Question 1

What are the benefits of a Nature/Farm-Based Education?

Accepted Answer

When children engage in play-based learning in nature, in the greatest classroom of all...the outdoors, they begin to lay the foundation for caring for, respecting and learning about wildlife. Explorers by Nature programs create engaged and passionate children who experience a true joy for learning. Our Farm and Nature Schools offer a multitude of benefits including: improved health, communication and focus skills, promotes risk-taking, encourages problem-solving, empowers learners, boosts creative and imaginative thinking, development of fine and gross motor skills. Children also build confidence in themselves as they gain new physical, social, emotional and knowledge about the natural world around us!  Parents/caregivers also benefit through meeting like-minded families as they become a part of our Explorers by Nature community through attending additional nature playdates offered each season, and other special events designed for the whole family!

Question 2

Where is Explorers by Nature located?

Accepted Answer

Explorers by Nature is a nomadic style 100% outdoor program with Nature & Farm School & Play offerings. We meet at rotating parks, gardens and farms primarily in East County San Diego.  Locations are strategically selected to achieve our vision of fostering a love of nature in children, while learning about native CA flora and fauna. Our outdoor classroom spaces offer explorers a beautiful blend of creeks to explore, trees and boulders to climb, farm animals to interact with and learn about, trails with mountain-views to hike, shady oak groves and open green spaces to play in!  Since locations vary by program, if you would like specifics please reach out to us to confirm.

Question 3

What should I pack for my child's day at Nature/Farm School?

Accepted Answer

For a successful Nature/Farm School experience, please plan send your explorer with a backpack containing the following items: 1-2 full changes of clothes (layers are always a good idea), hat and extra shoes (and a plastic bag to put wet/dirty clothes into) water bottle, and a lunchbox packed with a healthy lunch and extra snacks. Be sure to send your child to Nature/Farm School in clothes that can get wet/dirty/stained. Additionally, please send your child to each class with a mat or towel that can be used outdoors in the grass/dirt for circle time and lunchtime.

Please be sure to leave the following items home: electronics, toys, candy, and clothes/shoes that cannot get dirty/stained.

Question 4

My child doesn't always pay attention or sit still, is that OK?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Explorers by Nature is designed with this in mind, and we take their developmental needs to move often and engage in novel activities into account while planning the rhythm of our day.  Explorers by Nature is a child-led program, and we believe that children learn best when they are able to lead the way. Given this philosophy, we cherish both the slow moments in our day, as well as the wild, loud and active moments! With our low ratio, and trained teachers, we give children the freedom to move and play in ways that their bodies need.  Every child at Explorers by Nature is welcome and celebrated.

Question 5

Can I use homeschool charter funds to enroll?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Explorers by Nature is with most homeschool charters in San Diego, and the list is always growing, but if not, please contact us to see if we can discuss ways to accommodate.  The process varies slightly depending on which charter school you are with, but the general process is:

Find and book a class with Explorers by Nature in your Charter school's vendor network.
An enrichment certificate will be generated by the school. It may be sent directly, but just in case, please forward it to explorersbynaturesd@gmail.com. 
We'll respond with next steps and to confirm your enrollment.  Once we have received and reviewed the certificate, you will be able to sign up for the class on the Enroll Now page to reserve your spot, and provide the details we need to prepare for the class.

Please note, class space is very limited, and your enrollment is not guaranteed until all aspects of this process are completed.  Discounts are not available for those enrolling using homeschool charter funds.  If a service you are interested in is not listed in your charter school service list or portal, please contact us.

Question 6

What if the weather is bad?

Accepted Answer

At Explorers by Nature, we subscribe to the philosophy that there is "no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices."  With that said, if the weather is unsafe, Nature/Farm School or Nature Play will be rescheduled to the following week.  In the event of rainy/cold/windy weather for Nature/Farm School, we may change locations for the day to another East County SD Park/Farm with a covered pavilion to provide shelter/relief from the weather. If there is a chance of rain/wind/chilly temperatures, I will communicate about the plans for class and provide a clothing/gear guide to support you in dressing your child for a fun and comfortable day of play in rainy/cold weather!

Question 7

Are you licensed,  insured, and background checked?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are both licensed and insured.  Specifically, Amy is a licensed and credentialed Pre-K through 12th grade Educator.  Her master's degree training and expertise is in Early Childhood Education and Differentiated Instruction.  Learn more here.  All Explorers by Nature teachers have completed and passed background checks at the federal and State of California levels.

Question 8

What is the make-up policy?

Accepted Answer

Flexible makeups are offered as long as the teacher is made aware at least 24 hours prior to the planned absence, this is to allow other children to join class a make-up or from our waitlist. Children may attend a different day of Nature/Farm School as a makeup (based on class availability during the current season, prior coordination with the teacher is required). For Nature Play offerings, there is typically a built in make up class offered at the end of the season, but if going to miss more than one class, it's best to coordinate with the teacher in advance to coordinate and confirm potential makeup options.  While every attempt is made to facilitate makeups, please note that these options are subject to availability and advanced teacher approval.

Question 9

Can I bring siblings who are not enrolled?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we can't have children attend or be present who are not enrolled, so please reach out to the teacher in advance, and we'll see what we can do to accommodate.  Depending on the class offering and situation, it may be possible to enroll the sibling at a discount!

Question 10

Is there an option to extend my child's Nature/Farm School day before and/or after class?

Accepted Answer

Yes, whether your explorer can't get enough of their time at Explorers by Nature, or you need to drop-off early, or pickup later than the official day ends. Please reach out to coordinate details and payment, as this is subject to availability based on our meeting location for the session.

Question 11

What if I can't come anymore - Can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

For Nature/Farm School Programs (Ages 4-10), Yes, within a week of our first session, if you need to cancel your enrollment, a partial refund can be processed for the remaining sessions, less an 8% processing fee.

For all other events, camps, Nature Play offerings, and for prorated enrollments for Nature/Farm School offerings, and in cases where charter school funds are used, refunds are not offered, however make-ups may be coordinated with the teacher, subject to availability and advanced approval by the teacher.

Question 12

Can I bring something to celebrate my child's birthday?

Accepted Answer

Please coordinate with the teacher to discuss before making plans.  In general, items such as cake, cupcakes, cookies, candy and other sugary desserts should not be brought to class.

Frequently asked questions