Questions
What families ask us
What ages and hours do you have?
We take children ages 3 to 5. Forest mornings run 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., three or five days a week, and the school day runs 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
How does a tour work?
A tour takes about an hour on a weekday morning. You walk to the morning spot with the group, see the indoor base and have time for questions. Children are welcome, and boots are a good idea.
What sets tuition?
Your child's age group, the program you choose and the days a week. The enrollment page shows the figures, and we go through them with you on a tour.
How is a place held, and how does the waitlist work?
When we offer a place, you hold it with a deposit that goes toward your first month's tuition. If we have no place yet, you join the waitlist, and offers go out in the order families joined, by email and a phone call.
Is Fiddlehead licensed, and who is first-aid trained?
Yes. We are licensed by the Vermont Department for Children and Families, Child Development Division. The license, the adult-to-child numbers for each age and the staff checks are on the safety board, and an adult with current CPR and first-aid training is always with the children.
What if it rains, or it is very cold?
Light rain and snow are forest weather, and children dress for them. In steady heavy rain, an icy trail, a storm or the deepest cold, the day is shorter outside or moves to the indoor base. The director texts every family by 7:00 a.m.
What about photos of my child?
We ask your written permission before we share any photo of your child, on this site, in newsletters or on social media, and you can change your answer at any time. We never put a child's name with a photo, and the photos on this site are examples until we replace them with our own.
What do we need to bring?
Waterproof outer layers, warm layers, boots, a water bottle, lunch on school days and a spare set of clothes for the cubby. We send a list by season, and the loaner shelf has rain gear to borrow.
Do children need to use the toilet on their own?
No. Children are welcome whether or not they use the toilet on their own. We ask that a child can tell us when they need to go, and an adult goes with them. Tell us at the tour what works for your child, and we will plan together.
What happens on a hard day?
A hard day is a normal day for a three-year-old. A teacher sits close, says what is happening and offers a quiet spot on a log or at the base. If it does not ease, we call you.
Still have a question?
Call, text or write, and the director will answer.