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Will transportation to Nature Classroom locations and other activities be provided?
School bus transportation will not be provided.
The parent will be required to provide transportation if the child is enrolled in the Nature Classroom option or if the child wishes to participate in selected activities.
Where are the Nature Classrooms held?
Ottawa West
Ottawa Centre
Information coming soon
Ottawa East
Information coming soon
Outside Ottawa
Information coming soon
Are parents required to follow a precise schedule?
Aside from the Nature Classrooms and some other special activities that are held on a predetermined schedule, the parent can create their own daily schedule as they see fit.
What would be some examples of Nature Classroom, real-time (synchronous) and flexibly scheduled (asynchronous) learning activities?
Nature Classroom
Nature-centred learning through play sessions.
Real-time class
Enriched interactive reading and special activities
Classes with flexible schedule
Self-directed learning kit containing a variety of learning activities that parents can choose from to help their child develop various skills. These activities are optional, and the parents are free to choose the time that suits them best to accompany their child in their learning
What measures are taken to ensure the safety of children while participating in Nature Classrooms?
Staff conduct a benefit-risk assessment before each activity;
The staff assesses the risks of the site before each session (temperature, structure, environment, debris, various objects, equipment, etc.);
Each group is supervised by two qualified practitioners from Forest School Canada certified in CPR and first aid specific to this type of environment, in addition to a CECCE teaching team consisting of a teacher and an early childhood educator;
First aid kits are available on site at all times;
The site is equipped with an emergency call system;
A policy addressing hygiene measures to protect children, staff and families from COVID-19 is in place;
The team works with children to help them assess, identify, and manage risks safely.
Do parents need to stay for the duration of the Nature Classroom?
Parents drop off their child and pick them up after class.
Who is responsible for teaching and managing the activities of the Nature Classroom?
Nature Classrooms are delivered by a CECCE teacher and an Early Childhood Educator and two qualified practitioners from Andrew Fleck Children’s Services, Ottawa Forest and Nature School. The ratio is limited to one adult for every seven little explorers.
How will the parents be able to contact school staff if they require educational support?
Parents will be able to ask questions by email or schedule a phone conversation with the teacher. The parent will therefore be able to obtain answers to his or her questions related to the proposed lessons or activities.
How do the assessments work?
The child will receive a report based on the learning experiences and feedback from the parent.
What resources will be offered to allophone families to ensure adequate support for learning in French?
Parents will be able to ask questions by email or schedule a phone conversation with the teacher.
In addition, explanatory vignettes will allow the child to fully understand the activity and he or she will have the opportunity to ask the teacher questions.
Lastly, the activities will be supported by visuals for ease of understanding.
If the parent changes his or her mind along the way and wants the child to return to in-person schooling, what is the process and how soon will the child be able to return to the school in his or her area?
The child will have his or her place reserved at his or her local school. In the event that the parent changes his or her mind and wishes to have his or her child return to an in-person classroom setting, he or she must first unregister from the Explor’A learning mode by completing the form available in the online store.
The parent will need to wait for confirmation from the school before reintegrating into the classroom. The child should be able to reintegrate within a few days of disenrolling.
What equipment will be provided?
A Chromebook (or equivalent) will be offered to families who require one. You will be able to request it through the online store when you choose Explor’A as your child’s learning mode.
Is there a deadline for choosing the Explor’A learning mode?
It is recommended that you register your child as soon as possible in order to secure his or her place in a group with the Nature Classroom option, since space is limited. However, a deadline has not been set. Registration will be on a first come, first served basis.
What is the registration process?
For all questions related to the registration process, please consult this page.
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