Where is your program located?
Our program operates in Spring Lake Regional Park with occasional trips to other locations such as city parks, Doran Beach and the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County with the support of additional adult supervision.
What are your hours?
We operate from 9am to 1pm.
What happens in the event of poor air quality due to smoke?
Roots to Branches operates as long as AQI is under 100; families will be notified by 7am if the program will be closed due to air quality. In the event air quality changes throughout the course of the day and becomes unhealthy for children, they will be required to be picked up from the program immediately. Prior to the beginning of the program year, families will have the option to participate in creating a contingency plan that will be enacted during air quality closures.
What happens when it rains?
We embrace the Swedish saying, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes.” Families are asked to prepare their children for rain by providing full waterproof rain gear with warm layers underneath, changes of clothing, and most importantly, a positive outlook about engaging in the elements. Children often love playing in the rain and mud, but are certainly influenced by any negative perceptions about wet weather. As California is prone to drought, we celebrate rain as a gift from nature.
We will seek out shelter and provide a small pop-up to take occasional retreats from rain. In the event of any flood risk or extreme thunderstorms, the program will close due to potential safety hazards.
What does my child need to bring for the day?
Each child is asked to come prepared with a durable child-sized backpack for the day containing the following items:
- Reusable containers with enough food to sustain your child for the day
- Reusable, filled water bottle (we will replenish as necessary)
- Change of clothing appropriate for the weather
- Wet/dry bag for soiled clothing
- Family Photo
- Sunscreen/sun protective hat in warmer months
What about the bathroom?
We begin and end each day in a stationary location where a toilet is available, and ask that parents/caregivers help their child use the bathroom at drop off. Bathrooms are easily accessed in the parks we use, but there will be times when children will need to use “nature’s bathroom.”
What does a typical day look like?
Our day will ebb and flow depending on the interests of each group, but will follow a general rhythm:
- 9:00-9:15 am: Arrival for all families. This is a time for children to say a predictable goodbye and settle into the program. Books, puzzles, and drawing will be available to provide transition.
- 9:15 am: Group gathering to ground ourselves and discuss our plan for the day. Gratitude practice, games, observations, and songs are shared together. We also utilize this time to create group agreements, express ideas, and discuss previous play scenarios.
- 9:45-11:30 am: Follow through with discussed interests of the group gathering, and explore park areas accordingly; continue investigations from previous days. Multiple play scenarios or engagements may simultaneously take place with smaller groups (art, imaginary play, scientific inquiry, physical games, etc.). We will break for snacks as necessary.
- 11:30am-12:00pm: Return to drop off/pick up area
- 12:00-12:30pm: Lunch and daily reflection, followed by self-guided play
- 1:00pm: Pick up