Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of family/child attends Discovery Woods? Are you all granola-eating, Birkenstock (or Teva, or Chacco)-wearing, vegan, left-leaning hippies?

Yes.

Just kidding. Discovery Woods parents are actually a pretty diverse group. We have attorneys, nurses, consultants, and IT people. We have photographers and stay-at-home parents and people who work for the government. And of course that’s always changing. Some of us wear high heels and others wear Tevas. Some are vegans, some are vegetarians, and the rest of us fight good naturedly for our share of Andrew’s pork and chicken barbecue! Although we all share a desire for as much nature and outdoors as possible for our children, some of the parents are learning in that area, while others are backpacking backcountry veterans. The one thing we have in common is that we are all pretty open-minded. That makes the diversity work.

Is Discovery Woods a Reggio Emilia school?

The Reggio Emilia Approach is not a curriculum that can be bought, or a model that can be duplicated. It is more of a philosophy of education valuing children as whole beings, with infinite potential, capable of co-constructing their educational experience. Teachers in Reggio Emilia consider themselves teacher researchers, and constantly seek to deepen their understandings of children, and to inform their teaching. They value individuality and self-expression, and that we all have unique ways of learning and presenting that learning. This is the essence of the Reggio Emilia Approach that we hope to capture.

In addition, Discovery Woods is inspired by many other educators and educational philosophies, too.

How is Discovery Woods like or not like Montessori or Waldorf?

This link provides a detailed overview of the similarities and differences between Reggio Emilia, Montessori and Waldorf: http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/v4n1/edwards.html. Discovery Woods borrows from a number of Montessori and Waldorf principles too.

Do you teach reading? If so, how and when?

We are sad to see the worry and pressure that young children and their families experience today around things like reading. We believe that literacy is a natural passion for children, and embrace the opportunity to help them see themselves as readers and writers. Starting In our Pre-K programs, we teach reading and writing first by providing a language-rich environment which supports children’s emerging literacy. We talk with and read to children, write down their thoughts and stories, make lists, incorporate print into dramatic play, label things with words, and so on. Because they experience so directly and personally the value of literacy, children begin to copy this literacy behavior they see modeled. They write mail in the Post Office, read recipes written in pictures and words for cooking, sign their work, make guesses about words in the morning message, sound out or copy words to label projects, read the mail put in their boxes, and so on.

We also help children develop the phonological awareness that research has shown to be foundational for later mastery of phonetic reading. Phonological awareness is the ability to hear the discrete sounds that make up words-particularly ending and beginning sounds. That means lots of everyday conversation, story, poems, songs and games that let us practice rhyming and alliteration. And over time, as children become able and interested, we introduce and practice the symbols-alphabet letters-associated with those sounds, and give children who start to decode and read words, sentences and books lots and lots of opportunities to do so.

In our elementary groups, children are active co-creators of Reader’s and Writer’s Workshops, write and develop their own dramas, have daily silent reading time and weekly one on one reading time with teachers, are read to, and read to some more, create their own books, and much more.

How is technology integrated into the school? Will my child get to use computers?

Rebecca has a personal passion for technology, and incorporates it into the children’s programs – as a tool, not as entertainment. We use technology like we do other tools and media, like clay, paint, and scissors. Sometimes we use technology as an expressive medium, other times for research.

How often will I meet with my child’s teachers?

Formally, twice per year for a parent/teacher conference. You can request additional time, and we talk informally all the time!

What are the expectations regarding providing feedback on the daily journals?

Journals are expressly for the purpose of providing children the opportunity to reflect on their day and what they learned and experienced. This is absolutely central to the work we do at Discovery Woods and everything else stems from it. We use journals and other past documentation extensively during the school day. We also expect parents to sit with children and review journals every day that the child attends school at a minimum. Parents should record the child’s observations word for word in the comment section of the journal. If you are available, it is helpful to review journals on the days your child is not at school, too. This way children connect to work that happens with their friends, even when they are not there.

How does transition work for a new student?

We typically schedule a few play dates for new students before their official start date. Rebecca can tell quickly if more play dates would be helpful. Sometimes Rebecca visits the child at their home for a play date if she senses that she can get to know the child better in their own space.

