Welcome to Hidden Bee Farm and Hidden Bee Learning Program!
To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and educational experience for all children, we ask that both parents and children adhere to the following guidelines:
Hidden Bee Learning Parent Handbook
Updated for Fall 2025
Program Overview
Our Purpose
Hidden Bee Learning at Hidden Bee Farm offers a range of homeschool-aligned programs that support early childhood development and elementary enrichment through hands-on, structured, and play-based learning. Our programs focus on creativity, environmental stewardship, leadership, and social responsibility, encouraging children to thrive through both indoor and outdoor experiences.
Programs Offered
- Little Explorers (Ages 3–5): Early foundational learning with the Experience Curriculum™. Emphasis on play-based, interactive discovery supporting social-emotional growth, early literacy, and motor skills.
- Pathfinders (Ages 5–7): A micro-school homeschool support program using Moving Beyond the Page®. Focuses on early literacy, math, science, and creative problem solving.
- Trailblazers / Enrichment (Ages 7+): An enrichment-focused program with structured projects in art, science, creative writing, nature exploration, and more. Curriculum elements include Blossom and Root®.
Children are placed based on learning readiness, not just age, to ensure a developmentally appropriate learning experience.
Hours of Operation & Late Pick-Up Policy
Program Hours
- Drop-off begins at 8:55 AM
- Programs begin at 9:00 AM
Pick-Up Times by Program
- Little Explorers: 12:30 PM
- Pathfinders & Trailblazers: 1:00 PM
Late Pick-Up Policy
- A 15-minute grace period is provided after your child’s scheduled pick-up time.
- After the grace period, a late fee of $1 per minute, per child will be charged.
- Please communicate promptly if you anticipate being late.
Respect & Behavior Expectations
We are committed to fostering a kind, respectful, and inclusive environment. All participants are expected to treat peers, staff, and animals with care and empathy.
Prohibited Behaviors:
- Bullying (verbal, social, emotional, or physical)
- Teasing or joking in a hurtful or disruptive way
- Harassment (verbal, physical, or non-verbal)
- Physical aggression of any kind
Consequences may include parent meetings, temporary suspension, or dismissal, depending on the severity of behavior.
Listening, Safety & Participation
- Children are expected to follow staff directions.
- Arrive ready to learn and engage in all scheduled activities.
- Kindness, cooperation, and accountability are encouraged daily.
Farm-Specific Guidelines
Animal Safety & Respect
- Children must treat animals gently and follow staff guidance.
- Harmful or disrespectful behavior toward animals will result in parent notification and possible suspension or dismissal.
Farm Environment Includes:
- Chickens, goats, and other animals children may occasionally interact with.
- Designated learning areas separated from bee hives and safety risks.
- Frequent outdoor learning when weather allows.
Clothing & Potty Training Requirements
Clothing Guidelines:
- Durable, comfortable clothes for messy, outdoor play
- Closed-toe shoes required for safety
- Hair should be tied back for activities with animals or tools
Potty Training Requirement:
- Children must be fully potty trained
- Must use standard toilets independently
- Staff cannot assist with wiping or undressing
Outdoor Play Policy
We follow CDC guidelines for outdoor play in colder months.
- Above 45°F: Full outdoor play
- 40°F – 45°F: Limited to 10–15 minutes
- Below 40°F: Indoor activities
Required Cold Weather Gear:
- Insulated coat
- Hat covering ears
- Gloves/mittens, scarf
- Layers that adjust to temperature shifts
If children are not dressed appropriately, they will remain indoors.
Designated Areas & Supervision
Children must remain in approved zones on the property:
- Staff monitor and remind children of boundaries
- Restricted areas include animal pens, parking lot, storage areas, and staff-only sections
Health & Hygiene
Handwashing:
- Required before meals and after animal contact
Illness Policy: Children must stay home if they show symptoms such as:
- Fever above 100.4°F
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Rash with fever
- Persistent cough or difficulty breathing
- Contagious conditions (e.g., pink eye)
Parents will be contacted for pickup if symptoms occur during the day.
Immunizations & Legal Compliance
We follow Tennessee homeschool laws and respect family choices:
- Hidden Bee Learning operates as a homeschool tutorial/micro-school
- We do not require proof of immunization, per TN House Bill 252 (2023)
- Families are encouraged to remain informed of state guidelines
More info: Tennessee DOE Homeschool Guidelines
Allergy Awareness & Safety at Hidden Bee Farm
At Hidden Bee Learning / Farm, we absolutely love seeing kiddos explore, play, and learn in the great outdoors. Whether they’re attending our enrichment program or joining us for summer camp, their health and safety come first—especially when it comes to allergies.
