Our Vision
Blue Mountain Nature School will provide a safe & nurturing environment where children can learn, explore and develop together through hands-on high quality outdoor education and play.
Who are we and where do we meet?
We are a fully outdoor nature-immersion preschool for children 3-5 years old in La Grande, Oregon. Our teachers are highly-qualified professionals with a wide range of areas of expertise.
We meet at Heritage Pond Education Center, at 913 S. Miller Dr. in La Grande, where we have a heated yurt, covered pavilion, storage shed, bathroom, tables, and adequate space for drop-off and pick-up.
Schedule and Tuition
We are a 9 month Preschool Program running September - June
Tuesday, Wed, Thurs
AM session 8:30am-11:30am
PM session 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Tuition and Fees
The cost to attend Blue Mountain Nature School includes:
Monthly Tuition $360 (due the 1st of the month)
Supplies Fee $60 (due Sept 1st & Jan 1st)
Blue Mountain Nature School uses an app called Brightwheel to manage enrollment and registration forms, billing plans, and for communication between staff and families. We accept bank transfers, or a credit card payment via the Brightwheel app, or cash/ checks in person. Please let us know if you have any technical difficulties loading the app or making a payment and we are happy to help.
Heritage Pond Use Fee $60 (due Sept 1st & Jan 1st)
This $60 amount is paid with a separate check made payable to “Blue Mountains Conservancy”. Thank you.
Enrollment fee is $100 to hold your spot. This fee will then go towards your first month of tuition.
Tuesday, Wed, Thurs
AM session 8:30am-11:30am
PM session 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Tuition and Fees
The cost to attend Blue Mountain Nature School includes:
Monthly Tuition $360 (due the 1st of the month)
Supplies Fee $60 (due Sept 1st & Jan 1st)
Blue Mountain Nature School uses an app called Brightwheel to manage enrollment and registration forms, billing plans, and for communication between staff and families. We accept bank transfers, or a credit card payment via the Brightwheel app, or cash/ checks in person. Please let us know if you have any technical difficulties loading the app or making a payment and we are happy to help.
Heritage Pond Use Fee $60 (due Sept 1st & Jan 1st)
This $60 amount is paid with a separate check made payable to “Blue Mountains Conservancy”. Thank you.
Enrollment fee is $100 to hold your spot. This fee will then go towards your first month of tuition.
Curriculum
Our teachers draw on several nature-based curricula, supported by high-quality non-fiction books and outstanding children’s literature. Caring, attentive educators support children as they engage with these fact-based books and beautiful stories, and guide children as they ask questions and investigate the natural world.
Each day we offer unstructured play as an important time for children to socialize, express ideas, problem solve, explore, and connect to nature.
We will be using a combination of three nature-based Curriculums including Growing Up Wild, Project Learning Tree and Blossom and Root Early Years.
Members of our staff have completed training for both Growing Up Wild and Project Learning Tree.
We investigate nature through art, science, math, literacy, and play.
We understand the importance of children moving their bodies and using all their senses to learn.
Each day we offer unstructured play as an important time for children to socialize, express ideas, problem solve, explore, and connect to nature.
We will be using a combination of three nature-based Curriculums including Growing Up Wild, Project Learning Tree and Blossom and Root Early Years.
Members of our staff have completed training for both Growing Up Wild and Project Learning Tree.
We investigate nature through art, science, math, literacy, and play.
We understand the importance of children moving their bodies and using all their senses to learn.
Who does Blue Mountain Nature School Serve?
At Blue Mountain Nature School, we welcome children who are ages 3-5 who are potty trained
Children who love the outdoors in all seasons, in all kinds of weather
Families wanting a nature-based outdoor preschool experience
Families looking for a discipline style based on respect and gentle guidance
Families wanting a play-based, child-centered learning experience
Inclusion Policy
We know that everyone benefits from being outside more and we encourage everyone to explore nature! However, a drop-off nature school program may not be a good fit for all children. There are many variables to consider… from parents being willing to appropriately dress their child year-round, to a child having the ability to follow directions in a potentially hazardous setting. Blue Mountain Nature School has the right to refuse any child from enrollment for any safety concern of a child participating in our program.
