Urban Green Harvest Farm School

Parent Handbook

Welcome to Urban Green Harvest Farm School — we’re so glad you’re here.Our program offers children a meaningful childhood rooted in nature, responsibility, freedom, and connection. Set on a working farm, Farm School provides a fully outdoor learning environment where children grow through hands-on experience, imaginative play, real-life work, and strong relationships.We believe children thrive when given time, trust, and space to develop at their own pace.This handbook is designed to help families understand our philosophy, daily rhythm, policies, and what to expect throughout the year.

Our Mission

Urban Green Harvest Farm School exists to cultivate curiosity, confidence, resilience, and self-reliance in children through nature-based, child-led learning grounded in real life.We support children in developing capable bodies, thoughtful minds, emotional intelligence, and meaningful relationships through farming, outdoor play, and community care.

Our Philosophy

Our approach is respectful, emergent, and rooted in trust.We value:

• Child agency and voice
• Mixed-age mentorship and collaboration
• Unstructured outdoor play
• Practical life skills through farming and homesteading
• Emotional intelligence and peaceful conflict resolution
• Curiosity-driven learning
• Growth that unfolds naturally over time

Rather than forcing a fixed curriculum, we pay close attention to what children are ready for and allow learning to emerge through meaningful experiences.

Why Outdoor & Play-Based Learning Matters

Play is not separate from learning — it is the foundation of it. Through play, children develop

:• Problem-solving skills
• Creativity
• Social awareness
• Emotional regulation
• Confidence
• Independence
• Coordination
• Physical strength
• Executive functioning skills

Outdoor environments add even more benefits through movement, resilience, sensory experiences, and connection to the natural world.

Our Environment

Urban Green Harvest Farm School is a fully outdoor program.Children spend their days immersed in:• Gardens and growing spaces
• Farm fields
• Animal care areas
• Trees and open play spaces
• Paths for biking, skating, and movement
• Seasonal outdoor projectsAn indoor resource room may occasionally be used for severe weather or special projects.

Ages Served

We welcome children ages 4–12 in a mixed-age learning community. Programs include:

• Preschool Program (ages 4–6)
• School-Age Program (ages 7–12)

Mixed-age environments encourage leadership, empathy, confidence, and natural mentorship.

Program Hours

Core Day

Monday–Friday
9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Extended Care

Before Care: 8:30 – 9:30 AM
After Care: 2:30 – 3:30 PM

Daily Rhythm

Morning Arrival

Breakfast during before care, free play, outdoor exploration, and settling into the day.

Morning Work Period

Children may choose meaningful work such as:• Animal care
• Collecting eggs
• Gardening
• Food preparation
• Nature exploration
• Building projects
• Art and creativity
• Open-ended play

Shared Lunch

A nourishing meal shared in community.

Afternoon Work Period

Continued projects, farm work, movement, and exploration.

Closing Rhythm

Snack, tea, stories, and a calm transition home.

Meals & Food Philosophy

We provide nourishing meals and snacks prepared with quality ingredients.Whenever possible, food is:• Organic or naturally grown

• Made from scratch
• Whole and nutrient-dense
• Seasonal
• Connected to the farm

Children regularly participate in planting, harvesting, cooking, and cleanup.Filtered water is always available. Please send a labeled water bottle daily.We are happy to accommodate allergies and dietary needs whenever possible.

Safety & Supervision

The safety and well-being of children is our highest priority.Children are actively supervised at all times in our outdoor environment.We maintain clear visibility across the property and are intentional about children not being in unsupervised or hidden areas.Bathroom use is one child at a time, with staff awareness and proximity.Cameras are in place in key areas of the property to support safety and accountability (never in private spaces).Our goal is to balance freedom to explore with attentive, thoughtful oversight.

Healthy Boundaries & Respect

We help children learn:

• Respect for their own bodies and others
• Listening when someone says “no” or “stop”
• Speaking up when uncomfortable
• Understanding personal boundaries
• Resolving conflict respectfully

These lessons are taught calmly, naturally, and in age-appropriate ways.If a concern arises, we respond promptly, document appropriately, communicate with families, and follow Idaho mandated reporting laws when required.

Behavior Guidance

Children are learning. Mistakes, conflict, and challenges are part of growth.

We focus on:

:• Coaching social skills
• Problem-solving
• Repair and accountability
• Emotional regulation
• Increased support when needed
• Partnership with families

What to Bring

Please send your child prepared for an active outdoor day.Recommended daily items:

• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Extra layers
• Rain gear when needed
• Closed-toe shoes or boots
• Labeled water bottle
• Change of clothes
• Sun hat in warmer months
• Gloves in colder months

Weather Policy

Farm School operates outdoors in a wide range of weather conditions. Rain, mud, cold, and changing conditions are often part of the experience. In cases of severe weather, dangerous storms, hazardous air quality, or unsafe conditions, families will be notified of schedule adjustments.

Enrollment & Attendance

Farm School operates on a semester-based enrollment model to support consistency and strong community relationships. Regular attendance helps children:

• Build friendships
• Settle into rhythm
• Gain confidence
• Experience deeper learning

Drop-in attendance may be available when space allows.

Tuition & Enrollment Investment

Farm School operates in 3-month semesters aligned with the seasons:

Spring: March through May
Summer: June through August
Fall: September through November
Winter: December through February

Pricing is based on 12 weeks per semester. Additional calendar days are included at no additional cost.

Semester Enrollment Rates

(Includes 5% discount off drop in rates with 3 monthly payments)

1 Core Day Per Week

$192 monthly x 3 payments
$576 semester total

2 Core Days Per Week

$368 monthly x 3 payments
$1,104 semester total

3 Core Days Per Week

$528 monthly x 3 payments
$1,584 semester total

4 Core Days Per Week

$672 monthly x 3 payments
$2,016 semester total

5 Core Days Per Week

$800 monthly x 3 payments
$2,400 semester total

Pay in full for the semester and receive an additional 5% discount.

Extended Care Rates

1 Day Per Week

Before Care $120
After Care $120
Both $180

2 Days Per Week

Before Care $240
After Care $240
Both $360

3 Days Per Week

Before Care $360
After Care $360
Both $540

4 Days Per Week

Before Care $480
After Care $480
Both $720

5 Days Per Week

Before Care $600
After Care $600
Both $900

Drop-In Rates (space permitting)

Core Day $50
Before Care $15
After Care $15
Before & After Care $25

Communication with Families

We value clear, respectful, responsive communication.Families are encouraged to reach out with questions, concerns, feedback, or updates that help us support their child well.We believe the best outcomes happen through partnership.

Contact Information

3025 N Dalton Ln, Boise 83704
(208) 850-3392
info@urbangreenharvest.com

Closing

Thank you for sharing your child(ren) with us!

It is an honor to share these years with your family and help create days filled with dirt under fingernails, capable hands, growing confidence, and joyful memories.