Program Guidelines

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 Farm and Learning Program Guidelines

Program Overview

Purpose:

Hidden Bee Learning programs at Hidden Bee Farm, including the Enrichment Program, Little Explorers, and Specialty Programs, provide supplemental educational experiences designed to complement homeschooling and early childhood development. These programs aim to foster creativity, environmental stewardship, leadership, and social responsibility through a blend of structured, play-based indoor and outdoor activities, as well as focused learning opportunities in areas such as arts, science, mindfulness, and more. Each program is thoughtfully crafted to engage and inspire children of various ages and interests.

Emphasis on Safety and Respect: A positive and supportive environment where children feel valued and safe.
Enrichment Approach: Programs are standalone or interconnected, offering engaging opportunities for growth and discovery.

General Guidelines for Participation

Respect and Behavior:

At Hidden Bee Learning, we are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all participants. As such, all children are expected to treat their peers, staff, and volunteers with kindness and respect.

Prohibited Behaviors:

Bullying: Any repeated, intentional behavior meant to intimidate or harm another child emotionally, socially, or physically.
Teasing: Hurtful or disruptive verbal comments, even if presented as jokes, that undermine another child’s confidence or well-being.
Harassment: Unwanted actions or language that cause discomfort or distress, including verbal, physical, or non-verbal behaviors.
Physical Aggression: Any hands-on behavior such as hitting, pushing, shoving, or other forms of physical contact meant to harm, intimidate, or dominate another individual.

These actions are strictly prohibited. We believe in fostering empathy, compassion, and positive social interactions. Any child engaging in such behavior may face corrective actions, including discussions with parents, temporary suspension, or dismissal from the program, depending on the severity of the behavior.

Our priority is to create an environment where every child feels valued, safe, and supported in their learning journey.

Listening and Following Instructions:

To ensure safety and smooth operation, children must follow directions from staff and volunteers.

Active Participation:

Children should arrive prepared, with a positive attitude, and ready to engage in all activities.

Farm-Specific Guidelines

Respect for Animals and Safety of Children:

At Hidden Bee Farm, the safety and well-being of both our animals and children are top priorities. All children are required to treat farm animals with care, kindness, and respect while following safety guidelines designed to protect everyone involved. These rules ensure a positive and secure experience for all participants while fostering empathy and responsibility.

Harmful or Disrespectful Behaviors Include:

Physically harming animals, such as hitting, kicking, or throwing objects at them.
Yelling at or deliberately scaring the animals.
Ignoring staff instructions on how to safely interact with the animals or entering restricted areas without permission.

Such actions can endanger the safety of both the animals and other children. These behaviors are strictly prohibited and will result in consequences, including:

Parent/Guardian Notification: Parents will be informed about the incident and the steps taken.
Disciplinary Actions: Depending on the severity of the behavior, actions may include temporary suspension from activities involving animals or, in severe or repeated cases, dismissal from the program.

Why This Policy Matters:

Animal Well-Being: Teaching children to respect and care for animals fosters empathy and responsibility.
Child Safety: Mishandling or disrespecting animals can result in unpredictable behavior from the animals, potentially leading to injuries.
Positive Environment: Ensuring safe and respectful interactions helps create a nurturing and supportive environment for all participants.

By adhering to these guidelines, children not only learn valuable life lessons about respect and responsibility but also help maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved in the Hidden Bee Farm programs.

Appropriate Clothing:

Dress for fun and safety. At Hidden Bee Farm, we embrace hands-on activities that often involve getting dirty, creative, and fully engaged in farm life. Because of this, we recommend dressing your child in clothes that are durable, comfortable, and ready for a little mess!

Clothing: Please avoid sending your child in nice or delicate clothes, as we’ll be painting, exploring, and enjoying the farm. Clothes that can handle dirt and fun are the best choice!
Shoes: Close-toed shoes are required for safety. They protect little feet during farm activities and ensure your child can participate fully without worry.
Hair: If your child prefers to wear their hair down, please send a hair tie or headband along for activities where hair needs to be secured for safety (e.g., working near animals or using certain materials).

