Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you meet?
Our program operates out of Elysian Park during the Fall and Winter, and Griffith Park during the spring and summer.
What do you do when it rains? What about when it’s really hot?
We believe that there is no “bad weather” - only bad clothes! When it rains we set up a tent for children’s backpacks, our teaching supplies, and extra clothing. We put up a large tarp to shelter our library and a small one to shelter our camping toilet. Children come outfitted in warm clothing and rain gear. And then…we play in the rain! In the summer heat we get wet in the Mud Kitchen, play with icy water and spray bottles, engage in water games, and rest in the shade.
We cancel school only for lightning, imminent flooding, severe wind, or for an AQI of 150 or above. We shorten our Nest (afterschool program) when there is extreme heat.
What are the ages of the children who attend NELA Forest School?
Our school is mixed-age for children ages 2-6. Currently we operate three classes: Chickadees, Sparrows, and Hawks (TK/K class). Our small class size (no more than 12 students per class) and 1:4 teacher student ratio allows us to know each child individually and meet their needs respectfully.
We also offer the Hummingbirds Parent Education class for parents with their young children under 2.5 years old.
How do you handle separations?
A child’s first time at school and away from parents or caregivers can be an emotional transition for all involved. We work with families as they see fit to help children acclimate to school. Prior to your child’s first day in our program, we may arrange a home or playground visit so that your child will have a familiar face on their first day. Our goal is for your child to participate in the class independently with the support of the teachers. However, parents and caregivers are welcome to stay at the beginning, if their child needs them.
In addition to separation themed books and songs, we always use the resources of time and space to allow children to feel their feelings around separations. Sometimes they need a walk to clear their heads, some time on a teacher’s lap, or just a good cry. Our teachers are experienced and skilled in providing support during rough separations and are there to support your child through it with kindness, respect, and warmth.
What is your curriculum?
Northeast LA Forest School is an active, experiential learning model, inspired by the European model of the Forest Kindergarten. We provide real life experiences for young learners. Our curriculum is emergent - meaning it is inspired by our natural surroundings and is based on the expanding curiosities of our students. Our primary goals are for the children to feel safe, respected, and supported in their play, inquiries, and explorations. Our days are centered around hikes and explorations and are rich with opportunities for social-emotional development. Our teachers model social behaviors, guide children through conflict, and help children balance their risk assessments. Teachers are present as observers and help to remove hazards that children cannot handle. Children are invited to participate in any teacher-led or student initiated activities, but also have the right to continue exploring their own interests if they prefer.
What is your daily schedule?
Please view our daily schedule here.
Are we required to commit to the entire school year?
Yes, we require a full school year commitment (Early September through Early June) and have a tuition contract in place in the event of early unenrollment. For our summer sessions we only require commitment to one full session (3 weeks), although you are welcome to sign up for multiple sessions.
How do you keep the group together and safe?
The well-being and safety of the children is our primary focus. As part of every new school year we learn together the practices of safety. We hike the edge of base camp, practice with tools, and learn important safety language. Underneath all of these lessons are well thought out policies that teachers are following. We teach children calls, sounds, and language that alert them to possible hazards. We do monthly earthquake drills and have a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan for both of our sites. ALL teachers are trained in CPR and First Aid.
Are you prepared for natural disasters common in Southern California?
Northeast LA Forest School worked with Jack Wallis of Atlas Resilience Systems to outfit the school with the right supplies, create comprehensive evacuation and shelter on site plans, and provide teachers and staff with the specific training needed to keep themselves and the children safe. Thanks to Jack, we now have a connected community of caregivers and parents armed with the knowledge they need to create continuity of care for our students in a disaster situation. Jack has a deep understanding of and respect for the outdoor environment and its potential hazards, and consequently for our school’s ethos. Working with him was invaluable to us, and we couldn’t recommend him any more highly. Please find out more about Atlas Resilience Systems here.
Every fall families come together with our Director Becca for an informational night that covers materials, procedures, and communications.
Is potty training required? Where do children use the bathroom?
We do not require children to be potty-trained in order to attend our Chickadees and Sparrows classes. Children are welcome in diapers or at any point in the process of training. Families provide their preferred diapers and wipes. We have a mat (bleached after each use) on which we change children using a stand up change technique. We work with parents to continue the potty training technique they are using at home while we are at school. Our potty is a camping toilet which is lined with 50% post consumer recycled trash bags. It is located right next to base camp in an area concealed by greenery for privacy. The potty is small and used only by our students. At the end of each day (and as needed) we bleach the potty and clear out any waste. We provide children with toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and soap/water for clean up. Adults/Teacher use park bathrooms. Hawks classes are asked to be out of diapers and ready
What does my child need to bring each day?
