Information for Summer 2026 Families


Dear Families, 

We look forward to having you all with us for our summer classes! Please read this guide in its entirety for important information as you prepare to join us! Please note that for returning summer families, there have been changes to our drop-off and pickup procedures, detailed in this guide. 


Communication & Brightwheel

An application called Brightwheel is our primary method of communication with families and signing children into and out of school each day. Families are sent an invite by Wonderforest to join Brightwheel. 

  • Each family member and approved pickup/drop-off adult is required to have this app during arrival and dismissal, as well as have it on hand for any important communication regarding your child. We recommend turning on your notifications. 

  • Once the application is downloaded, families are asked to fill out their child’s profile:

    • Including allergies 

    • Medications

    • Approved pickup adults

    • Parent/guardian phone number(s)

    • Turn on notifications

  • Your child’s health form must be uploaded to Brightwheel under “Forms & Requests” in your child’s profile

  • WF Summer Release Form must be completed on Brightwheel, under “Forms & Requests” in your child’s profile. 

  • Families must include all approved pickup adults in their child’s Brightwheel profile. Teachers at Wonderforest may not accept children from or dismiss children to any adult not listed under the approved pickup list. 

  • Each family member and approved pickup/drop-off adult is required to use their own unique 4-digit code to check their child in and out. Brightwheel shares the 4-digit code when you first sign up, and it can also be found in your Brightwheel profile

  • A short video on setting up your Brightwheel account can be foundhere.

  • While families do have access to teachers' phone numbers in case of emergency, we ask that they send all communication through Brightwheel.

  • Important messaging from our teachers to families will include: daily weather updates for outdoor activities, park scheduling, gear recommendations, and anything related to their child’s physical and emotional well-being at school. 

  • Our teachers at Wonderforest will also update families throughout the week with candid photos of their child. A weekly newsletter will be sent out to update families on what their child’s group is up to. 

Allergies & Medical Conditions

If your child has any allergies, any other medical conditions, or is taking any medication, please make sure to let us know in writing via the summer release form AND on the Brightwheel app. Once we receive this information, we will send an additional email to parents of children who need to carry an allergy/medical action plan, EpiPen, or other medication at all times in case of emergency. This medication will be kept at school. Except in the case of life-saving medicine, Wonderforest cannot administer any medication to students (e.g., antibiotics, Tylenol, cold medicine, etc).

Arrival Procedures

  • Our standard school day begins at 9 am, with a window of drop off for all students, between 8:45 am and 9 am. All families should use the front entrance nearest Dean St. for drop off.  Those families enrolled in Early Drop can arrive starting at 8:00 a.m.

  • Please fold up all strollers before entering the school building. Due to fire code requirements and space restrictions, strollers cannot be set up inside the school. 

  • Print-outs of the Brightwheel QR code will be posted at the front desk and by each classroom door for families to complete the daily health check and sign their child into school.

  • During the drop-off window, 8:45 a.m.- 9:00 a.m., children and adults will be greeted by the Camp Director or their designee each morning. After stowing strollers and scooters, the parent/guardian or caregiver will walk their child to their respective classroom. Please use the printed QR codes to sign your child into school and complete the daily health check through Brightwheel.

  • Once you have entered school, please line up outside your child’s classroom door in the order that you have arrived, and teachers will admit students into the classroom. 

  • We encourage adults to say goodbye at the door of their child’s classroom. If you require some additional time to say goodbye, there are “goodbye benches” located by the grassy hill. Please review the separation guide or reach out to teachers or Sara Stokes if you would like additional support with separation.

  • We ask that your child be in the classroom by 9 am. After saying goodbye to your child(ren), adults will exit through the front door closest to Dean St. by 9:05 am

Early drop-off

  • Families who are signed up for early dropoff (8-8:45 a.m.) will need to message via brightwheel to notify teachers of their estimated arrival. A teacher will meet you at the door, where you can say goodbye to your child(ren). If you arrive at 8:45 am, please follow the regular drop-off routine below.