Non-Discrimination
At Blue Mountain Nature School equal educational opportunities are available for all children, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, or parent/provider political beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation or special needs, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. Educational programs are designed to meet the varying needs of all students.
Children who love the outdoors in all seasons, in all kinds of weather
Families wanting a nature-based outdoor preschool experience
Families looking for a discipline style based on respect and gentle guidance
Families wanting a play-based, child-centered learning experience
Inclusion Policy
We know that everyone benefits from being outside more and we encourage everyone to explore nature! However, a drop-off nature school program may not be a good fit for all children. There are many variables to consider… from parents being willing to appropriately dress their child year-round, to a child having the ability to follow directions in a potentially hazardous setting. Blue Mountain Nature School has the right to refuse any child from enrollment for any safety concern of a child participating in our program.
Non-Discrimination
At Blue Mountain Nature School equal educational opportunities are available for all children, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, or parent/provider political beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation or special needs, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. Educational programs are designed to meet the varying needs of all students.
Guiding Principles
All teachers and assistants at Blue Mountain Nature School use the following guiding principles to establish and ensure high quality, safe programming:
Teachers build and maintain positive relationships with children and families.
Teachers’ roles include helping children to feel emotionally, intellectually, and physically supported.
Children need ample space and time for both active play and structured quiet activities.
A learning space is welcoming and engaging.
Learning activities promote personal growth and participation within the group.
Teachers provide constant, interactive supervision of children.
Teacher-to-child ratio is maintained at 1:5 or less.
Teachers build and maintain positive relationships with children and families.
Teachers’ roles include helping children to feel emotionally, intellectually, and physically supported.
Children need ample space and time for both active play and structured quiet activities.
A learning space is welcoming and engaging.
Learning activities promote personal growth and participation within the group.
Teachers provide constant, interactive supervision of children.
Teacher-to-child ratio is maintained at 1:5 or less.
What to Bring
- Please be sure everything is labeled with your child’s name on it
- Backpack
- Full water bottle
- A healthy filling snack. We may add restrictions in case of a student with a severe allergy.
- An entire second set of clothing, socks, and mittens These can be stored in a plastic bag so that wet or soiled clothing can be put in it.
- Please DO NOT bring any toys, electronics, or personal items from home. This creates a distraction from our play in nature. We will not be held responsible for any lost or broken personal items.
What to Wear?
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Expect that your child (and their clothing) will get dirty!
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How will we communicate with families?
Teacher and parent communication is important and vital to ensure your child’s needs are met. Blue Mountain Nature School will use the Brightwheel app that many similar outdoor preschools use, email, and text for communication. Parents may directly message teacher if an issue needs to be addressed during the school day such as: behavioral concerns, or pick-up changes. If a longer conversation is needed, appointments can be arranged for phone or in-person meetings.
Guidance
Our discipline philosophy is that we will always put safety first. We set firm expectations, lead by example and trust children to do the right thing. We understand behaviors are reflections of the internal state of a child and “misbehaviors” are a sign of dysregulation or stress. When seeking to correct a behavior we always seek to understand them first, then facilitate finding solutions in tandem with the child. We actively teach conflict management strategies between children and view interpersonal conflict as a learning opportunity for all.
Our conflict resolution process is as follows:
1. Observe- seek to understand
2. Move in -with warmth and confidence.
3. Listen- Help each child to express their side.
4. Foster empathy- Help children to understand each other.
5. Find solutions- Assist children in talking through possible solutions and navigating an agreement.
6. Congratulate and follow up- We will celebrate their ability to listen to one another and find a solution.
In the instance of a child physically endangering themselves or others we will intervene immediately for protection of all children. If patterns of behavior emerge we will conference with parents to find a solution. As a small program, we are unable to accommodate students requiring 1:1 teacher support throughout an entire day.
