Frequently Asked Questions
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?
If a sibling needs to attend due to 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.
Are credits or refunds offered for missed sessions?
Credits and refunds not offered for classes missed by families. Families who subscribe can utilize their Tinkergarten Anywhere content if they miss a live class session.
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.
The teacher will update families at least 90 minutes prior to class by email and/or text message.
Whenever possible, the session will be offered at another time the same week.
How are photos used at Tinkergarten?
Tinkergarten uses photographs to illustrate learning concepts and promote outdoor play and playful learning on our website or in other materials/media. Before we would use any photo in that way, we would reach out directly to the parent of the child(ren) in the photo and secure their permission.
After class, the teacher may send photos taken during the day in an email to all attendees.
Parents often choose to share pictures of their kids at play with Tinkergarten 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.