Late Drop Off & Absences 

If your child(ren) is arriving late to school, after 9:05 p.m., please message your estimated time of arrival through Brightwheel. A teacher will meet you at the front door, where you can say goodbye to your child(ren). 

Our late drop-off cutoff is 11 am; children are not allowed to arrive after 11 am. Families may need to meet their child’s group in an outdoor location, including at Prospect Park, if they are running late that day. Strollers and other large belongings will need to be dropped off at school. 

Arriving on time is an important way to start the day and build success for your child. Consistent arrivals create important routines that build familiarity, confidence, and excitement as children walk into school with their peers and are greeted by their teachers. Late arrivals can be disruptive for your child and our daily operations. Please be on time!

If your child is Absent: Write to your child’s teacher through Brightwheel as soon as possible, with an accompanying reason for their absence. If we have not heard from you by 10 a.m., the Camp Director will call you to check in.


Pickup & Dismissal

Regular dismissal time is at 3:00 pm. Children who are enrolled in Extended Day may be picked up after 3:00 and by 6:00 pm. 

Starting at 2:55 p.m., a door monitor will begin to admit approved pick-up adults into Wonderforest through the front door nearest to Dean St. They will scan the QR code just outside their child(ren)’s classroom to sign out and pick up their child(ren).

If you have a stroller, we recommend picking up your stroller first and setting it up outside before collecting up your child. Due to fire code requirements and space restrictions, strollers cannot be set up inside the school. 

For 2s classes: 

Once you have entered school, please line up outside your child’s classroom door in the order that you have arrived. 

Due to space limitations, teachers will welcome a maximum of 4 adults into the classroom at a time to help their children pack up their belongings. Continue to wait outside of the classroom until space allows.

For 3-5s mixed-aged classes:

Approved pick-up adults will line up outside your child’s classroom door in the order that you have arrived. Teachers will dismiss students into an approved pick-up care at the classroom door. 

Once you have picked up your child(ren), exit the building through the same door (front door nearest Dean St.) to pick up your stroller/scooter/bicycle.

Special Note: If your child requires more space or extra time to get dressed, please utilize the “goodbye benches” in the hallway to allow other adults to pick up their children expeditiously.


Extended Day Pickup 

For pickup after 3 pm, please be sure to message teachers 10 minutes before arriving and when you arrive at the front door. A teacher will come to the door to let you in and help you sign out your child. 

Supervision During Dropoff and Pickup

  • Our licensing requires that children must always be with an adult or approved caregiver while in our school building. Please ensure your child is with you at all times before dropping them off with their classroom teachers in the morning and after picking them up from their classroom teachers in the afternoon. When at the main entrance, please also remind children that it is an adult’s job (parent/caregiver/teacher) to open the front gate and front door.

  • Siblings are welcome to accompany a parent/guardian or caregiver for the drop-off or pick-up of our students; however, these siblings must remain in your care and may not be left with Wonderforest staff, as per our Department of Health permit.  

Stroller/scooter storage

  • Please ensure all stored items are folded, labeled with your child’s name, and handed to a teacher at drop off. Strollers/scooters must be taken at pick-up at the end of each day and may not be left overnight at the school.

  • Wonderforest has extremely limited space for stroller and scooter storage. We require that strollers be tri-fold collapsible to be stored. (Ex. YoYo Stokee, Bugaboo Butterfly 2, etc).

  • Larger strollers or bikes that do not collapse cannot be stored at Wonderforest. 

    • Bike racks are available outside the school for larger items that need to be locked up.Any strollers or bikes left outside of the building unattended are your responsibility. Wonderforest cannot guarantee the safety of these items. 


Gear and Supplies for Campers

Daily items to bring

These items must be brought every morning and brought home at the end of every day.

  • Backpack (large child/adult size, to hold all items daily). Please no tiny child backpacks, which will not hold all necessary belongings.  

  • Rain suits should be kept at home and worn to and from school each day as needed. 

    • Teachers will advise which days are extended park day trips, so families can dress their kids accordingly in the morning, before arrival. 

    • Please pack your child’s rain suit each day, as the weather can change throughout the day. 

