If you have any questions or concerns before enrollment, please email your site director:

Back2NatureLearningCenter@gmail.com

To report absences, late arrivals, or changes to pick-up plans, please contact us directly, either before or after class. We aim to keep class time screen-free unless there's an emergency.

For important information, please avoid sharing it during drop-off or pick-up, as this can be a busy time. Instead, use email or text.

Sick/Absent Child Policy

As our classes are outdoors, the risk of spreading germs is lower compared to traditional indoor settings.

- If your child is sick and won’t be attending, please text or call us.

- For planned absences due to vacations, etc., please notify us via email in advance.

Class Cancellation Policy

For any weather-related closures, we will inform families of any cancellations as soon as possible through email or text. Refunds are not provided for weather-related cancellations. We will provide a class credit for future Back 2 Nature Learning Center offerings.

Location

Our classes are held at 16610 South Avenue A, Somerton, AZ 85350

Homeschool Group ONLY:

Drop-Off/Pick-Up Policy

Please drop off your child no more than 5 minutes before class starts and pick them up no later than 5 minutes after class ends. Our teachers have commitments before and after class, and we compensate them for any extra time if they need to stay late.

Late pick-up fees:

5 – 10 minutes late: $10

11 – 20 minutes late: $25

21 – 30 minutes late: $45

If you're more than 30 minutes late without contact and we can't reach anyone from the pick-up list, further actions may be taken to ensure the child’s safety. Please add reliable family members or close friends to the pick-up list for emergencies.

Inclusivity Policy
Outdoor time benefits everyone, and we encourage everyone to spend more time outside! However, a drop-off nature school program might not suit every child. Factors such as dressing appropriately year-round and following directions in a potentially hazardous setting are important.

Back 2 Nature Learning School reserves the right to refuse enrollment if there are safety concerns regarding a child’s participation in our program.

Risks and Hazards

The health and safety of our students is our top priority.

Our teachers are CPR & First Aide certified, carry cell phones, and always have first aid kits on hand.

We educate the children on comprehensive safety rules to help prevent accidents and injuries, and have established protocols for handling emergencies. If an accident occurs, a detailed report will be made, and caregivers will be informed at the end of the day or sooner if necessary.

Teachers are trained to maintain constant supervision, minimize distractions, and regularly communicate head-counts to ensure that everyone is accounted for at all times.

Children who are accustomed to playing outside typically experience fewer injuries than those who are not. This is because they have the opportunity to practice real-life risk assessment, develop essential gross motor skills, and learn about their physical limits. These early experiences contribute to a lifetime of self-awareness and safety in outdoor settings. Within our safety guidelines, children have the freedom and security to explore, play, and learn to their fullest potential.

We also monitor the children’s health and comfort closely. Teachers model awareness and self-care and frequently ask, “How is everyone feeling?” This allows children to check in with their own bodies and address any discomfort or needs, helping to keep everyone comfortable, hydrated, happy, and healthy.

Sick Policy

Our classes are held outdoors year-round, benefiting from fresh air and natural immune system boosts, which help reduce transmission rates.

Stay-at-Home Policy

Please keep your child home if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:

- Fever

- Cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing

- Muscle or body aches

- Sore throat

- Congestion or runny nose

- Nausea or vomiting

- Diarrhea

If a child displays any of these symptoms at school, we will contact parents, and the child must be picked up immediately.

Requests for Our Families

Please adhere to our stay-at-home policy. Use your best judgment and keep your child home if they appear sick or unwell.

Please send your child to class each day with a backpack containing a full set of spare clothing, including socks. These can be kept in a plastic bag, which will also be used to send home any wet or soiled clothes.

Your child will need a water bottle and may also benefit from having water shoes in their backpack during warmer months.

Ensure that all items are labeled with your child’s name. If your family utilizes sunscreen and bug spray, please spray before class begins.

Toys, electronics, and personal items from home should not be brought, as they can be distracting, and we are not responsible for any loss or damage.

Clothing and Gear

“There is no such thing as bad weather, only inadequate clothing!”

To ensure your child’s comfort and success in our programs, please follow these guidelines:

General Tips:

- Choose clothing and shoes that can get wet or dirty.

- Pack an extra layer of clothing, including socks and gloves, in a plastic bag within your child’s backpack. Include an additional bag for dirty clothes.

Bathing Suits:

- In warm weather, children may wear bathing suits under their clothes for water play.

Shoes:

- For fair weather, use comfortable, flexible shoes like barefoot shoes or athletic ones. Avoid open-toe shoes, flip-flops, clunky shoes, heels, or ballet flats. Thin-soled water shoes are great for flexibility and grip. They’re also machine washable. Pair with wool blend socks in cooler weather. Waterproof and insulated boots are essential during winter months.

In cold weather, wool or wool-blend thermal socks are best. Pack extras in the backpack.

Head & Neck:

- A well-fitting wool or fleece hat with ear flaps is ideal. Use a neck warmer instead of a scarf to avoid tangling.

Mittens & Gloves:

- Pack multiple pairs (3-4) of gloves or mittens. Choose ones that are easy to put on and take off.

Under Layers:

- Layering is key—multiple thin layers are more adaptable than one thick layer.

- Base Layer: Thin silk, wool, or Capilene long underwear (no cotton).

- Mid-weight: Wool or Capilene.

- Heavy-weight: Thick wool or fleece.

Pants:

- Waterproof pants can be helpful. They keep your child dry and comfortable.

Coats:

- Layer a good fleece coat under a sturdy rain jacket. Ensure the coat has wrist cinches to keep water out.

Rain Gear:

- Wash rain gear in cold water and hang dry to maintain waterproofing. Avoid using a dryer. For enhanced waterproofing, treat gear with Durable Water Repellent.