Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing educational experiences for your child is a heartfelt decision. We are committed to transparent practices please see if any of these Frequently Asked Questions can help you and message us if you have more.
1. Is Airie the right place for my child?
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Does your child like to play outside for more than three hours?
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Does your child like sensory experiences in mud, paint, and sand?
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Does your child like to take care of animals and plants?
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Does your child like to listen to stories or be read to?
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Does your child take risks?
2. What are Airie's food policies?
Airie Forest School promotes well-balanced nutritional practices.
- Airie Forest School often provides an afternoon campfire snack for the children.
- Children should drink water from their water bottles throughout the day and during mealtimes.
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​Any suitable produce from the learning gardens will periodically be offered to the children to enjoy.
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A day of exuberate play can make children very hungry, and having a full belly helps them regulate their body temperature, which will be especially important on resiliency days. Therefore, AFS requires families to provide their children with a nutritionally dense lunch and snack. These meals should consist of protein, fruit, and vegetables. Your child's food container could include:
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AM Snack: Apple slices and nut butter
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Lunch: Blueberries, pepper slices, granola bar and a bean burrito
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PM Snack: Carrot sticks and cheese stick
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Note: Sugary treats are allowed for birthday celebrations.
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Food Allergens
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If your child has a food allergy, you must make AFS aware of this upon enrollment.
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Guardians must sign an allergy form stating that their child has no known allergies or provide a list of the known allergies.
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Guardians must provide written consent regarding emergency medical care regarding known allergies.
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Behavior
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Food shall never be withheld from a child or used as a reward.
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Children are expected to eat in their personal zone in an upright position.
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Children have different metabolism rates; therefore, snacks will be offered in the designated snack space and children may come and go as they please. If a child is eating, an adult is supervising.
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The group will eat lunch together to share the social experiences of the community.
3. What are Airie's toileting policies?
We know that learning to use the toilet can be a lengthy experience that should be supported, not forced. However, enrolled children should be in the process of learning to use the toilet. This means we expect your child to know how to use a toilet and try to inform the staff when they need to use the toilet. Our staff will continually ask and offer toileting opportunities for your child throughout the day to support this process.
4. How will my child be safe during inclement weather?
Every effort will be made to go outside for at least three hours daily. If inclement weather should occur, Ms. Kylene will contact you with specific directions for our plan for the day. The classes will be canceled if the roads are impassable or tornado warnings are predicted. The following conditions would be reasons for the children to remain inside until it is deemed safe:
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Air quality is 101 or higher.
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Heat index above 103°F
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Wind chill below -5°F
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Thunderstorms
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Tornado warnings predicted
Airie Forest School utilizes the Nurture Center as an inclement weather-safe space.
5. What is Airie's immunization policy?
We encourage all enrolled students to be and remain current on their immunizations as according to the Tennessee Department of Health requirements for school children. At the same time, we respect a family's choice and accept medical and religious exemptions.
6. Is Airie secular?
Yes. We welcome and encourage a diverse community of families; therefore, we remain secular to be able to offer forest school to all.