FAQs

What is the overarching philosophy of Acorn Tree?

Acorn Tree follows a Waldorf-inspired approach to early childhood education. The teacher, Allison Ruby, is an experienced teacher who taught in Waldorf schools for many years. Here you will find an environment filled with warmth, beauty, and natural, open-ended materials that feed imagination and support children's growth and development in all domains. Gentle routines and rhythms bring comfort, confidence, and openness to the world. We recognize that education must be ever-evolving to meet the needs of specific children in a specific time and place. Allison considers her experience and training in Waldorf education as a foundation and structure on which to build, and that they provide a window into the inner life of children, without being a roof or wall that contains or limits her approach to meeting the interests and needs of the children in her care.

Does Acorn Tree offer part time or afterschool care?

To meet the varying needs of families, Acorn Tree now offers a variety of schedules, depending on the age of your child.

Five Day Program: Monday through Friday
Four Day Program: Monday through Thursday
Three Days/Week: Monday/Wednesday/Friday (Open to children 4 years and under only.)
Two Days/Week: Tuesday/Thursday (Open to children 4 years and under only.)

Children over 4 and going on to kindergarten the following year may enroll in a four day or five day program. Children 4 years old and under have the additional options of two or three day programs.

Acorn Tree does not offer alternative part-time schedules or afterschool care at this time.

Can I change the number of days my child comes mid-year?

For continuity of the group, families are asked to commit to the schedule minimum they have selected for the entirety of the year. However you can certainly increase the number of days your child attends mid-year if there is an opening.

What are Acorn Tree’s hours?

Acorn Tree is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Children arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 in the morning. Parents generally pick up between 4:30 and 5:00. If you would like to have a shorter day for your child, we can discuss what time would work best with the overall schedule.

How old must my child be to enroll?

Acorn Tree's program was founded with the idea that children must be at least 33 months old and toilet independent to enroll, but may accept a child as young as 2 if it feels workable in view of the group as a whole.

What are your requirements as far as toilet training?

Children attending Acorn Tree are expected to be toilet independent by time they begin. Toilet independent means your child wears cloth underwear during the day (nap time pull-ups okay) without having frequent accidents, can recognize and communicate the need to go to the bathroom, and is able to independently use the toilet and wash hands. Of course all children are supervised and assisted as needed. Toilet independence is a developmental milestone that generally goes hand in hand with readiness for the overall structure and activities of the program, and allows the group to move through the day with a more consistent rhythm.

Two year olds joining the program and not yet out of diapers must meet with the teacher prior to enrollment to create a toilet training plan that will be consistently followed at home and school. The timeline and commitment to this process will be a factor in your child's acceptance and continued participation in the program before the age of three.

Do children watch TV or have other screen time during the day?

TV, videos, and computer activities are not part of the Acorn Tree day. Children are actively engaged in the world, their teacher, and one another even during more quiet, restful, and inward periods of the day. Cartoons and pop culture references are generally deemphasized in this program.

Do children play outside during the day?

Yes! Abundant outside play is part of the daily routine year round and in all but the most inclement weather.

Are meals and snacks provided?

Yes, Acorn Tree provides a substantial morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack. Children eat breakfast at home. Meals are homemade and high in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. We know that a healthful and varied diet supports children's physical health, brain development and immune systems, and is a needed foundation for active play and learning.

What is included in tuition?

Tuition includes:

loving and reliable full-day care, 8:30 am-5:00 pm;
healthful lunches and snacks;
all craft, play, activity and special event supplies;
rain suits and waterproof bib overalls for muddy/wet weather;
snowsuits, snow bibs, and gauntlet-style snow mittens for winter weather;
helmets for tricycles, balance bikes and riding toys;
zip up hoodies;
stainless steel water bottles;
sheets, small pillow, and pillowcase for rest cots;
basic personal care items, such as cleansing wipes, skin care products, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

How many children are in the program?

Acorn Tree is licensed for up to twelve children, but has intentionally chosen to maintain a smaller group size of up to eight preschoolers. A few school-age grandchildren (all Acorn Tree alumni!) occasionally round out the group during school breaks.

What is your immunization policy?

Acorn Tree only accepts children who are fully immunized according to the recommendations of the Minnesota Department of Health.

Does Acorn Tree participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)?

Acorn Tree has begun the process of enrolling in the federal food program. But whether on it or not, our meals and snacks meet or exceed this program's nutritional guidelines.

Does Acorn Tree participate in Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)?

Acorn Tree does not accept CCAP payments at this time, but is exploring the possibility of participating in this program in the future.

Why is tuition paid monthly? Are other payment schedules available?

Acorn Tree has chosen a monthly payment structure as a way to streamline and simplify budgeting and administrative tasks, while providing a solid financial foundation for the program and teacher. Consistent tuition payments allow the cost of childcare to be spread out evenly over the year, making it easier for families to plan their family budget. Alternative payment schedules are not available.

Is tuition pro-rated if my child is sick or we go on vacation?

No, tuition at Acorn Tree is based on enrollment, not attendance. Illness and vacations do not affect monthly tuition.

What methods of payment do you accept?

All invoicing and payments are made via Brightwheel, which allows parents to make secure payments online and print out statements for tax and financial records. Parents create a Brightwheel account as part of the enrollment process.

How is Acorn Tree licensed?

Acorn Tree Child Garden is licensed by the State of Minnesota as a Class C2 Family Childcare. A Class C2 license allows up to twelve children total, with up to ten of them under school age.