How does transition work each morning? What if my child has a hard time when I leave?

We ask parents to arrive ten minutes before your child’s scheduled arrival time so that you can make the transition in a non-rushed way. Many parents read a book to their child and then say goodbye. Parents need to be saying good-bye no later than your child’s scheduled arrival time. If your child is having difficulty transitioning to the school day, please discuss with Rebecca.  Lengthening transition time generally is NOT advised.

What happens if my child chooses not to participate?

It depends on the situation. Our deep relationships with children help us know how to work through each situation. In knowing the children well, we usually know – or can figure out what the reason behind not participating is (e.g. is the child afraid of failure, afraid to try something new, or is it simply their personality to hold back for a few minutes before diving in to new things?) We never force children to participate, but rather we support them wherever they are in that moment and giving them scaffolding and help to join in when they are ready.

How much time outside do children have?

We spend time in the outdoor classroom every day, as much as possible, in all weather, and in all seasons.

I feel nervous about the exposure to animals. Can you allay my worries?

Children are exposed to and help care for a large number of domestic and wild animals that live on school property in appropriate habitats. This includes cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, snakes, spiders, turtles, frogs, goats and chickens. Teachers have training on these animals, and use solid safety and hygiene measures. Children are taught to respect animals, not to see them as playthings or exhibits. The same is true when we study or encounter animals in their native habitats. Discovery Woods children know which poisonous spiders and snakes are indigenous to Virginia, and what to do if they see one. They know to be quiet and peaceful when they encounter a herd of deer. They know how to identify bird species by song. They know how to check for ticks. They are masters at studying life in vernal pools. Risks are not non-existent, but they are greatly minimized with knowledge.

How do you handle bug spray and sunscreen?

We use natural products that the community of families collaboratively chooses and purchases. We ask parents to apply sunscreen as they choose prior to arrival each morning. Children at the Meadow will be re-sunscreened mid-day. All children should wear sun hats, especially at the Meadow. Bug spray is applied by the teachers before going out each day.

Do the children get ticks?

Sometimes. We do a midday tick check, but we do not strip children. Parents should check children thoroughly every evening after a school day, paying particular attention to body crevices.

What are typical meals and snacks?

Sample breakfast – scrambled pastured eggs, grassfed sausage, sliced apples and Eziekel toast

Sample lunch – Grassfed meat sauce served over soaked rice, kale salad with raisins and sunflower seeds, roasted sweet potatoes

Sample snack – Carrots, herbed cultured cream cheese, gluten free, sweetener-free blueberry muffins.

Our meats and produce are either raised by us or sourced from farmers we know. Everything is ecoganic, sustainably raised and seasonal. The meals are varied and wonderful. Parents typically feel simultaneously thrilled and jealous.

What if my child has a nut (or other allergy)?

We are typically able to accommodate children with mild allergies. We cannot guarantee a 100% allergen free environment, so children with severe allergies usually cannot be accommodated. First, the school is in a home and as such, the host family and their children will not prohibit any food entirely during non-school hours. Secondly, community members do share in the preparation of snacks and it is not possible to ensure 100% adherence to such a policy. Each situation must be considered by the parents and the Director. Enrollment is solely at the Director’s discretion.

How do you handle meals/picky eaters?

Healthy varied choices are served. Children choose what they eat, however. We do not force food types or food quantities. Foods are not substituted based on personal preference, however. We believe that healthy experiences with food and food choices are the best teacher for children, not adult expectations. The experience of community meal preparation, setting the table with and for friends, and eating together typically results in even picky eaters expanding their food horizons.

What types of beverages are offered?
Water is strongly encouraged and available at all times of the day. We also offer whole milk. We do believe that it is detrimental for children over age one to use baby bottles or sippy cups. Providing even young children with cups at the table (without lids) encourages independence. Sponges are available to them if they have an inevitable spill.

What types of snacks are families expected to bring?

Parents either join our baking group and contribute 10-12 dozen mini muffins monthly, Or bring veggies and dip to serve 15 people (teachers snack too!) twice a month.

What if my child has other special needs?

