What is your Fee / daily schedule like?

Does my child need to be potty-trained?

  • Yes. Your child needs to be able to use the bathroom with minimal assistance (pull-ups are acceptable).

What is the teacher/student ratio?

  • 1:7

How does NC Nature + Nurture keep us updated on what my child is doing?

  • We use BRIGHTWHEEL to check students in/out, to communicate with families, send pictures and text updates throughout our day/week/month/year, and for all billing and other miscellaneous information.

What do I need to bring each day?

  • You will receive a specific list in our Welcome Packet with everything you need for each day of preschool. These things include a backpack with lunch, a change of clothing, and a refillable water bottle.

What is your discipline policy?

  • We apply “Gentle Discipline”, which involves setting firm boundaries while using caring and respectful language to protect the feelings of the child.
    • We establish clear + realistic expectations and use positive language to enforce boundaries and emphasize what is allowed/expected/safe.
    • We do not use Time-Outs to remove a child from our play
    • We do gently remove objects/items from a child who is not using them safely/kindly
    • We use praise and acknowledgment to reinforce positive behavior every day
    • We prioritize compassion and empathy by actively listening to the child’s perspective and offering multiple choices to help them solve the problem
    • We work to create a sense of community and cooperation among the kids and encourage them to support each other and work together

Am I able to stay until my child is acclimated?

  • No, we do not allow guardians/parents/caregivers to stay. While we want your child to feel comfortable as soon as possible, we also believe in using opportunities such as these to help empower your child and boost their confidence and autonomy. A period of adjustment to a new environment and a new routine is completely normal, even for adults. These changes are extremely healthy for kids to experience at a young age, and we find they adapt to the routine of drop-offs and pick-ups quickly.

What is your sick policy?

  • Please keep your child home if they have a fever or are contagious with other illnesses. We operate outdoors so we do not mind if your child attends with a slight cold, stuffy/runny nose, or a mild cough. (According to research, movement and fresh air may help shorten the duration of sickness).
  • If your child misses days, we do not offer refunds/credits/additional days.

What is the policy for taking a vacation?

  • We are closed 4 weeks of the school year (calendar here) and recommend aligning your vacation times with the school calendar.
  • We do not offer a pause in tuition or credit for weeks missed

What is the policy for inclement weather?

  • We align with the policies/schedule of Wake County Public School System and will cancel when they deem it appropriate.
  • a 2-hour delay from WCPSS will be a cancellation of NC Nature + Nurture Preschool day
  • We will alert you through Brightwheel if we close or need you to pick up your child early due to the weather

Do you have any animals on site?

  • We have BANDIT! A 4 year old lab (Ms. Jess’ dog) who adventures with us into the woods from day to day.
  • We also have CHICKENS! We check on the chickens as our program advances and even have the opportunity to collect their eggs.

Do you post pictures of my child on your social media?

  • We will send you an acknowledgment form in your Welcome Packet that will allow you to choose your comfort level with social media

Do you provide snacks/food/drinks?

  • Occasionally we bring group snacks/popsicles to share with the group. We love to celebrate and share food when the opportunity arises. You may choose to opt out of this for your child when you complete the acknowledgment form after enrollment.

Are you licensed?

  • Outdoor/nature schools are not currently eligible to be licensed in NC. NC Nature + Nurture is in collaboration with DHHS, UNCG, + NCSU to help establish these future guidelines through the Natural Learning Initiative.