  • Full water bottle with covered spout (filtered drinking water will be available for refills at school, and public fountains are available for park refills)

  • Morning snack (packed separately from other food, and clearly labeled)

  • Lunch (packed separately from other food, and clearly labeled)

  • Afternoon snack (*only for those children enrolled in extended day, packed separately from other food, and clearly labeled)

We are a peanut- and tree-nut-free program. ALL food & drink sent MUST be peanut/tree nut free. If packing a nut-free butter (i.e., sun butter sandwich), please label clearly:  “NUT FREE.”


Items To Bring To Be Stored At Camp

Each child has their own cubby to leave their belongings in. Teachers will advise when items need to be restocked/replaced. Please ensure you send your child in on Monday (or the first day of camp) with their clean rest mat, as well as any necessary changes of clothes, shoes, or additional diapers to start the week. Please see below for the items necessary to have on hand for each child.  

  • Three full changes of clothes - including underwear & socks. Please ensure these are the correct size and labeled. 

  • Diapers (if needed)

  • Inside shoes - to be changed into and worn INDOORS only. This shoe should have a rubber sole with good treads and should stay securely on a child’s foot. A casual or athletic sneaker works. No open-toed shoes should be worn.

  • Everything must be labeled with your child’s name

  • A rest mat (see information on recommendations below in “Rest Time” section).

Gear and Clothing for Messy Play & Outdoor Time

Please send children in comfortable clothing that can get wet and dirty and allows them to move and play. It is imperative that children arrive dressed appropriately for class in order for them to fully enjoy our nature-based learning environment. We ask families to be mindful of the outdoor temperature and elements, as our goal is to spend multiple hours outside many days. When in doubt, it is best to send along any extra layers you think your child may need. Please be advised that children’s clothing can become dirty and possibly stained during regular programmed activities.

Children who are not dressed appropriately for the day's weather or arrive without other essential gear (i.e., water bottles, food, sunscreen).will be asked to return home to retrieve the gear or other items. For safety, children may not attend without the required clothing or gear for each day’s adventures. 

-Rain gear: We recommend that rain gear be worn over your child’s regular gear on rainy, muddy, and damp days. Regardless of the weather, rain gear should always be included in your child's bag. Rain boots must be worn on rainy, muddy, and damp days.

-Sun Hats: Sun hats are necessary for hot, sunny days. They provide some SPF and can keep a child from overheating.

-Footwear: Please take note that children need to have proper footwear with rubber soles that protect toes and have a good grip for running and climbing. Examples include: Keen Newport H2 hiking boots, Keen closed-toed sandal, or athletic sneakers.

  • Rain boots are necessary on rainy days, as is a spare change of shoes. 

  • NO open-toed sandals or flip flops. 

  • Natives or Crocs may be used as inside shoes only and are not appropriate for outdoor use due to their lack of tread. 

We understand that this gear can get expensive. If you have any issues acquiring the necessary gear, please reach out to sarastokes@wonderforestpreschool.com — We are here to help!

Gear Discounts & the BND Outdoor School Shop

  • - Oakiwear offers a 25% discount on your order when you enter the discount code: brooklynnaturedays at checkout. 

  • - To find many of the items on our gear checklist and for help choosing the right gear for your kids, we have partnered with Outdoor School Shop. Clickhere for more info. Be sure to use the coupon code BROOKLYN to receive 15% off anything in the shop!

Park Trips & Local Outings

Each group at Wonderforest will visit Prospect Park once a week. Safety is our primary concern, and severe weather advisories/alerts, like heat advisories, thunderstorms, and air quality alerts, as well as staffing limitations, may result in the postponement or cancellation of park trips.

On days when we do not visit Prospect Park, classes will have the option to take neighborhood walks to Pacific Park or the St. Marks Community Garden, with the option to stay for a snack or lunch. A trip schedule for each individual class will be shared ahead of time.


Food

  • Wonderforest is a peanut and tree-nut-free school. We require that all food sent to school be peanut and tree-nut-free.

  • Please clearly label foods like “sunbutter” or other look-a-likes as “NUT FREE.” Teachers may need to confirm with you via BW about your child’s food before serving if they are unable to determine if a food is peanut and tree-nut-free. 