Our conflict resolution process is as follows:
1. Observe- seek to understand
2. Move in -with warmth and confidence.
3. Listen- Help each child to express their side.
4. Foster empathy- Help children to understand each other.
5. Find solutions- Assist children in talking through possible solutions and navigating an agreement.
6. Congratulate and follow up- We will celebrate their ability to listen to one another and find a solution.
In the instance of a child physically endangering themselves or others we will intervene immediately for protection of all children. If patterns of behavior emerge we will conference with parents to find a solution. As a small program, we are unable to accommodate students requiring 1:1 teacher support throughout an entire day.
Drop off and Pick Up Policy
Parents are expected to accompany their child into the pavilion at Heritage Pond to assist stowing of personal belongings. The teacher is glad to assist you and your child at your drop-off time. Teachers, however, will not assume direct responsibility for your child until you are ready to leave. It is important for the teacher to keep a watchful eye on all the children in his or her care. You are welcome to stay for a short while and assist your child through this transition. Simply notify the classroom teacher when you are ready to leave and the teacher will assist. Likewise, parents are expected to assume full responsibility for their child once they enter the property at pick up time.
LATE PICKUP
An additional fee of $1 per minute will be charged if the child picked up more than ten minutes later than the scheduled time. In the event you are going to be late, call us to let us know, no late charges will take place if prior arrangements are made and agreed upon. Gate opens at 8:20 for drop off. Our activities start promptly after 8:30. To minimize disruption please be on time for school. If you are going to be late dropping off your child, please notify us as soon as possible, this allows us to adjust activities accordingly.
LATE PICKUP
An additional fee of $1 per minute will be charged if the child picked up more than ten minutes later than the scheduled time. In the event you are going to be late, call us to let us know, no late charges will take place if prior arrangements are made and agreed upon. Gate opens at 8:20 for drop off. Our activities start promptly after 8:30. To minimize disruption please be on time for school. If you are going to be late dropping off your child, please notify us as soon as possible, this allows us to adjust activities accordingly.
Health and Safety
SAFETY OF YOUR CHILD
We want to assure you as parents that your child’s safety is taken very seriously. All teachers are CPR/First aid certified. Like many outdoor preschools nationwide we use a secure app called Brightwheel for all of our students documents, contact information and emergency contact info. A list of emergency numbers are kept in this app which all teachers have access to on phone or ipads on them at all times. Please give prompt notice of change in address, telephone numbers or emails at home or at work.
Please make sure you include your child’s vaccination records in his or her Registration Packet. Also, it is essential that your emergency contact information be kept current.
Illness
As mandated by state law, parents/guardians are asked to keep their children home when they have one or more of the following symptoms:
● A fever in the past 24 hours
● Head Lice /nits
● Two diarrhea bowel movements in one day
● Watery, mucusy, or pink eyes
● A runny nose showing greenish nasal mucus. Greenish mucus for more than 4 days may mean a secondary infection has set in and needs to be checked by a doctor. A clear runny nose is acceptable when not accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, coughing, vomiting, or listlessness.
● A cough with mucus secretions (when associated with other symptoms or when persistent.)
● All rashes except diaper or heat rashes
● Vomiting within the past 24 hours
● Difficulty in breathing
● Earache or drainage
● Listlessness; inability to participate in activities of the program, within the past 24 hours.
If your child is sick please make sure they are better for 24 hours before returning to school. For example, if your child is sick on Tuesday and misses school, they should not return until Thursday. If you are in doubt about your child being well enough to come share germs with the other children and their caregivers, please keep your child at home. Thank you for understanding why we must be strict with our sick policy. It is very important that you call or text if your child is ill or will be absent from the program. If your child becomes ill during school, you will be called. Please pick him or her up within one hour.
Injuries
Physical safety is a major priority, daily safety inspections are completed at Heritage Pond in order to prevent injuries. First aid will be administered by a trained caregiver in the event that your child sustains a minor injury (e.g., scraped knee). You will be notified at pick up with the nature of the injury and course of action taken. . If the injury produces any type of swelling or needs medical attention, you will be contacted immediately. We are equipped with a first aid kit meeting the state regulations.
