FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Qualifications

Licensed teacher
Bachelor's degrees in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education through the University of Mary
- Including an international learning experience in Reggio Emilio, Italy
Master of Science in Early Childhood Special Education through the University of Mary
Twelve years of experience teaching early childhood special education
Four years as owner/operator of Wonderfully Wild
Mother of four children
Former foster parent through Morton County
Member of NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children)
Member of ERAFANS (Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools)

Clothing

Please wear durable, comfortable clothes. Save the cute, stylish outfits for evenings and weekends and bring out your play clothes. Stains on the elbows or holes in the knee? That's okay! Students will be encouraged to learn by using all of their senses in this whole body approach. As a result, clothes may be messy by the end of the day.

Please dress for the season and the weather. Layers are often the best choice, allowing students to put on or take off clothing to reach a comfortable temperature. The image below provides a basic guideline for layers according to temperature.

Wonderfully Wild provides the following gear for enrolled students: snowsuit, rain suit, balaclava (face mask), bike helmet, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Food

Students will provide their own lunch every day. Please try to pack a waste-free meal, using reusable containers, water bottles, and utensils. Cloth napkins are encouraged. Use a thermos for items that you would like served warm and include an ice pack for items that you want kept cold. These meals will be eaten indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather and our scheduled activities.

Wonderfully Wild will provide morning and afternoon snacks each day. The focus of the foods provided will be organic, locally grown, whole foods whenever possible. Foods served will be plant based with a balance among food groups. Students will be involved in food preparation and cooking.

Food waste will be composted, as possible, with our indoor vermicomposting bin or outdoor compost bin.

Field Trips

Field trips will be used as a tool to enhance the learning process and further students' knowledge of their community. Transportation for these enrichment activities will include walking, biking (with our BUNCH cargo bike), and/or taking the Capital Area Transit (CAT) bus. Parents and guardians will be notified of field trips in advance.

Nature walks or bike rides within the community will be daily experiences to enrich your child’s education. These spontaneous outings will not be scheduled in advance.