  • If there are other serious allergies in your child’s class, Wonderforest will alert families with as much notice as possible so families can be aware and label any foods. In the case of life-threatening allergies, Wonderforest may require that specific foods not be sent to class. 

  • We recommend sending in foods that children can easily open and eat independently. If their food requires utensils, families are responsible for sending in the appropriate utensils, labeled with their child's name. 

  • Snack or lunch may be eaten outdoors, picnic style, so please pack food that can be eaten easily outdoors. 

  • Families are responsible for sending children with non-perishable snacks and lunches each day. Wonderforest is unable to provide refrigeration or reheating of food. Families must ensure that all non-perishable food is packed in insulated containers with ice packs to maintain safe food temperatures. If Wonderforest deems a child’s snack or food has not been safely packed, families will be responsible for replacing the food ASAP. 


Birthdays! 

  • Birthdays are a special occasion that we love to celebrate. Families may opt to send in a special book of their child’s choosing to read for their special day, or may opt to send in a special treat.

  • If you would like to send a treat in for your child’s birthday, please communicate with your child’s teachers in advance to coordinate. Teachers must receive a list of ingredients to send to families in class for approval, 48 hours before the day your child will celebrate their birthday.

  • Please ensure that all treats are tree nut and peanut free. 


Rest Time & Bedrolls 

Each day, children will be offered at least 1 hour of rest time. Rest time will occur in your child’s classroom, and children must bring their own bedroll. We will send each child’s bedding home on the last day of their school week to be washed, and families must return it to Wonderforest on the first day of their child’s school week. Bedding should be cleaned once per week to avoid the spread of germs and/or any other contagions (e.g., head lice, viruses, etc.). Families must send the rest mat in a bag that closes. We ask that each family clearly label both the bedroll and its bag.We ask specifically for a bedroll, which is an ‘all-in-one’ sheet, blanket, and pillow, which is the most efficient and child-friendly method for kids to help set up and put away their bedding each day.

Children are able to bring a lovey to school with them to assist with rest time. However, we do ask that toys be kept to a minimum. No battery-operated toys are allowed at the school. 

If you are unable to acquire a bedroll, please let us know so that we may provide one for your child during their time with us this summer.

Sunscreen, Bug Spray, Environmental Irritants, and Tick Advisory 

Children should arrive in the mornings wearing sunscreen & bug spray. Teachers will check in with caregivers to ensure that they have applied sunscreen and/or bug spray to their child. If the answer is no, the caregiver will be asked to apply before checking the child in. Reapplication of sunscreen and bug spray is required during class. Wonderforest will supply sunscreen and bug spray for reapplication. 

  • Children must apply their own sunscreen per NY State law for summer camps, however teachers may assist a child in applying bug spray as needed. If you do not wish for your child to reapply their sunscreen/bug spray, please reach out to us in writing via Brightwheel. 

  • Sun protective clothing is a great option for summer! 

We have a mineral based sunscreen, as well as a natural, deet-free bug spray on hand for students to reapply every 90 minutes. Please let us know if you prefer to send in a different brand, and we will carry it with us for your child. 

*Remember that Prospect Park is not a manicured environment and contains hazards like bees, poison ivy, and other irritants. We will do our best to avoid these hazards, but if your child is particularly susceptible to them, please let us know.  

Please be aware that NYC posts a tick advisory for the public parks. We generally avoid areas where they are most likely to be found, but ticks do live in the park and nature can be unpredictable. If you do find a tick, please let us know as soon as possible. Please read the advisory below and check your child after class each day.

NYC's tick advisory is posted here: Ticks - NYC Health


General Sick Policy & Protocol 

  • It is the responsibility of each family and each member of our school staff to ensure they are diligent in monitoring their own health, as it directly impacts the overall health and well-being of our Wonderforest Nature Preschool community. 

  • A health check for each student must be completed on Brightwheel each morning by their parent or caregiver, which indicates a healthy status before coming inside. 

  • Teachers will also conduct a wellness check with each child as they arrive to determine whether a child is healthy enough to attend our program that day. 

