Program Fees: The cost to attend Big Tree ALC for one child is $100/month for one day per week, Wednesdays or Fridays, or $175/month for both days. We offer a 10% discounted sibling rate. Payment is due the first of the month, and a $25 late fee will be charged for any payments not made by the fifth of the month.
Attendance: All drop-off learners are expected to remain on-site for the entire day unless otherwise specified in writing by the child’s parent or legal guardian.
Pickup: Only people authorized on record by the parent/legal guardian may pick up a child. Please let us know ahead of time if you will be arriving late. Failure to arrive on time regularly may result in dismissal from the program.
Program Hours: Our program meets from 10am to 3pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. Learners are expected to arrive on time each morning. Morning Meeting is an integral part of how we begin each day intentionally, and we want everyone to be present.
Participation: All learners agree to be active participants in our program. This includes presence at Morning Meeting and assisting with end of day clean up, collaborating with other students, engaging in discussion and projects, contributing to meetings, and generally being physically and mentally present throughout the day.
Inclusivity: In our inclusive and equitable learning environment we welcome, respect and celebrate individual differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, religion, ability, and neurodiversity. We encourage our learners to actively challenge discrimination, both within our community and in society at large.
Consent: We value consent as an ongoing agreement between individuals, freely given without coercion, that can be withdrawn at any time. At Big Tree, children shape their own learning experiences and choose their level of participation in activities and projects. Facilitators help everyone express their needs, concerns, and boundaries about physical touch, personal space, sensory needs, and emotional well-being. We all work together to create an environment that values the autonomy and well-being of all participants.
Respect and Safety: Respect and empathy are cornerstones of our community. We actively discourage any form of discrimination or harassment, and we address any instances promptly and decisively. It is important that all members of our community feel physically and emotionally safe. We do not tolerate hateful speech or verbal/physical aggression. Facilitators are always active in supporting problem solving between children. Anyone persistently engaging in harmful behaviors may be removed from the program.
Conflicts: We use many interconnected conflict resolution processes. Facilitators help children check in with themselves and speak up about their feelings and needs. We use the Heart to Heart program for using Nonviolent Communication (NVC) in a classroom setting. Children are encouraged to collaborate with each other to resolve conflicts, and facilitators support and mediate this process as needed. We use Change Up meetings to discuss group conflicts and to co-create the culture of our community.
Community Library: Our library of books covers a wide range of subjects, including evolution, the Big Bang Theory, human anatomy, sexuality, gender, and religion. These books are appropriate for children, provide scientifically accurate information, and address questions with openness and honesty. Books about religion are from an academic learning perspective. No religious belief or practice is promoted or discredited. We choose history books that promote anti-racism, highlight marginalized voices, and challenge existing power structures. We hope this library promotes intellectual curiosity, fosters respect for all people, and helps children feel represented and valued.
Weapons: Children are not allowed to bring any weapons to Big Tree. Bringing a weapon may result in immediate dismissal from the program. We may offer projects involving tools (whittling, carving, etc) on a case by case basis with appropriate supervision. Pretend weapons (Nerf, foam swords, etc) may be used playfully after reaching group consensus about safety and individual comfort levels.
Personal Devices (cell phones, iPads, etc): Personal media devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc) are not currently permitted while at our program. If a child has a phone for communication, we ask that they keep it in their cubby and only use it when needed to communicate with their parent/caregiver. Community laptops or tablets may be used for limited and specific group learning activities.