Tinkergarten Classes

Tinkergarten FAQs

What ages does the program serve?

The program is designed for children ages 18 months-8 years. Families with children outside that age range are welcome to contact me to discuss whether Roots & Wings classes will be a good fit for the family. Children attend class with their caregiver(s). 

Can siblings come for free?

Siblings under 18 months of age may join at no cost. Siblings over 18 months should enroll in the class. Please contact the teacher regarding sibling discount codes. If a sibling needs to attend due to scheduling change (eg. day off at school), they can attend up to two sessions without enrolling. Please notify the teacher 24 hours in advance 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 can contact the teacher if they wish to try a class before enrolling. Free trial classes are offered periodically. If a family chooses to attend a regular season class before registering the cost is $15 per child.

What curriculum is used?

Roots & Wings uses the Tinkergarten curriculum. 

Are refunds offered?

If a refund is requested BEFORE the season of classes begins, families can receive a full refund.

If a refund is requested AFTER the season of classes begins, families can receive a refund for the remaining classes, minus a processing fee.

Are credits or refunds offered for missed sessions?

Credits and refunds are not offered for classes missed by families. Families who subscribe to Tinkergarten Anywhere can access online 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.

Are grants/scholarships available?

I hope for classes to be accessible to all families. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship or reduced cost enrollment, please contact me.

What happens in inclement weather?

Decisions about whether it is safe to hold class are determined using local weather guidance and a weather chart. I will update families at least 90 minutes prior to class by email and text message if we need to cancel or reschedule due to weather.

How do teachers foster a safe learning environment during class?

Each explorer (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 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 in their risk-taking.

• 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 playing with sticks, 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/COVID-19 safety in classes?

Before class:

All participants (teachers included) refer to our Pre-Tinkergarten Health Checklist that includes a check for symptoms of COVID to self assess.

We ask that participants follow current CDC guidelines regarding isolation or quarantine.

During class:

• Masks are not required, unless they are required by the municipality or organization that oversees the location in which Tinkergarten is being held.

• We design our classroom spaces and activities so that we limit participants' sustained close contact with people outside of their family/pod.

• Eating or drinking should be done in “nests”

• Teacher provides a sanitizing station for participants to clean hands before/during/after.

Don’t see your question listed here? Contact Merrit to ask any additional questions about class (rootsandwings.merrit@gmail.com)