Outdoor Play Temperature Guidelines:

Outdoor Play Policy Guidelines

At Hidden Bee Learning and Little Explorers, we understand the vital role that outdoor play plays in the development and well-being of children. We are committed to providing opportunities for outdoor activities that are both fun and safe. As the weather changes, we follow specific guidelines to ensure that the children are engaged in outdoor play while maintaining their safety in colder conditions.

To ensure the health and safety of our children during colder months, we follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We carefully monitor the temperature and wind chill factor to determine safe outdoor play conditions.

Outdoor Play Permitted:
Outdoor play will take place when the temperature, including wind chill, is at or above 40°F. This threshold is based on the CDC’s guidance for outdoor play in cold weather, ensuring children can engage in physical activities without prolonged exposure to dangerous conditions.
Modified Outdoor Play:
- When temperatures are between 40°F and 45°F, outdoor play will be limited to 10-15 minutes. This ensures children have enough time to get active and expend energy, but not long enough to be exposed to the cold for too long.
- When the temperature exceeds 45°F, outdoor play will proceed as usual, with no time limitations.

Appropriate Attire:

For children to fully benefit from outdoor play, they must be dressed in the appropriate layers to stay warm and comfortable. Parents are asked to send their child to Hidden Bee Learning and Little Explorers with the following:

Insulated coats or jackets
Hats covering the ears
Gloves or mittens
Scarves
Layered clothing to adjust to temperature fluctuations

Children who are not dressed warmly enough will remain indoors for their safety.

Indoor Activities When Cold:

If temperatures fall too low for outdoor play, we will shift to indoor activities. These activities will include:

Snack time
Storytelling sessions
Songs and games

We prioritize keeping the children engaged, active, and having fun, whether inside or out.

Why This Policy is Important:

This policy is designed to balance the benefits of outdoor play with the need to protect children from the risks of prolonged cold exposure. By following CDC guidelines, we aim to provide a safe, healthy environment where children can be active and enjoy their time at Hidden Bee Learning and Little Explorers.

CDC Guidelines:

For more information on outdoor play and safety in colder weather, you can review the CDC’s guidelines here:
CDC Outdoor Play and Safety Guidelines

We appreciate the support of our parents in ensuring children are dressed appropriately for cold weather and following these guidelines. Our goal is always to create a fun and safe environment for every child, while maintaining flexibility in how we engage them in outdoor play.

Designated Areas and Boundaries:

To ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, children must remain in designated areas during their time at Hidden Bee Farm. Clear boundaries are established and regularly reinforced to prevent accidents and maintain a secure environment for everyone.

Approved Areas:

Children will be informed about the specific zones where they can play, explore, and participate in activities. These areas are carefully chosen to be safe and appropriate for their age and activities.

Restricted Zones:

Certain areas, such as animal enclosures, equipment storage, staff-only sections, and the parking area, are off-limits unless supervised by a staff member or accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Supervision and Guidance:

Staff will consistently remind children of boundaries and ensure they understand where they may go.Regular check-ins and reviews will help reinforce these rules and keep everyone safe.

By staying in designated areas and avoiding restricted zones, including the parking area, children can enjoy a fun and secure environment while participating in the enriching activities offered at Hidden Bee Farm. These boundaries are in place to protect both children and the farm.

Health and Hygiene Policies

Handwashing:

Required after handling animals and before meals to maintain hygiene.

Illness Policy:

Children exhibiting symptoms should remain home. Symptoms include:

Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
Rash with fever
Vomiting or diarrhea
Persistent cough or difficulty breathing
Pink eye or other contagious conditions

If symptoms develop during the program, parents will be contacted for prompt pickup.

