Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your first morning in the forest.
Is my child too young for forest school?
Not at all! Babies are natural scientists. At 12 months, they’re absorbing the world through every sense - feeling bark, hearing birdsong, watching leaves dance. You’ll be amazed at what they take in.
My baby is 10 or 11 months - can we still join?
Probably! The 12-month starting age is a guideline, not a hard cutoff. If your baby is sitting independently and you think they’d enjoy being outdoors with other kids, reach out and we’ll chat.
What if my child won’t sit for circle time?
Totally normal and totally fine. Toddlers learn by moving. If your child wants to wander during circle, let them - they’re still listening. We keep circles short and engaging for exactly this reason.
What if it rains?
We go! Rain is some of our best exploring weather - puddles, worms, dripping leaves, the sound of rain on the canopy. Dress in rain gear and embrace it. We only cancel for safety concerns like lightning, extreme wind, or hazardous air quality.
Is this a drop-off class?
No. A parent or caregiver stays for the entire session. This is a shared experience - you’re learning alongside your kid, not dropping them off. That’s what makes it special.
What about diaper and clothes changes?
We bring a pop-up privacy tent to every session with a changing mat and a children’s potty inside. Parents handle their own child’s changes. It’s private, sheltered, and always set up before you arrive.
Can a grandparent or nanny bring my child?
Absolutely. Any trusted adult caregiver listed on your registration form is welcome. Just make sure they’ve read the handbook and know the expectations.
What should we wear?
Dress for mess. Layers, rain gear when it’s wet, closed-toe shoes with good grip (no sandals or Crocs on the trail), and clothes you don’t mind getting muddy. Pro tip: keep a “forest school bin” in your car with rain gear, backup boots, and a change of clothes.
What do I need to bring?
A small backpack your child can carry with: water, a nut-free snack, diapers/wipes if needed, a full change of clothes, and two clean washcloths in a ziplock for muddy hands. Apply sunscreen and bug spray before arrival. That’s it - we supply everything else.
Can I bring my older child or baby sibling?
Babies in carriers are always welcome - they’re along for the ride and the fresh air. For older siblings (3–5), reach out before registering and we’ll see if we can make it work. As Little Roots grows, we plan to add programming for older kids too.
My child has allergies. Is that okay?
We are a nut-free class. Each family brings their own snacks and we don’t share food between families. Please note all allergies on your registration form and carry any necessary medications (EpiPen, inhaler, etc.).
When should we stay home?
If your child has a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, an undiagnosed rash, or any contagious illness - please stay home and rest. Clear runny noses and seasonal allergies are totally fine. When in doubt, just reach out.
What’s the registration fee?
The registration fee is a one-time $49 fee per family that covers supplies and administrative costs. It’s non-refundable, but you only pay it once - returning families don’t pay it again. Founding Families pay no registration fee.
How much does it cost?
$99 per month, plus a one-time $49 registration fee. Founding Families pay no registration fee. Payment is processed securely through Stripe.
What is the Founding Families perk?
Every family who enrolls in our June 2026 session is a Founding Family - and Founding Families pay no registration fee. It’s our way of saying thank you to the families who believe in Little Roots from the very beginning. Follow us on Instagram @littleroots.school (opens in new tab) to be the first to know when registration opens.
How much can I save with a bundle?
We offer two bundle options: Full Year (June–May) for $999, or School Year (September–May) for $799. Both waive the $49 registration fee. Bundles are a great option if you’re ready to commit and want to save.
Do you offer a referral discount?
Yes! Refer a family who enrolls and you’ll get $25 off your next month’s tuition. There’s no limit, so the more families you refer, the more you save. Any credits beyond a single month’s tuition will roll over to the following month.
Do you offer a sibling discount?
Yes. Families enrolling two or more children get $25 off their first month’s tuition.
What’s your refund and cancellation policy?
We’re a small business and we plan our supplies, staffing, and session capacity based on enrollment. We’ve tried to make this policy fair to families while allowing us to operate sustainably.
Monthly subscription ($99/month): Your enrollment is a rolling monthly subscription - once you’re in, you’re in! You can cancel anytime with 2 weeks notice before your next billing date. No refunds for partial months or missed sessions.
Bundles ($999 Full Year or $799 School Year): Refundable on a prorated basis minus a $50 early withdrawal fee. Proration is based on sessions remaining.
The registration fee is non-refundable. If Little Roots cancels a session due to weather or safety, we will reschedule or add a makeup session at no cost.
How do I register?
Head to our Register page! Fill out the registration form, then complete your payment through Stripe. You’ll be signed up for a monthly subscription that renews automatically. You’ll get a confirmation email right away, and we’ll follow up with the Family Handbook and a welcome message. Spots are limited to 15 families. Follow us on Instagram @littleroots.school (opens in new tab) for announcements.
When can I expect a response to my email?
I check email Tuesday through Friday and respond within 24 hours. Weekends and Mondays are family time, so messages sent then will get a reply Tuesday morning.
What if spots are full?
Each session is limited to 15 families, and spots do fill up. If we’re full when you try to register, email us at hello@littleroots.school to be added to our waitlist. We’ll reach out as soon as a spot opens or when registration for the next session begins. You can also follow us on Instagram @littleroots.school (opens in new tab) to be the first to know.
Do I need to re-enroll for fall?
Nope! Your $99/month enrollment is a rolling subscription - once you’re in, you’re in! No need to re-enroll each season. If you’d like to switch to a bundle to save, current families get first dibs on fall bundle options before we open them to the public.
Little Roots