Forest School Safety & Operations Policy
1. Risk and Supervision
We distinguish between hazards (unseen dangers like rotten branches) and risks (challenges a child can see and choose to navigate). We eliminate hazards so children can safely navigate risks.
Boundaries: Children must be within eyesight of an adult and within the boundaries of the school.
Distance from others: “Marco, polo” call and response is used if children find themselves out of the eyesight of an adult or other children. This is practiced at the beginning of class.
Emergency Recall: A specific signal (e.g., a whistle or animal call) is used for immediate assembly. We practice this "recall" regularly.
Student/Staff Ratio: The ratio for class is always less than 8:1.
First Aid Administration: In the case of an injury, the child will be treated by first aid trained staff. Parents will be contacted if injury prevents further participation in the class.
Parent Contact: The emergency contacts on the emergency contact form must be available to pick up the child in case of an emergency.
Pickup/Drop off: Parents must indicate to the lead instructor if a different adult will be picking the child up. In the case of a different adult pickup, parents must give the full name and phone number of the individual picking the child up. The adult will be asked to give their full name and phone number to confirm their identity for pickup.
2. Flora and Fauna
Wild Edibles: We do talk about wild edibles, but children are not allowed to eat wild edibles unless approved by an instructor.
Insects & Ticks: Parents should apply repellent before arrival if they choose. Ticks found on clothing are removed by staff; embedded ticks are reported to parents immediately for removal at home.
Wildlife: We observe wildlife, and only touch wildlife after approval from an instructor. If wildlife is held, hand sanitizer is administered directly afterwards. Children are instructed not to touch their faces after touching wildlife.
Poison Ivy and Poison Oak: In the case of poison ivy or poison oak exposure, the exposed area will be washed by the child with soap and water. Hydrocortisone cream will then be given to the child to administer to their exposed area.
3. Specialized Medical Care (EpiPens/Allergies)
Immediate Access: All medications necessary for a child must be carried by the child and communicated to the instructor prior to class where in the child’s backpack the medication can be found, and instructions for administering the medication.
Protocol: In the event of administration, 911 is called immediately, followed by the parent.
4. Physical Play & Environment
Tree Climbing: Children may climb as high as they can reach and navigate independently. Educators do not "spot" or lift children into trees, ensuring children remain within their own physical limits. Children can only climb trees with branches wider than the instructor's wrist. Dead or down trees need to be examined by instructor and child prior to climbing.
Sticks & Rocks: Sticks longer than an arm are "walking sticks" and must stay pointed down. Sticks smaller than arms length can be used, but not swung near other students. Rocks are for building/stacking, never throwing.
Water Play: We do not have an active creek or body of water, however water play is allowed.
Steep Slopes: We use "bear crawling" (all fours) on steep inclines to maintain three points of contact.
5. Fire and Tools
Fire Safety: Children always must have supervision when learning about fire, or if a fire is present. No running is allowed near the fire pit. Fire is only allowed within the fire pit.
Tools: We currently do not allow knives or saws in class. Tools such as hammers must be used under the supervision of an instructor and safety glasses are required to be worn.
6. Weather & Clothing
Weather Extremes: We play in rain and snow. Sessions are canceled when there is higher than a 50% chance of thunderstorms or a snow storm, the wind chill is below 25 degrees Fahrenheit, the heat index is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, or the wind is over 30 mph for a majority of the class.
Gear: Children must come to class with appropriate gear for the weather.
Barefoot Play: We do not allow barefoot play due to the risk of broken glass.
7. Hygiene and Site Care
Toileting: Children are able to use the indoor bathroom at the residence. Children must be potty trained to attend class.
Hygiene: Hand washing occurs before snacks using hand sanitizer and hand washing is required after using the bathroom. Hand sanitizer is also administered to children after touching plants or creatures.
8. Sickness
Child sickness: If a child is sick or becomes ill, the parent will be contacted for immediate pickup. Please do not send a sick child to class.
Staff sickness: If an instructor is ill or becomes ill, the class is subject to being canceled.