Kinder Guide
Pick-up & Drop-off
Our start time is 8:30 am. Please drop-off your child no later than your start time as we will begin our hike to base camp shortly after check in. Please call or text Christy at 917-544-9485 if you are running late and she will advise where is best to meet. Children will only be dismissed to parents and caregivers that have been authorized in writing. Any changes must be sent in writing before the child is dismissed.
The map below shows the drop-off and pick-up location. We will meet by the large stone sculpture near the Dog Park.
Communication and Updates
We use Slack (a simple messaging app) to communicate with families, as well as allow families to communicate with each other. We also highly recommend downloading Slack's desktop and iPhone or Android apps. If you haven't received an invite to our Slack channel, please email us.
Families will receive a weekly update on Sunday night via Slack that details the weather forecast, and the plans and activities for the week.
Please always check the forecast each morning before class to ensure that your child comes properly prepared for our days together.
Our school calendar is posted here.
Families should feel free to reach out to Christy at any time, with any questions.
Inclement Weather Plans
When there is severe weather predicted in the forecast we will move or cancel class. Families will receive an email and text by 7am on the day of class if, and where we are moving the class location.
What to Bring
Each child may bring one bag labeled with his/her name. Please include: full water bottle, a snack, additional clothes if needed. Please do not send any toys from home as our goal is to explore the park.
Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Children should come wearing sunscreen, a hat, and bug spray each morning. For reapplication of bug spray we are using Sawyer’s Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, and for sunscreen we are using All Terrain KidSport SPF30 Oxybenzone-Free Natural Sunscreen. If your child is allergic to any of the products we use, or if you prefer they use your brand, please send it along with them to class.
This shampoo and conditioner has tree oil in it which has been proven to repel ticks.
A helpful article for tick prevention can be found here. Please read and check your child for ticks after every class. A study has found Permethrin to be successful with preventing ticks.
What to Wear
Please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. Their clothing should be comfortable and allow them to move and get wet and dirty. Please note that children will be encouraged to immerse themselves in their work, and clothes could become dirty or stained.
On rainy days, rain coats and rain boots are necessary. Playing in the rain is an amazing experience when properly attired. It is important for your child to have proper footwear with rubber soles that will have good grip for running and climbing. Please no open toed sandals, flip flops, or crocs.
For colder days, we recommend arriving in multiple layers for warmth that can be adjusted for the child's comfort. They should come dressed in:
The first layer should be a top and bottom made of wool, fleece, silk or 'Heat Tech'.
The second layer should be warm pants and a sweater or fleece.
The next layer should be a snow suit (to keep bodies warm).
Fleece or wool socks.
Insulated, water proof footwear with rubber soles for gripping.
Winter hat or balaclava, and/or a scarf.
Waterproof gloves/mittens, for cold days 2 pairs can be worn; one thin knit pair and a waterproof heavier pair on top.
On rainy days a rain boots like these are great.
Snacktime
Due to COVID we will not be providing snack until the health department suggests it is safe to do so. Please send your child with a healthy snack to keep them energized. We will use a hand washing station before we sit down for snack time.
Things We Need to Know
Please remember that South Mountain Reservation is an outdoor environment and contains such hazards as bees and poison ivy and other irritants. While we will do our best to avoid these hazards, please let us know if your child is particularly susceptible to them.
If your child has any medical conditions, or is taking medication, please let us know in writing if it was not specified in the Information and Release Form.
Please have your healthcare provider fill out this form and return to us before the beginning of class. As of August 2020 all children must be up to date on their immunizations.
Polices
Attendance Policy:
Maplewood Outside School does not offer make-up classes when a child is absent and class is in session. This policy includes absences due to sickness and family events/vacations. Make-up classes are offered at the discretion of the director only when classes are not held due to Maplewood Outside School cancellation only.
Child Illness Policy:
The full policy is posted here. If your child has any of the following symptoms: a temperature that is at or above 100 degrees, vomiting, diarrhea and/or a rash. The child can not be at school for 48 hours after the symptom has been resolved without medication.
COVID Policy:
Our operating plan is posted here and here.
Payment Policy:
Our payment policy is as follows:
-Payments are due on the 15th of each month.
-A late fee of 10% of your monthly tuition will be added if payment is not received by the 30th and your child will not be able to continue attending class until payment is received.
-This program runs from September through June. Families are expected to be committed to MOS for that time. If a family decides to discontinue with MOS the family is responsible for tuition until their child’s spot is filled.
Emergency Protocol
In case of emergency:
If the situation is safe, teachers and students will remain at camp and leave for pickup at the regular time.
If the situation requires evacuation the teachers will contact the parents via Slack or phone and request that they pick up their child.
If the situation requires immediate evacuation from base camp then teachers will move the children according to the plan below:
-If phones are working the teacher will provide a location for pick up to the parents
-If the phones are not working and the entrance to the park from South Orange Avenue is not reachable then parents will pick up their children at the entrance to the park at Claremont Ave & Warner Road.