Diversity is something we truly value in all its many forms. At the same time, we want children to thrive here. So special circumstances are just that – special! Please discuss your situation with Rebecca so she can work with you to determine if the Discovery Woods program is right for your child. We have had children in the past who were on the Autism Spectrum, children with different visual and auditory capabilities and children with what would be classified as learning disabilities in traditional schools. There is no one right answer though; it really depends on the situation.

Where and how does nap time work?

Naps are a big part of young children’s day and we want this to be peaceful and enjoyable for the children like any other part of the day. Often we listen to appropriate music or do yoga before rest time, and we always enjoy books. Children have mats, pillows and blankets and choose from several cozy spots and cubbies to take their rest. We find that children quickly acclimate to napping at school. They are usually pretty tired from a busy morning! As children reach the 4-5 age range it’s more typical for children to be dropping naps and having a short rest and quiet time instead. We never force children to sleep, but we do work cooperatively with parents to understand what their at-home schedule is and to make sure children are resting well in keeping with what their bodies need.

What is Discovery Woods’s philosophy on potty training?

Diapering and pottying are a huge part of a child’s day, and we want that experience to be pleasant too. Children in diapers are welcome at Discovery Woods, including children in cloth diapers. As with all else at Discovery Woods, teachers support the children wherever they are in their learning, and look for ways for the children to participate. We scaffold the children as they learn to toilet on their own, but we are completely fine with them learning this skill at their own pace. Children tend to learn toileting skills very quickly here, though, as they have lots of peer-to-peer experience and support.

How does Discovery Woods handle birthdays or religious and secular holidays?

We recognize, respect, and share children’s interest in cultural, religious, and “commercial” holidays (e.g. Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year, Easter, or Passover) as well as birthdays, although we do not officially observe these at Discovery Woods. Instead, we invite each family and teacher to share the holiday activities and traditions they value with the children. This approach affirms and enriches everyone involved without suggesting that there’s one “right way” to believe or celebrate. When you enroll, we will ask you about your family’s traditions, so that we can include and honor them as an important part of your child’s identity.

What is Discovery Woods’s sick policy?

If a child has any of the following visual symptoms within 24 hours before a school day begins, please do not attend school that day:

• Fever (100°F underarm; 101°F oral or 102°F rectal) AND sore throat, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, earache, irritability or confusion.
• Diarrhea (runny, watery or bloody stools)
• Vomiting (twice or more in 24 hours)
• Body rash with fever
• Sore throat with fever and swollen glands
• Severe coughing (child gets red or blue in the face and makes a high-pitched whoop after cough)
• Eye discharge (thick mucus or pus draining from eye, or pink eye)
• Yellowish skin or eyes
• Child is irritable, continuously crying, or requires more attention than we can reasonably provide in a 1:6 ration setting

If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms during the day, we will call you and ask you to pick your child up.

Are parents/grandparents welcome to visit?

Discovery Woods welcomes visitors. We want to share what we are learning and how we are working together. At the same time, we are a small community with limited time together in the classroom. That means we must be thoughtful about opening our doors, and structure visits so that children do not experience visits as a disruption. Parents, of course, are welcome to visit at any time, per regulations, but we ask that “fun” visits be scheduled so as not to interrupt. We welcome meeting extended family too; those visits must also be scheduled in advance.

Can I talk with teachers at pick up/drop off?

Only for a very few seconds. It’s hard, because we are such a close community and we are all such good friends. However, in the morning teachers are very busy getting ready for the day and welcoming children, and in the afternoon/evening teachers need to go home, and Rebecca and Andrew are in need of a little private family time! Proctor yourself in this area; Rebecca finds it terribly difficult to ask parents to leave, even if she really needs you to, so please don’t put her in this situation. This goes for the property too; please don’t linger in the garage, on the grounds, or in the driveway.

What is the best way to contact Rebecca or another teacher?

Cell phone, texting and email all work. If it is not personal or private, cc’ing Laura is helpful, as Laura can answer many questions more quickly since she is not with children all day.

How do I communicate with the school/teachers/other parents in general?