Bathroom Use
Although we can handle occasional accidents, all children must be toilet-proficient in order to attend the school (other than those enrolled with prior special permission). Students may need to be picked up early if they have an accident in class. Children must be able to recognize and communicate their bathroom needs. We have easy access to restrooms and prompt students to check in with themselves about bathroom needs. We help students with layers and getting on/off the toilet as needed.
Food Allergies
Please let us know if your child has any allergies so we can be on alert and help avoid exposure. Keep us informed of any allergy emergency action plans for your child. If there are life threatening allergies, we will restrict specific allergens from the school. Such as peanuts in lunch boxes.
Emergency Medical Care Plan
In the event of a medical emergency Blue Mountain Nature School will make every attempt to contact the child’s parent or guardian. If the parent or guardian cannot be reached, then BMNS. will contact the person(s) listed on the emergency contact form. For life threatening emergencies BMNS will use Grande Ronde Hospital. If the child requires transportation as a result of a medical emergency, we will utilize local emergency medical transport as directed by 911 operators. *Parents are responsible for any and all medical treatment, costs and ambulance fees. Blue Mountain Nature School will not held liable for any cost incurred.
Confidentiality
Unless we receive your written consent, information regarding your child will not be released with the exception of that required by our regulatory and partnering agencies. All records concerning children at our program are confidential. A Privacy Permission Agreement form will be provided to specify if your child’s name and photo may be used on school grounds or digitally.
Child Abuse Reporting
In accordance with Oregon Revised Statute 419B.005, we are a mandated reporter. This is not meant to frighten parents, but to make you aware that we are trained in Child Abuse and Maltreatment Identification and Prevention.
Right to Refuse Release
We may refuse to release children if we have reasonable cause to suspect that any person picking up a child is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or is physically or emotionally impaired in any way that may endanger the child. To protect your child, we may request that another authorized adult pick-up the child, or we may call the police to prevent potential harm to your child. Recurring situations may result in the release of your child from the program.
We want to assure you as parents that your child’s safety is taken very seriously. All teachers are CPR/First aid certified. Like many outdoor preschools nationwide we use a secure app called Brightwheel for all of our students documents, contact information and emergency contact info. A list of emergency numbers are kept in this app which all teachers have access to on phone or ipads on them at all times. Please give prompt notice of change in address, telephone numbers or emails at home or at work.
Please make sure you include your child’s vaccination records in his or her Registration Packet. Also, it is essential that your emergency contact information be kept current.
Illness
As mandated by state law, parents/guardians are asked to keep their children home when they have one or more of the following symptoms:
● A fever in the past 24 hours
● Head Lice /nits
● Two diarrhea bowel movements in one day
● Watery, mucusy, or pink eyes
● A runny nose showing greenish nasal mucus. Greenish mucus for more than 4 days may mean a secondary infection has set in and needs to be checked by a doctor. A clear runny nose is acceptable when not accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, coughing, vomiting, or listlessness.
● A cough with mucus secretions (when associated with other symptoms or when persistent.)
● All rashes except diaper or heat rashes
● Vomiting within the past 24 hours
● Difficulty in breathing
● Earache or drainage
● Listlessness; inability to participate in activities of the program, within the past 24 hours.
If your child is sick please make sure they are better for 24 hours before returning to school. For example, if your child is sick on Tuesday and misses school, they should not return until Thursday. If you are in doubt about your child being well enough to come share germs with the other children and their caregivers, please keep your child at home. Thank you for understanding why we must be strict with our sick policy. It is very important that you call or text if your child is ill or will be absent from the program. If your child becomes ill during school, you will be called. Please pick him or her up within one hour.
Injuries
Physical safety is a major priority, daily safety inspections are completed at Heritage Pond in order to prevent injuries. First aid will be administered by a trained caregiver in the event that your child sustains a minor injury (e.g., scraped knee). You will be notified at pick up with the nature of the injury and course of action taken. . If the injury produces any type of swelling or needs medical attention, you will be contacted immediately. We are equipped with a first aid kit meeting the state regulations.
