Family Resources

On this page you will find information that will help you and your child become familiar with Mountain Sprouts. We look forward to building a partnership with our caregivers to best meet the unique developmental needs of each child while introducing them into a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world and a lifelong passion for learning.

Links:

Mountain Sprouts Behavior Guidance Philosophy

When to keep your child home from school:

It can be difficult to know when to keep your child at home when they are not feeling 100%. Here are some guidelines to help make those decisions a bit easier: Keep in mind that your child should only be in school if they feel well enough to play and learn. If your child is too tired or out- of- sorts to participate, keep them home to rest until they feel better.

If your child has the following symptoms, please keep them home: Fever (100.4F) or chills • Cough • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • Unusual fatigue • Muscle or body aches • Headache • Recent loss of taste or smell • Congestion or runny nose • Sore throat • Nausea or vomiting • Diarrhea

Why Nature Based Education?

Learning outside supports creativity and problem solving in children, enhances cognitive abilities, critical thinking skills, scientific reasoning, and hands on hypothesis testing. Students who learn in and from nature tend to have long term positive memories of their learning experiences.
A nature preschool program uses the natural world to support dual goals that address both child development and conservation values.
Nature based learning enhances interpersonal relationships, helps reduce anxious energy, promotes focus, engagement in learning, *and* being outside relieves stress. Students gain a deeper sense of place and the interconnection between people and nature.
Along with helping mentally, nature based education has physical benefits. Outdoor time in a natural landscape holds advantages for students’ motor coordination and balance, above what is gained through outdoor time on traditional playground equipment.

Nature Based School Readings and Information

Click the titles below for more information.
**What is Nature Preschool?** *from Natural Start Alliance*
**Best Day Ever: Forest Kindergarten** *from Vermont PBS (video)*
**The Benefits of Nature Play for Children** *from firstfiveyears.org*
**Learning in Nature: The Benefits** *by Rebecca Hosley*
**Nature-Based Education Outdoor Preschool Forest Kindergarten** | *Samara Early Learning Rachel Larimore* *(video)*
**Risky Play and Children’s Safety: Balancing Priorities for Optimal Child Development** *by Brussoni, M., Olsen, L.L., Pike, I., & Sleet, D.A.*

What to wear to a nature based school

Students should be dressed for active and participatory play. Your child should wear sturdy, protective shoes which will enable them to run, climb, and explore nature with ease. Children are outside every day, so please dress your child appropriately. In the winter, hat and mittens are required accessories. Snow pants and insulated, waterproof boots are important whenever there is snow on the ground. Rain boots and raincoats are needed to explore when the environment is wet. Children should have a change of clothes with them at all times.

If you have difficulty finding or acquiring weather appropriate clothing, please let our staff know. We always have a supply on hand.

Link: How to Dress Your Kids for the Outdoors by REI.