Program Readiness
Supporting Your Child's Start in Our Programs
Our goal is always to honor each child’s unique developmental journey and ensure they are in an environment where they can flourish. Listed further below are the developmental skills that help children thrive in Forest Year, After‑School class, camps, and all offerings beyond our parent/child classes.
We care deeply about your child’s well‑being and sense of belonging. Because each child adjusts in their own way, the first two weeks of enrollment serve as a gentle transition period for families and teachers to ensure the environment supports your child’s growth.
Two Week Adjustment & Support Period
If you feel that the program is not the right fit for your child during this time, please email us within the first two weeks of the start date to request withdrawal. We will provide a refund for tuition paid, minus the non‑refundable deposit and the prorated days attended.
If, during the first two weeks, our educators and program directors determine that the program is not meeting your child’s needs in a supportive and healthy way, we will reach out to you. In that case, your child would be withdrawn, and we would refund tuition paid, minus the deposit and prorated days.
Program Readiness Checklist
To help ensure your child can safely and comfortably participate in our programs, children are generally able to:
Social & Emotional Readiness
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Engage positively with peers
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Stay with the group
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Respond when their name is called
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Seek help or communicate needs (cold, discomfort, hunger, etc.)
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Stay safe when upset (not prone to running or hiding)
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Does not need continous one-on-one support to be successful
Safety & Self‑Care Skills
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Follow simple instructions and basic safety rules
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Follow Heartwood Student Guidelines: Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Responsible
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Demonstrate general stamina for the full class day
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Be potty‑confident (see details below)
Outdoor Readiness
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Tolerate a range of weather conditions (cold, rain, heat)
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Wear weather‑appropriate clothing (rain gear, hats, gloves, boots)
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Able to carry a small backpack with lunch and water
"SOLO ADVENTURERS" POLICY
Staying with the group is essential for safety in a large, wooded environment like St. Edward State Park. Some children are still developing the impulse control needed to remain close to their caregivers, and occasionally separating from the group can become a significant safety concern.
If a child runs away or hides from the group two or more times, we will withdraw them from Heartwood for the year. This allows time for your child to continue growing the self‑regulation skills needed to participate safely and confidently in our outdoor setting. It is very common for children in this age range to need additional time to reach this developmental milestone, and we warmly encourage you to reapply the following year.
"POTTY CONFIDENT" POLICY:
We understand that young children are still developing independence, and occasional accidents may happen. If an accident requires more than a simple clothing change, we will ask families to come to the park to help their child into clean clothes. Because we do not have appropriate facilities, our staff is unable to change children out of soiled clothing. Pull‑ups may be used as a safeguard for children who need a little extra support, but they should not be relied on as a substitute for using the potty.
If a child experiences more than a couple of accidents within a quarter (fall, winter, spring, or summer), it may be a sign that they are not yet ready for the full day and outdoor rhythm at Heartwood. If accidents are frequent, we will ask families to withdraw and reapply when their child’s potty confidence may be stronger.
Teachers are able to assist with clothing as needed and can help lift smaller children onto the toilet seat. Our goal is always to support children with dignity, safety, and respect as they grow in self‑care skills.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about a specific readiness requirement or are unsure of your child’s readiness for Heartwood, please contact us.