Frequently Asked Questions
Parent and Child classes
Q: How old must my child be to enroll in Parent (or caregiver) and Child classes?
A: Before school starts, your child should be over 2 years old. If you have an infant in a carrier, usually they may accompany you, check with the teacher first regarding any restrictions.
Q: Must my child be potty trained?
A: No. You are responsible for changing your child. The park has bathrooms.
Q: Does my child bring a snack? are nuts allowed?
A: Yes. Parent/cargiver brings a healthy "no trash" snack and water bottle for themselves and the child in a backpack. Nuts are encouraged, but if there is an allergic child in class you will be notified.
Q: Will there be parking fees at the park?
A: Santa Clara County parks have a $6 vehicle entry fee which you need to pay if you are staying in the park. You can buy an annual SCC park parking pass. Salamander classes are at Vasona Lake County park, where you can choose to park on University Avenue and walk in.
Q: How do we dress?
A: For the weather and plan to get dirty. Wear long pants and socks, good walking shoes, layers on top and a sunhat (recommend Kid's Playhat from SundayAfternoons.com). In the rainy season - rain pants, rain coat, same hat and rain boots. Warm under layers, beanie hat, wool socks and fingerless gloves for cold months. Put on any sunscreen before class. Older kids will wear backpacks.
Q: What not to bring to class?
A: Leave toys at home or in the car. We play with what we find in nature! Parents avoid using cellphones during class - only use to take a photo of your own child.
Q: Additional paperwork for the adult needed to attend after the third class:
A: For the adult, parent (or caregiver) to be around other children after the third class, they must provide a copy of a negative TB test or TB Risk assessment and their measles & pertussis (whooping cough) immunization to the teacher.
Preschool
Q: How old must my child be to enroll at Salamander School?
A: Before your child can start drop-off classes, they are required to be 3 years old. For safety reasons, appropriate social and emotional development is necessary as we have a classroom without walls. If they are almost 3, you may attend class with them in order to hold the drop-off spot until they are ready.
Q: Must my child be potty trained?
A: Yes. When we hike there are not always bathrooms available. Your child will need to communicate with their teacher about when they need to go to the bathroom. They may need to do a nature pee. The teacher will help them, please practice doing nature pee and practice using the park bathrooms. Some children have worn pull-ups. An extra pair of underwear in their backpack is a good idea. Accidents do happen, keep a change of clothes in your car and the teacher will text if needed at pickup.
Q: May my child attend one, three, or four days a week?
A: Salamander School offers two 2-day preschool classes: Monday & Friday or Tuesday & Thursday. (Summer usually includes Wednesdays rather than Fridays, and older children have attended four days a week in the summer). Attending at least two days a week helps the child to learn the rhythm the class. If you are interested in one or three days, this will depend on enrollment.
Q: Does my child bring a snack and lunch in a backpack? nuts allowed?
A: Yes. Parents send a healthy "no trash" snack & lunch and water bottle with their child in a backpack. Include protein and veggies, fruits are the only sweets. Nuts are encouraged, but if there is an allergic child in class you will be notified. The teacher carries extra food and water. Your child needs a well fitted child's backpack (one of the best designed and long lasting is the Fjall Raven Mini Kanken backpack).
Q: What should my child wear?
A: Dress your child for the weather and ready to get dirty. We all wear long pants and socks, good walking shoes, layers on top and a sunhat (recommend Kid's Playhat from SundayAfternoons.com). In the rainy season - rain pants, rain coat, same hat and rain boots. Warm under layers, beanie hat, wool socks and fingerless gloves for cold months. Put on any sunscreen before class. Leave toys at home or in the car. We play with what we find in nature!
Q: Will there be parking fees at the park?
A: Santa Clara County parks parks have a $6 vehicle entry fee which you need to pay if you are staying in the park. If you are only dropping off or picking up your child it is usually not required. You can buy an annual SCC park parking pass. Salamander School classes are at Vasona Lake County park, where you can choose to park on University Avenue and walk in.
Q: Can parents participate?
A: If your child is having separation anxiety, discuss this with the teacher and you may stay a little longer after drop-off. Parents can contact the teacher in advance about joining the class for a day, possibly once a month a couple of times, depending on availability.
Health guidlines
Q: What are the health and Covid-19 guidelines for class?
A: Do not come to school if you or your child are sick. Wait 24 hours from end of symptoms to return. Click here for the Covid-19 guidelines.
