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.

    • Our staff-to-child ratio is 1:8, allowing for close attention and meaningful connection. While we welcome drop-in participants, priority is always given to regularly enrolled preschoolers. We reserve the right to limit or decline drop-in participation based on the individual needs of our current preschool community to ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive. In some cases, we may temporarily lower the ratio to as low as 1:5 for enrolled preschoolers if additional support is needed—ensuring a safe, responsive, and nurturing environment for all.

    • 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 and Jefferson 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!

  • We maintain a staff-to-child ratio of 1:8 to ensure each child receives attentive, personalized care. While drop-in participants are welcome, priority is given to children enrolled in our regular preschool program. To support the well-being of our core preschool community, we may limit or decline drop-ins when needed. In some cases, we may also reduce our group size to a 1:5 ratio if specific children require additional support, allowing us to maintain a safe, inclusive, and responsive learning environment.

  • 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 school year will run from September 8, 2025, to June 26, 2026, with classes held Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas and will also take a holiday break during the winter season.

  • 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.