Tinkergarten FAQ
What ages does the program serve?
The program is designed for children ages 18 months-8 years.
Children younger and older than that age range are welcome to enroll and families are encouraged to try a free class to see if it is a good fit for their explorer.
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, and a 25% sibling discount is automatically applied at checkout.
If a sibling needs to attend due to a scheduling change (eg. day off at school), they can attend up to two sessions without enrolling. 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 one session of the season for free to try Tinkergarten.
Families are also invited to enroll in free trial classes or pop-up play dates prior to the start of the season.
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 are not offered for classes missed by families.
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?
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.
Whenever possible, the session will be offered at another time the same week.
How are photos used at by Think Play Speak?
Think Play Speak uses photographs to illustrate learning concepts and promote outdoor play and playful learning on our website or in other materials/media. Before beginning a season, parents must complete a photo release form.
Parents often choose to share pictures of their kids at play with Think Play Speak 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 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 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/COVID-19 safety in classes?
Before class:
All participants (teachers included) refer to our Pre-Class Health Checklist which includes a check for symptoms of COVID to self assess.
During class:
All participants follow an In-Class Safety Checklist with 6 simple strategies that enable us to play safely together!
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” with distance from anyone outside or participants’ household or pod.
When temperatures are above 50-60 degrees, Leaders provide a soap + water mixture for participants to wash hands as they arrive.
Confirmation of confirmed positive cases:
Exposure Before Class: If you or one of the people who join you in class test positive or are exposed to someone who is positive, follow the current CDC Guidelines for isolation or quarantine. While in isolation or quarantine, stay home from Tinkergarten.
Testing Positive After Class: If you or someone in your household who attended your Tinkergarten class test positive for COVID-19 after participating in a session, reach out to us.