Pre-School Guide
Pick-up & Drop-off
Our days will begin at 9 am and run until 12 pm/ 1:30 pm. Please drop off your child no later than 9 am as we will begin our hike to base camp shortly after 9 am. Please call or text Veronica at 973-510-9493 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 entrance of the trail across from Bramhall Terrace, near the parking spots. It is on the right side as you drive on Crest Drive.
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.
After each class. parents will receive a brief on what their child did that day with pictures via Slack.
Please always check the forecast each morning before class to ensure that your child comes properly prepared for our days together.
Our separation guide is posted here.
Our caregiver agreement is posted here.
Our drop-off and pick-up policy is posted here.
Families should feel free to reach out to Natalia at any time, with any questions.
Inclement Weather Plans
At MOS, we prioritize the safety and enjoyment of all explorers. While we aim to maximize outdoor learning experiences, we recognize that certain weather conditions may negatively impact the comfort and engagement of the entire group. If the weather forecast predicts extreme conditions such as heavy rain, excessive heat, high winds, or dangerously cold temperatures, we reserve the right to transition to indoor activities.
In such cases, the decision to go inside will be made with the well-being of all students in mind. We will provide alternative indoor activities that are equally educational and engaging, ensuring that the learning experience continues seamlessly, regardless of the weather. Our goal is to maintain a positive and productive environment for every student.
When there is incelemtn weather predicted in the forecast we will move or cancel the class. Families will receive a slack message by 7:30 am on the day of class if, and where we are moving the class location. If time allows, a text and/or email will also be sent.
What to Bring
Each child may bring one bag labeled with his/her name. Please include a full water bottle, a snack, lunch if applicable, additional clothes, even if your child is potty trained, and diapers if needed. Please do not send any toys from home as our goal is to explore nature.
Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Children should come to class wearing sunscreen, a hat, and bug spray each morning.
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 in 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, raincoats 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 a 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 snowsuit (to keep bodies warm).
Fleece or wool socks.
Insulated, waterproof 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 rain boots like these are great.
Rain suits will be provided and should be brought to class and used as a waterproof layer when it is raining or the ground is damp.
Snacktime
Please send your child with a healthy snack that adheres to the allergy policy 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 it to us before the beginning of class.
Policies
Allergy Policy (2024-2025 School Year):
At Maplewood Outside School, we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students. This policy is designed to enhance the safety and well-being of children with food allergies by minimizing exposure risks in our preschool.
At the beginning of each school year, we will identify and communicate any life-threatening allergies present in our classrooms to ensure awareness among staff and families.
To support a safe environment, we ask families to follow these food guidelines:
For the 2024-2025 school year, please do not send foods that contain sesame, including tahini and/or sesame oil, in your child’s snack or lunch.
Peanuts and tree nuts are allowed for the 2024-2025 school year.
Please be mindful of classroom allergy notifications that may arise during the year.
To minimize the risk of exposure, we kindly ask that if your child consumes sesame-containing foods before school, they wash their hands thoroughly before arriving.
To ensure the safety of all students, food sharing is not permitted during school hours.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create a safe and inclusive environment for all children. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
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.
Harmful Actions Policy:
The safety of each child is our first concern. We are in the forest to keep children in our care safe and to have fun, in that order. Our harmful actions policy is posted here.
Payment Policy:
Our payment policy is posted here. Some things to note:
-Payments are due on the 1st of each month.
-A late fee of $50 will be added if payment is not received by the 1st. Repeated late payment (more than two months in arrears) is grounds for dismissal.
Other Important Policies:
Only in the case of MOS canceling classes due to severe weather or other unforeseeable events will makeup classes be offered. After 5 weather days have been used MOS will offer make-up days at the end of the school year.
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.