Frequently Asked Questions

  • The program is designed for children ages 18 months-8 years. Children younger and older than that age range are welcome to enroll and families are encouraged to try a free class to see if it is a good fit for their explorer.

  • Tinkergarten sessions are designed for grown-ups and child(ren) to experience together. To provide for the safety of all enrolled, children must attend with a parent or caregiver. Additional caregivers may attend as needed or desired but families are asked to notify the teacher.

  • Siblings under 12 months of age may join at no cost. Siblings over one year should enroll in the class for a discounted rate of $50 per sibling.

    If a sibling needs to attend due to scheduling change (eg. day off at school), they can attend up to two sessions without enrolling. Families are asked to notify the teacher if an extra child needs to attend for a session so they can prepare any necessary materials. 

  • Families are invited to try their first class free!

  • I am committed to making sure that you and your child have a wonderful experience. If issues arise, please reach out to me as soon as possible to get support. If refunds are requested more than 7 DAYS BEFORE the season begins, families will receive a full refund minus a 5% fee. All other refund requests will receive a prorated refund for the remaining classes in the season minus a 25% fee. Families may also request to receive a credit for future seasons to avoid the fee. Please email jennifernatureclass@aol.com with “refund” in the subject line.

  • Credits and refunds are not offered for missed classes, but please reach out to reschedule.

  • Families will be notified via email and text if classes are canceled due to inclement or unsafe weather or teacher health or conflict. The class will be rescheduled and the season end date will extend. If canceled classes are unable to be rescheduled, a prorated refund will be offered.

  • To build community and to allow children to gain confidence in the outdoor classroom, families are asked to commit to an entire season. In rare occasions and with limited availability, families may be able to join with partial attendance at a prorated rate when pre-arranged with the teacher.

  • Yes! Please reach out to me at jennifernatureclass@aol.com

  • Decisions about whether it is safe to hold class are determined by the teacher using local weather guidance and a weather chart. The teacher will update families at least 90 minutes prior to class by email and text message. Whenever possible, the session will be offered at another time the same week.

  • Photos are often taken during class by caregivers or by the teacher. The teacher will occasionally share group photos amongst the class in the weekly post-class email. We would reach out to ask permission before posting photos including a child’s face to social media. Parents often choose to share pictures of their kids at play with Tinkergarten across social media, as they do with many other kids activities. Those choices are up to the individual parent.

  • Sunshine Sprouts play classes have a minimum enrollment requirement of 4 children and a maximum of 15.

Class Policies

Safety Policies

Each child is accompanied by a parent or caregiver. The teacher will support caregivers and do all that she reasonably can to provide a safe learning environment. The teacher will have a First Aid Kit that can be utilized by caregivers if needed. Children can explore on their own as long as they can still see their caregiver. Tinkergarten classes are the perfect place for children to test their physical abilities as long as they feel safe and sturdy. If explorers are taking physical risks, we check in to make sure that they feel sturdy and safe in their risk-taking. Leaders encourage children to engage in risky play, but give clear redirection if or when safety and the safety of friends in the class could be compromised. For example, we celebrate that sticks are the #1 toy of all time, but we make sure that our sticks have plenty of space so they do not touch our friends' bodies. Ultimately, over time, we want to help children learn how to learn their limits while still playing in a way that keeps them and their friends out of true harm. We encourage children not to put nature treasures in their mouths. If a wee one is doing so as a natural part of exploring the world, we work with their guide to try to honor that need in the safest way possible. Children will also practice and build their social skills. Caregivers and the teacher will assist with social interactions as needed to ensure that all children feel safe and welcome. All families will be asked to complete a release of liability waiver before participating.

Health Policies

Before class, families are asked to self assess for symptoms and illness and stay home when needed. During class, families are asked to follow the In-Class Safety Checklist. Families are encouraged to wash hands, sit with pods, and are given their own set of materials whenever possible. If you or someone in your household who attended the Tinkergarten class test positive for COVID-19 after participating in a session, please reach out to the teacher.

Thank you for your interest in my classes!

Please feel free to contact me by email: JenniferNatureClass@aol.com