What ages does the program serve?
The Critter Club is geared for children ages 18 months to 3 years. Children younger and older than that age range are welcome to enroll and families are encouraged to try an intro class to see if it is a good fit for them and their little critter.
What do I need to bring?
Come dressed in appropriate outdoor gear, bring a blanket or towel for sitting, and drinking water. Many families also choose to bring a snack. We allow 30 minutes after our session to connect with families over snacks.
Is there a discount for siblings?
Siblings under 12 months of age may join at no cost. Siblings over one year should enroll in the class, and a 20% sibling discount is automatically applied at checkout.
If a sibling needs to attend with a series participant due to scheduling change (eg. day off at school), they can sign up for a drop in class and code for 20% off. Families are asked to notify the teacher if an extra child needs to attend for a session so they can prepare any necessary materials.
Can families try a class for free before enrolling in the program?
Families are invited to attend a $25 Pop Up Playdate before our series begins to try The Critter Club, which is applied to the season series if they join.
Are refunds offered?
If a refund is requested BEFORE the season of classes begins, families can receive a full refund or credit towards a future class.
If a refund is requested AFTER the season of classes begins, families can receive a refund for half of the value of the remaining sessions in the season, minus 10% for credit card processing fees.
Are credits or refunds offered for missed sessions?
Credits and refunds not offered for classes missed by families. Families who subscribe to Tinkergarten Anywhere can utilize their content if they miss a live class session. If more than 2 sessions in one series need to be canceled by the teacher without rescheduling, families are eligible for a refund for those canceled sessions.
What happens in inclement weather?
The Critter Club is held rain or shine all season long. However, decisions about whether it is safe to hold class are determined by the teacher using local weather guidance and a weather chart. The teacher will update families at least 90 minutes prior to class by email and text message. the session will be offered the week following the end date of end of each series.
How are photos used?
Chelsea Bug Creations and The Critter Club use photographs to illustrate learning concepts and promote outdoor play and playful learning on our website or in other materials/media. Photo waiver/release is optional and included in the registration process. Parents may choose to share pictures of their kids at play with Chelsea Bug Creations and The Critter Club across social media, as they do with many other kids activities. Those choices are up to the individual parent.
How do teachers foster a safe learning environment during class?
Each critter (child) is accompanied by a guide (parent or caregiver). Teachers support guides and do all that they reasonably can to provide a learning environment that allows for safe risk-taking. Leaders are CPR and First Aid certified and bring a First Aid Kit to class, which can be utilized by guides (attending adults) if needed.
A few, simple rules help to address most situations:
- Explorers (children) can explore on their own as long as they can still see or hear their guide or the Leader.
- If explorers are taking physical risks, we check in to make sure that they feel sturdy and safe.
- Leaders encourage children to engage in risky play, but give clear redirection if or when safety and the safety of friends in the class could be compromised. For example, we celebrate that sticks are the #1 toy of all time, but we make sure that our sticks have plenty of space so they do not touch our friends' bodies. Ultimately, over time, we want to help children learn how to learn their limits while still playing in a way that keeps them and their friends out of true harm.
- We encourage children not to put nature treasures in their mouths. If a wee one is doing so as a natural part of exploring the world, we work with their guide to try to honor that need in the safest way possible.
What is the approach to health safety in classes?
Before class: All participants (teachers included) refer to our Health Checklist that includes a check for symptoms of COVID to self assess. Please don't come to class if you think you might be sick.
During class: All participants follow an In-Class Safety Checklist with 6 simple strategies that enable us to play safely together!