Bathroom Use
Although we can handle occasional accidents, all children must be toilet-proficient in order to attend the school (other than those enrolled with prior special permission). Students may need to be picked up early if they have an accident in class. Children must be able to recognize and communicate their bathroom needs. We have easy access to restrooms and prompt students to check in with themselves about bathroom needs. We help students with layers and getting on/off the toilet as needed.
Food Allergies
Please let us know if your child has any allergies so we can be on alert and help avoid exposure. Keep us informed of any allergy emergency action plans for your child. If there are life threatening allergies, we will restrict specific allergens from the school. Such as peanuts in lunch boxes.
Emergency Medical Care Plan
In the event of a medical emergency Blue Mountain Nature School will make every attempt to contact the child’s parent or guardian. If the parent or guardian cannot be reached, then BMNS. will contact the person(s) listed on the emergency contact form. For life threatening emergencies BMNS will use Grande Ronde Hospital. If the child requires transportation as a result of a medical emergency, we will utilize local emergency medical transport as directed by 911 operators. *Parents are responsible for any and all medical treatment, costs and ambulance fees. Blue Mountain Nature School will not held liable for any cost incurred.
Confidentiality
Unless we receive your written consent, information regarding your child will not be released with the exception of that required by our regulatory and partnering agencies. All records concerning children at our program are confidential. A Privacy Permission Agreement form will be provided to specify if your child’s name and photo may be used on school grounds or digitally.
Child Abuse Reporting
In accordance with Oregon Revised Statute 419B.005, we are a mandated reporter. This is not meant to frighten parents, but to make you aware that we are trained in Child Abuse and Maltreatment Identification and Prevention.
Right to Refuse Release
We may refuse to release children if we have reasonable cause to suspect that any person picking up a child is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or is physically or emotionally impaired in any way that may endanger the child. To protect your child, we may request that another authorized adult pick-up the child, or we may call the police to prevent potential harm to your child. Recurring situations may result in the release of your child from the program.
Inclement Weather Policy
In the event of inclement weather, late starts, early closures, public emergency closures we strictly follow the La Grande School Districts closure policy. A partial day closure or late start for LGSD means we will not be open. Make up days are not offered for these closures. This policy is enforced to ensure the safety of both our providers and our children. The normal tuition rate will be charged when the program is closed.
- School will also be closed or dismissed if the wind is above 35 mph or class is in danger of fall trees or branches.
- Wind Chill index is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat Index is 100 or greater.
- School will be closed if the air quality index is deemed unhealthy.
School Closure Policy
Blue Mountain Nature School reserves the right to close temporarily for personal days, illness, family emergency or other unforeseeable events if an approved sub cannot be found. Families will be notified as soon as possible if the school will be closed.
Trial Period
The first two weeks in the program are an adjustment or trial period. During this time, either party may terminate this contract immediately without written notice. If the contract is canceled during this two-week trial period, the parents/guardians will pay a prorated fee. Payment is due for each day the child attends unless the contract is canceled before the first day of school begins.
Termination of Contract
A two-week notice is required before withdrawing a child from our school. Account must be paid in full before withdrawing—including your child's tuition for that two-week period.
The director at BMNS reserves the right to cancel the enrollment of a child at his/her discretion, or for the following possible reasons:
• Non-payment or excessive late payments of tuition and fees.
• Not observing the rules of the center as outlined in the parent agreement.
• Child has special needs that we cannot adequately meet within the limitations of our program. .
• Physical and/or verbal abuse of staff or children by parent or child.
The director at BMNS reserves the right to cancel the enrollment of a child at his/her discretion, or for the following possible reasons:
• Non-payment or excessive late payments of tuition and fees.
• Not observing the rules of the center as outlined in the parent agreement.
• Child has special needs that we cannot adequately meet within the limitations of our program. .
• Physical and/or verbal abuse of staff or children by parent or child.