? Do you hear?”

“I can help my friends. I hold this side you hold there, ok?”

“I can help my friends. I hold this side you hold there, ok?”


FAQ

Diapers & Toilet-Learning: Children who use diapers (cloth or disposable) are welcome to use them in our program. We also have a “little potty” available, which is sanitized between each use. There is no “potty training requirement”.