We’re a real working farm, which means your child will be surrounded by animals, nature, grass, grain, and the many lovely (and sometimes sneezy!) parts of farm life. Here’s how we handle common allergies and what families need to know:
Grass, Pollen & Outdoor Allergies
We want to be super upfront: this is a farm. Kiddos will be:
- Running through fields
- Sitting in grassy areas
- Petting animals
- Tossing hay, collecting eggs, and playing near trees and plants
If your child has seasonal or environmental allergies (grass, pollen, hay, etc.), they will be exposed to these elements during their time here. This is totally normal for a farm, and while we can’t eliminate those allergens, we can work with you to help your child manage symptoms with medication, extra hand washing, or whatever they need.
Nut Allergies
We’re nut-aware and very cautious when it comes to nut allergies. Here’s what we do:
- No food sharing is allowed—every child eats only what they bring.
- We monitor meal and snack times closely to prevent accidental exposure.
- We don’t serve nut products and strongly encourage nut-free lunches from home.
However, we are not a certified nut-free facility. Important to note:
- We have a walnut tree on the farm in an area children may walk past or play near. While we don’t use the nuts or serve them, they are naturally part of the landscape.
- Some animal feed includes grains like soy or corn, but not nuts. Kiddos will handle feed during chores and animal time.
If your child has a nut allergy (or any food allergy), just let us know on the registration form and we’ll send a supplemental allergy form to make sure we understand their needs and any necessary precautions.
Dairy, Gluten, Soy & Other Food Allergies
We’ve had kiddos with all kinds of allergies, and we’re happy to accommodate wherever we can. Whether it’s:
- Dairy
- Gluten
- Soy
- Eggs
- Or anything else
Animals, Feed & Contact Allergies
Kids will be around goats, chickens, rabbits, ducks, and sometimes barn cats. Animal fur, hay, and feed are part of daily life here. If your child has known contact allergies to animals, hay, or grains, let us know in advance so we can talk through it together and make a plan.
What Will Happen Next
Once you’ve registered and noted an allergy, we’ll send you a Supplemental Allergy Awareness Form to make sure we’re on the same page and fully informed. We’ll also connect directly if we have any questions or need clarification.
Your child’s safety matters to us—our goal is always to make sure every kiddo can participate, have fun, and feel safe while doing it.
Tuition & Payment Policies
Semester-Based Tuition Commitment
- Families commit to the full semester to ensure consistent staffing, curriculum, and supplies
Payment Options:
- Weekly automated payments (biweekly or monthly available upon request)
- $50 non-refundable deposit required per child per program
- Deposit is refunded only if we cannot offer a spot
Discounts:
- 10% sibling discount for families with multiple enrolled children
Late Payments:
- May result in temporary suspension from the program
- Please communicate any financial challenges so we can support you
- A $25 late payment fee will be assessed if your payment is not made on time.
- If you need an extension or additional time to make your payment, please contact us as soon as possible so we can work with you.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Policy
Drop-Off Time:
- Doors Open: Our center opens at 8:55 AM.
This timing allows our staff to prepare the classroom and ensures a smooth start for all children.
Late Pick-Up Policy:
- Grace Period: We understand that occasional delays happen. Therefore, we offer a 15-minute grace period beyond the scheduled pickup time.
- Late Fees: If pickup occurs after this grace period, a $10 late fee will be applied, plus an additional $1 per minute thereafter.
These fees help compensate our staff for their extended time and maintain the quality of care we provide.
If you encounter an unexpected delay, please call us so we can work with you to ensure the best care for your child.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to these policies.
Inclusive & Supportive Environment
We welcome children of all backgrounds and abilities:
- Accommodations may include aides or learning modifications
- Please contact us before enrollment to discuss individual needs
Photo, Media & Liability Policies
Photo Release:
- By enrolling, you consent to your child’s photo being used for promotion (unless opted out in writing)
Waiver of Liability:
- Participation is at your child’s own risk. Hidden Bee Learning and its staff are not liable for unforeseen incidents during regular program activities.
Enrollment Acknowledgment
Families will be asked to confirm understanding of the following:
- Program structure and expectations
- Tuition/payment policies
- Health and safety guidelines
- Behavioral and farm-specific rules
- Media release and liability waiver
This acknowledgment helps us ensure a successful, safe, and joyful experience for every child in our care.
For questions or more information, visit:
www.hbeelearning.com
contact@hiddenbeefarm.org
931-674-1790
Thank you for being part of the Hidden Bee Learning community!