A few things to note

Separation requires gentle care and awareness, and we acknowledge that each family is on their own path with this process. It is incredibly helpful to use a consistent simple goodbye routine, and stick to it. Often, the quicker the goodbye, the easier it is for your child. If you anticipate having a difficult time with separation, please contact your child’s teacher in advance of the first day of school.

We will give a lot of time and space for children to practice dressing themselves. This is an important part of our curriculum! By encouraging young children to dress themselves, they are learning to be active in their lives, to take ownership, to take risks, and to care for their own basic needs. Step-by-step, we can lead our children to a joyful sense of competence, self-reliance and confidence. For children who are not yet independent with this skill-dressing is not something we do to a child, but something we do with a child. When we do it together, it becomes a pleasant or even joyful shared moment, as well as a time for learning and not rushing it!

Your help in dressing your child appropriately is important. What they are wearing influences their mood and their play. They need simple, practical clothing that does not interfere with climbing, running and clothing that is not too nice or special, as we often get dirty! Your child also will need sturdy outdoor shoes that fit well. As we will be spending time outdoors. Velcro or slip on shoes. No laces please.

Each child should have a complete set of extra clothes to leave at school.

Please label everything. You can bring this in a bag or backpack that will stay at school or go back and forth each day.

In addition, each child should have a pair of indoor shoes which fit firmly on their feet and are free of imagery. These will be kept inside our boot room.

We will be spending time outside rain or shine and in the snow come winter! Please bring the appropriate gear each day.

I ask that you do not bring toys, books, or other playthings from home. Children love to exchange treasures with one another, but it is better if this activity takes place in your home, with your approval. Please be sure that the children do not bring candy, gum or treasures of any kind as this often creates kerfuffles. For each child's birthday I will be sending home a homemade present.

Each child will have an assigned colored handmade ribbon, which will help them find their belongings. It will be located on their snack chair and cubby area.

We will show your child their color on their first day at Miss Ashley’s Nest!