You will get a thorough overview of our communications shortly after your child is enrolled. There is a “wiki” for sharing information and for commenting on journals. There is a discussion list and an off topic list for community discussions. There are parent meetings, work days and socials. There are parent/teacher meetings annually, and more frequently if needed.

How do I contact the school during the day?

You will have Rebecca’s cell phone number. You should also give her your numbers so she can program them in, as she will not answer calls from unrecognized numbers during the school day. We ask that parents refrain from calling Rebecca during the school day unless the call is related to the child that day. For example, a call on the first couple of days to check in would be fine. If you realize mid-day you have to pick up at a non-standard time, that warrants a phone call. Anything else, scheduling a meeting, asking about something, all of those things should be handled via email.

What if you need to contact me?

Each day at sign in you will include the best number to reach you at that day. Of course we also have all of your contact information in our databases from your enrollment paperwork, but we want the best number at our fingertips.

What if I don’t have access to a computer?

Unfortunately, the reality is that Discovery Woods may not be the best fit for you. All daily journals are posted online and 90% of collaborative conversation happens online, not to mention all business announcements being sent via email. We are heavily reliant on technology to connect and develop our community, and daily online access is really a must for at least one parent in the family.

Must parents attend every work day?

Work days are typically scheduled the first Saturday of each month September – June. At least one parent from each family must attend most or all of the work days.

How often and when are parent meetings?

Parent meetings are typically scheduled the third Thursday of every other month year round. As with work days, we really appreciate it if at least one parent from each family makes it to most or all of the meetings.

What do you do during work days?

Carpentry, building, painting, organizing, yard work, yard cleanup, garage and material clean up, development of big materials or scenes for curriculum or projects, special projects for the children, book organization. And so much more!

Are children welcome during work days?

Sometimes. Children love it when they see their parents working on their school. It is one of our greatest joys. Some months the work and the weather more easily facilitate children’s participation. We will let you know a few days before if children may come that month.

Are criminal background checks done?

Yes, background checks are performed on all staff in compliance with the Division of Licensing program. Parents are also required to complete a background check since we are all together with the children so often.

Who are the other people involved with Discovery Woods on a daily basis? Who else will my children interact with while at Discovery Woods?

In our community there are parents, extended family, and babysitters/nannies and au pairs who pick up and drop children off each day. Sometimes children with special needs have resource teachers that visit. And Fox/Stoddard family members are around as well, both children who live at home, adult children who visit, and grandparents and siblings.

Do you ever transport children?

Only with parents’ express written permission.

What happens if there is an emergency and my child is hurt?

In the case of a life threatening emergency, we would call 911 immediately. In other situations, parents are notified first and appropriate emergency procedures taken. All teaching staff is CPR and First Aid trained, with annual recertification.

Does having the school in the home of the Director create any challenges for the school?

Rebecca and Andrew truly love hosting the school in their home. There are a few private family-only rooms in the house, but most rooms are part of the school, including the work and play room (formerly a living room), the art studio (formerly a dining room) and the kitchen. The family uses the space shared with the school happily, including eating dinner each night on the same 15 inch tall stools the children use each day.

How early/late may I drop off or pick up my child?

Your child will have a set schedule and it’s important that you drop off and pick up at the scheduled times unless you’ve made prior arrangements in writing by sending an email to scheduling@discoverywoods.com. Schedule changes not requested in writing cannot be honored. If you are late picking your child up at the end of the day, late charge fees will apply. If you are late for morning drop off, we ask that you leave the property and return at 10:15 a.m.

Can I add days or hours periodically?

We sometimes have drop in spots open, so you are always welcome to ask. Those requests should also be sent to scheduling@discoverywoods.com.

Are there refunds if my child is sick or does not attend school for any reason?

No. Tuition is calculated and paid based on annual attendance. Credit is not given for missed days.

How do you notify families about closings or other urgent news?

We have a News email that you will be automatically subscribed (using the emails you provide to us) paperwork once your child is enrolled.

Why can’t you remain open at your discretion even if Fairfax County is closed for weather? They close even when we get one flake of snow!

Our liability insurance requests that we follow a recognized school districts weather closing decisions. Also, we have staff that travel from all over the Metro region to get to school, and we don’t want to ask them to drive in potentially unsafe conditions.