All children at NELA Forest School are required to bring a small, durable backpack each day that includes the following items, all labeled with your child’s name:
Covered water bottle. Water bottle should be one that is easily transportable for your child and easy for them to operate and use on their own. Please ensure the bottle does not leak when inverted.
Lunchbox with lunch. Must be a sealed lunch container (Bento Box, Yummo Lunch Boxes, metal thermos) that is small enough to fit in your child’s backpack, or in a bag that can be hooked to the wagon. Sealed boxes prevent bugs and animals from taking an interest. We do not have refrigeration or re-heating capabilities at our school, so please be mindful of hot and cold weather when packing your child’s lunch. Insulated zipper bags are welcomed.
Two seasonally appropriate extra changes of clothes.
Two pairs of socks.
Three pairs of underwear (if your child is toilet trained).
A package of diapers, wipes, and diaper cream (if your child wears diapers).
Sunscreen.
A snug fitting hat, appropriate to the season.
Multiple masks in case one gets dirty
What if my child has allergies or a medical condition?
Families are expected to notify NELA Forest School in writing regarding children’s food or environmental allergies. Parents/guardians of children with diagnosed allergies or asthma must provide an individualized health care plan, signed by the child’s physician, detailing the child’s symptoms, reactions, treatments, care, and all necessary medication. It is impossible to eliminate all risk for children with food allergies. Some allergies are so severe that the presence of the allergen in proximity to the child causes a reaction. Similarly, it is impossible to always prevent children from sharing food or to prevent an allergen from being brought into the class by a family member or child, despite our best efforts to educate families and raise awareness. Ultimately, parents/guardians will need to decide whether group care is appropriate for their allergic child in light of the risks that cannot be completely eliminated. We are NOT a nut free school.
We ask that you make us aware of any medications or medical conditions your child has so that we can work out a plan to best meet their needs during class.
What about vaccinations?
Vaccinations and signed physical forms are required for all children enrolled at NELA Forest School. We require records on file showing that each child is up to date with immunizations. We follow state licensing guidelines for vaccine requirements. At this time, covid vaccination is not required for students, as it is not yet approved for children in our age range, however, we do require all staff and any adult entering our “classroom” to be fully vaccinated.
When is nap time?
If your child is enrolled in the Nest afternoon program add on they will have the option to nap shortly after transitioning from their morning class around 1:30pm). During this program children will be provided with nap mat and a designated nap time to rest or sleep daily.
How do I enroll my child in NELA Forest School?
Please see our application page for details and to get started.
What types of payment do you accept?
We utilize a platform called Curacubby to perform our tuition payment transactions and collect and store vital information for our families. We also use Curacubby to process applications and enrollment. Once a child is accepted we use Curacubby to set up a monthly recurring payment as well as one time payments for deposits.
Do you offer discounts?
We have some financial aid availble for the school year. Unfortunately at this time we are unable to offer financial aid for Summer Camp. To apply for financial aid please select “I would like to receive a financial aid application” when submitting your general school year application.
A word about licensing, insurance, and our plans…
Preschool and Family Childcare Centers in the US are licensed based in part on their qualified staff, correct paperwork and safety procedures, and their building/facility. Forest Schools in the United States that operate 100% outdoors are unlicensed. Because schools like ours do not have “facilities”, licensing boards are unable to grant us a license at this time. We stringently follow state licensing guidelines regarding staff qualifications and background checks, vaccinations, and paperwork, and go above and beyond in regards to staff training and emergency preparedness. We also have a higher ratio of teachers to students than licensing requires. In Europe, where forest schools began, the pedagogy is quite mainstream and not considered outside of the norm for early childhood education and beyond. At NELA Forest School, one of our goals is to be a leader in the movement toward licensing and best practices for forest schools in California and the US. We are working toward this in various ways, and would love for our families and community to be involved in the discussion and efforts. Please reach out if you would like to learn more.
Because of the nature of our school, robust insurance is of the utmost importance for us. We work closely with a local broker who helps us maintain safe practices not only for our students but also for our teachers and program.