Schedule & Pricing

At Hidden Bee Learning, we offer engaging and structured programs tailored to meet the needs of young learners:

Enrichment Program: Runs Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Little Explorers Program: Runs Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Rates:

$35 per class for one day a week
Discount – $25 per class for two or more days a week

Please note: This is not a daily rate. We ask families to commit to the full semester, and the pricing is broken down this way for clarity. This structure helps us keep prices low and ensures we can hire the extra hands needed to create a fun and engaging environment for your children.

Discounts:

Sibling Discount: 10% off for families with multiple children.
Two Or More Day Discount: – $25 per class for two or more days a week

Deposit & Enrollment:

$50 deposit per child per program to secure enrollment.
Deposits are non-refundable if a spot is offered but declined.
Deposits roll over for currently enrolled families who complete the new enrollment form.

Payment Policies

Automatic Biweekly Payments: Cover the full semester, including holidays and absences. If you would like a special arrangement, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Late Payments: If payments are not received on time, participation may be suspended.
Assistance: Families facing challenges are encouraged to contact us for support options.

Inclusive Environment

Support for Special Needs:

We are proud to welcome and accommodate children of all abilities in our programs. Our goal is to create a nurturing and supportive environment where every child can thrive. For children with specific needs, additional support—such as one-on-one aides—may be required to ensure their success and engagement in the program.
If you have questions or specific requirements for your child, please feel free to reach out so we can work together to create the best experience possible. We strive to make Hidden Bee Learning a place where all children feel included and supported.

Commitment to Diversity:

Hidden Bee Farm is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment for all children.

Additional Policies

Photo Release:

By enrolling, you consent to photographs being used in promotional materials, publications, and online platforms without disclosing personal details unless agreed upon.

Waiver of Liability:

Participation is at the child’s own risk. Guardians release Hidden Bee Farm from liability for any incidents during program activities.

By adhering to these guidelines, Hidden Bee Farm and Learning ensures a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience for all participants. Thank you for your cooperation and support!

Enrollment Agreement and Acknowledgment

When completing your child’s enrollment form for the Hidden Bee Farm and Learning Program, you will be required to review and sign a document that confirms you have read, understood, and agree to abide by the program’s guidelines and policies. This step ensures clear communication and alignment of expectations between families and the program. Below is a detailed outline of what the acknowledgment document includes:

Key Elements of the Document

Program Description:
- Confirms your understanding that the enrichment program is designed to complement and enhance your child’s educational experience, focusing on creativity, leadership, and social engagement.
Payment Agreement:
- Acknowledges the payment structure, deposit requirements, sibling discounts, and biweekly payment schedule.
- Confirms that payments must be made on time to secure your child’s place in the program.
- States that late or missed payments may result in the suspension of your child’s participation.
Health and Safety Policies:
- Acknowledges your agreement to keep children home when they are sick or exhibiting symptoms of illness.
- Confirms adherence to hygiene practices such as handwashing and farm safety protocols.
Behavioral Expectations:
- Acknowledges that you and your child understand the importance of kindness, respect, and cooperation with staff, peers, and animals.
- States that bullying or harmful behavior may result in dismissal from the program.
Farm-Specific Guidelines:
- Confirms adherence to clothing requirements and safety rules while on the farm.
- Acknowledges the importance of respecting farm animals and following instructions in restricted zones.
Photo and Media Release:
- Confirms your consent (or non-consent, if opted out) for your child to be photographed for use in promotional materials, publications, or online platforms.
Waiver of Liability:
- Acknowledges your understanding that participation is at your child’s own risk and releases Hidden Bee Farm and its staff from liability for unforeseen incidents during activities.
Commitment to Semester Participation:
- Confirms your commitment to the full semester of enrollment, ensuring the program can plan for staffing and materials.

Why This Is Important

Transparency: Ensures families are fully informed about program policies and expectations.
Safety and Support: Highlights measures in place to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all children.
Commitment: Reinforces the program’s semester-based structure, allowing for consistent planning and resource allocation.

Join the Adventure: Register Here!