FAQs
Is Acorn Tree a Waldorf preschool?
Acorn Tree is Waldorf-inspired and the teacher, Allison Ruby, is an experienced Waldorf teacher, however its activities and materials are not exclusively Waldorf. 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.
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Does Acorn Tree offer part time or afterschool care?
Acorn Tree's focus is on providing a consistent, quality preschool program for families in need of full time care for their children. Alternative part-time schedules and afterschool care are not offered at this time.
What are Acorn Tree’s hours?
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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 4:45 and 5:00.
How old must my child be to enroll?
Children must be at least 33 months and toilet independent.
What does “toilet independent” mean and why do you require it?
Toilet independent means your child wears cloth underwear during the day 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.
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.
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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.
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What is your immunization policy?
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Acorn Tree only accepts children who are fully immunized according to the recommendations of the Minnesota Department of Health.
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Does Acorn Tree participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)?
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Acorn Tree has chosen not to participate in CACFP at this time, but our meals and snacks meet or exceed this program's nutritional guidelines.
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Does Acorn Tree participate in Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)?
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Acorn Tree does not accept CCAP payments at this time, but is exploring the possibility of participating in this program in the future.
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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.
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Is tuition pro-rated if my child is sick or we go on vacation?
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No, tuition at Acorn Tree is based on enrollment, not attendance. Illness and vacations do not affect monthly tuition.
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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.
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How is Acorn Tree licensed?
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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.
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