FAQ

  • Sunflower Seedlings Preschool is a play-based, nature-loving adventure for kids ages 2.5 to 5 in Beacon Hill, Seattle. Our days are filled with hands-on fun in natural settings—sparking curiosity, exploring the outdoors, and growing a love for the environment, one muddy puddle at a time!

    • Defined exploration zones: Children are given clear, safe boundaries to ensure their play remains within supervised areas.

    • Low adult-to-child ratio: With a 1:5 ratio, each child receives close supervision and individual attention.

    • Bright safety vests: Reflective vests keep children highly visible during outdoor activities.

    • Constant visibility and audibility: Children must always stay within their teacher’s sight and hearing.

    • Frequent headcounts: Teachers regularly count children to ensure every child is accounted for.

    • Stranger protocol: Teachers handle interactions with unfamiliar adults, limiting direct contact between children and strangers.

    • Authorized pick-ups only: Children are only released to individuals who are pre-approved by parents or guardians.

    • Safe drop-off and pick-up zones: Locations are carefully selected to provide ample parking, minimal traffic, and overall safety.

    Emergency Preparedness

    We also go beyond everyday precautions to ensure we’re ready for unexpected situations:

    • Certified in CPR and First Aid: All teachers are fully certified and regularly update their training to stay prepared.

    • Proactive risk management: Our comprehensive safety plans are regularly reviewed and updated to address potential hazards.

  • We encourage our students to be mostly potty trained before enrolling in our program. While we understand that occasional accidents can happen, being potty trained is important for the comfort, confidence, and overall well-being of each child.

    Our program is based in public parks, where restroom access can be limited and sometimes requires walking a distance. For children, this can mean navigating unfamiliar facilities, which might feel challenging if they are not yet confident in their potty skills. Being potty trained helps ensure that children can fully enjoy their outdoor exploration without unnecessary stress or discomfort, allowing them to focus on play, learning, and discovery.

    We’re here to support children’s independence and self-assurance, and readiness in this area helps create a smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

  • We meet at the Beacon Food Forest, Jefferson Park, and Mount Baker Park.

  • We believe kids learn best when they’re playing, exploring, and connecting with nature. Our play-based approach is designed to meet each child where they are, sparking curiosity, building problem-solving skills, and helping them grow socially—all while having fun!

    • 1:5

    • Children that are accompanied by their parent or caregiver are not counted in this ratio.

  • We recommend dressing your child in comfortable, weather-appropriate layers, with sturdy boots or shoes. We also offer access to an outdoor gear library with items for all seasons to keep children comfortable.

  • Each child should bring a front strap backpack with rain cover, a water bottle, a change of clothes, and a healthy lunch.

  • The pilot program runs February 3rd to June 27th 2025, Monday through Friday, 9am-1pm. Our full program will launch in fall 2025, following the Seattle Public Schools calendar. Visit our “Seedlings Daily Flow” section of our website for the daily routine.

  • We’re committed to outdoor learning, rain or shine! Our gear library ensures children have the clothing they need to stay comfortable in all kinds of weather. We adapt our daily schedule to fit the flow of the seasons, embracing sunny days for extended exploration and adjusting activities during rainy or colder weather to keep everyone engaged and cozy.

    Safety is always our top priority. We check the weather report daily and communicate any important updates to families, ensuring everyone is informed. Each day, we perform a thorough risk assessment of our outdoor spaces, identifying and addressing potential hazards before children arrive. If weather conditions become hazardous, we have detailed plans in place to keep everyone safe, including sheltering within the outdoor space. In rare cases, we’ll contact families for an early pick-up to ensure everyone’s well-being.