About Island Outdoor School

Please consider the weather each day and send your child to Island Outdoor School in appropriate clothing for the elements. Since we are outside all day this is a critical aspect to your child’s comfort and well-being. We require that children have quality rain gear including waterproof boots. If you are in need of any support in this area please contact the director and they will assist you in obtaining what your child needs. All children occasionally get their clothes wet and have toileting accidents. Whenever this occurs, it is best to change the child into an extra set of clothing provided by the family. We require that you bring a complete change of clothing, including underwear, to be kept at school and replenished as needed. Due to health reasons, if a child soils their underwear, it may be thrown away. Please be sure to clearly label all clothing.

Our program utilizes a newly built outhouse and a new self contained composting toilet purchased in 2023. Children must be potty confident, as our facility is not equipped to handle diaper changing. They cannot wear diapers to school. It is especially important that your child is: ● capable of sleeping without a pamper/diaper if in the full day program ● capable of pulling down and pulling up their pants (We can work on this but a start is appreciated)

We ask that you use appropriate best judgment for your child and their state of health. If they could be in any way potentially infectious, please keep them home. Our first priority at Island Outdoor School is providing a healthy, safe learning environment for all children. Children/staff will be sent home as soon as possible if any of the following is experienced: an illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in activities (as determined by the staff); an illness results in a greater need for care than the staff can reasonably provide without compromising the health or safety of other children in the classroom; or a child is experiencing any of the conditions outlined in the Illness Policy of our Handbook

Yes. Snack and lunch items are not provided by Island Outdoor School. We encourage families to send at least 2 healthy snacks, lunch and a drink in a non-breakable container. Please do not send food that needs to be heated— this is not a service we can offer. As we are instilling a respect for the environment and its value to us, please use minimal packaging and bring food in reusable containers.

Toys, stuffed animals, or other items from home may help your child feel more comfortable at school from time to time. However, it is often difficult for young children to share their special “treasures” with classmates. We ask that all items brought to Island Outdoor School from home be placed in your child’s cubby shortly after arrival. Please clearly label all belongings brought from home.

You may have noticed some beautiful images of our current and former students on this site. Pictures are taken semi frequently to record progress and document activities. Some pictures are posted on our closed Facebook page. We ask your permission to use photos with a release form signed at the time of enrollment. Please request an invitation to our preschool Facebook group page, “Island Outdoor School Families”. These photos are NOT available to the public for viewing. There are other times photos might be shared publicly. Island Outdoor School administration will request this permission separately.

Confidentiality is a top priority for Island Outdoor School. Personal information of families and staff will not be shared for any reason without prior written consent of the individual. All records are stored in a locked cabinet with the exception of what staff keep on hand during hours of operation per emergency plan. It is important that all staff members be discreet in sharing information regarding the children and their parents in public areas. Names and identifying characteristics of children and families should not be shared with anyone other than staff members working within the program and the Director. Staff members may not distribute or post children's names, address, phone numbers, etc. with the exception of distribution to Island Outdoor School employees. Personal information should never be used for personal purposes. Washington law specifically prohibits the sharing of information about children or staff members within a child care setting without written consent from the parent, guardian, or individual. This applies to outside professionals as well.