Question 1

What is a forest school?

Accepted Answer

A forest school is exactly what it sounds like—a school in a forest, in this case, Astoria Park! Forest schools are the U.S. version of Forest Kindergartens (Waldgindergarten), which have been popular in Germany, Switzerland, and Scandinavia for decades. The movement has seen marked growth in the United States in the last decade, with tremendous growth during Covid. Locally, forest schools exist in Prospect Park, Central Park, Forest Park, Sunset Park, and various pocket parks throughout NYC. Astoria Sprouts will be the first dedicated forest school in our neighborhood!

Question 2

Why forest school?

Accepted Answer

Children who spend time in nature are more confident, have increased cognitive abilities, have better self-regulation skills, and are more socio-emotionally aware. They learn to problem solve and work with others and utilize their imaginations.

Question 3

Will my child(ren) be outside the whole time? What about really bad weather?

Accepted Answer

There is no bad weather, just bad clothes! Camp sessions will be held entirely outside whether it is sunny, rainy, snowy, or cold. Cancellations occur very rarely and only in dangerous weather. You will be contacted via Bright Wheel, the daycare app we use, by 7 a.m. on the day of camp.

When a weather-related cancellation occurs during the regular spring and fall sessions, an alternative make-up day will be offered. Outside of the offered alternative days, additional make-up days will not be available.

No make-up days are offered for weather-related cancellations during summer sessions.

Question 4

Where should we drop off and pick up?

Accepted Answer

Children should be dropped off at and picked up from the benches located at 19th Street and 24th Avenue.

Question 5

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. No makeup classes are available for classes missed for personal reasons, including illness or travel.

When a weather-related cancellation occurs during the regular spring and fall sessions, an alternative make-up day will be offered. Outside of the offered alternative days, additional make-up days will not be available.

No make-up days are offered for weather-related cancellations during summer sessions.

Question 6

What about the bathroom? Also, is being potty-trained a requirement?

Accepted Answer

Children who are not potty-trained are welcome. Please pack a folding changing mat, diapers, and wipes.

Potty-trained children will utilize public facilities when available. When they are not available, a portable children’s potty will be utilized. A spray hand soap or hand sanitizer will also be used.

Question 7

Is food provided?

Accepted Answer

No. Please pack plenty of healthy snacks and water each day. Your children will be engaged in active play, and they will get hungry! We will have time set-aside for group snack time, but children can also snack whenever they please.

Question 8

What about naps?

Accepted Answer

No nap time will be provided. Children who need a morning nap should not be registered.

Question 9

What is your child-to-teacher ratio?

Accepted Answer

For children aged two to four, the ratio is 4:1, though there will always be a minimum of two teachers present.

Question 10

How will parents communicate with teachers?

Accepted Answer

Astoria Sprouts uses Bright Wheel, a daycare app that allows real-time communication. Bright Wheel is also utilized for payment, sharing of individualized photos, forms and documentation, etc. It is our communication hub.

FAQ