  • Families must communicate with teachers to ensure that any student who shows any potential signs of illness is able to attend without risking their own health and well-being, as well as the health of those around them. 

  • If a family decides to keep their child home sick, we ask that they please share their child’s symptoms so we can determine any contagious illness that may be spreading among students. 

  • Teachers and Wonderforest staff reserve the right to require families to pick their child up from school if their child’s health prohibits them from attending a full school day and/or risks the health and well-being of those around them.

  • If children are home sick for more than 3 days, we require a doctor’s note for them to return.

Students must stay home if any of the following occur: 

  • A fever of 100.4 F or greater

  • A rash of unknown origin

  • A combination of cold symptoms exhibited (excess mucus, frequent coughing, frequent sneezing, lethargy)

  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea 

  • Exhaustion 

  • Red eyes

  • Students may return to school when the following occur:

  • They are confirmed to no longer be contagious by a medical professional (if relevant)

  • They have been fever-free, without the use of medication, for 24 hours

  • They have not vomited and/or had diarrhea within the last 24 hours

  • They are physically and emotionally able to attend a full day of school

Diapers & Toileting

For those children wearing diapers, families are responsible for supplying diapers for their child. Wonderforest will supply wipes, but if you have a specific wipe you’d like your child to use, you may send them in and make your child’s teachers aware. 

All diapers, nap diapers, and pull-ups must have side flaps for quick changing outdoors. “Pull-up” style diapers with no tabs are not appropriate for our programming.

Wonderforest will work with families to support children through potty training. Potty training can be a big change in a child’s life; as such, before beginning potty training, we ask that families check in with their child’s teachers to form a plan that works best for your child, family, and school environment. Certain behaviors can indicate a readiness for potty training, and teachers are happy to speak more about their child’s individual potty training needs. We never want to rush the process or begin potty training at the same time as other changes in a child’s life or environment (i.e., starting a new school, welcoming a new sibling into the family, moving to a new home, etc). 

For sanitary reasons, we require all potty-training children to wear a two-layer system (e.g., underwear and pants/shorts,  diaper and pants/shorts, bike shorts and pants/shorts, etc.). Please reach out to your child’s teacher and our camp director if you have any questions or concerns, or would like support in coming up with a potty training plan for a group setting. 

Regarding outdoor bathroom use: While there are public restrooms in Prospect Park, we will be using a “nature potty” & privacy tent for toileting outdoors. An example of what this looks like can be found here.


Hitting, Biting, and Behavioral Requirements 

At Wonderforest, we work intentionally to teach prosocial skills and prevent behaviors like hitting and biting, and we also recognize that these behaviors are developmentally typical for toddlers and may come up from time to time.

We see these moments as forms of non-verbal communication and ask ourselves, “What is this child trying to tell us?” We observe closely to identify patterns or triggers and work proactively to support each child’s growth in communication, emotional regulation, and empathy.

When situations of hitting or biting arise, our teachers respond quickly and calmly to ensure safety and support for both children. We quickly and explicitly set a boundary (“I won’t let you hit, hitting hurts”) while staying close to help the child regulate. We also model and guide alternatives, such as using words, gestures, or seeking help from a teacher. In the case of biting, we might say, “Ouch! No biting — biting hurts." while offering them support. We teach children how to check in with each other  

We also prioritize open communication with families. If hitting or biting occurs, we connect with both families to share what happened. If a behavioral pattern emerges, we’ll reach out to share our observations, the strategies we’re using, and to collaborate on a plan to support the child in developing safer, more effective ways to express themselves.

Ultimately, our goal is to create a safe, respectful space where children can learn through real, supported experiences, including the hard ones, with trusted adults there to guide, protect, and model compassion and repair.

In circumstances where children require extra support, Wonderforest reserves the right to request that a caregiver or designated adult accompany their child for the full duration of the camp day if they are displaying behavior that is dangerous to themselves, teachers, or other children. This includes, but is not limited to, persistently leaving the camp area or designated play location, consistent hitting, biting, or injury to staff or other children. In the event that a designated adult cannot be provided to ensure a safe environment, the child may not be permitted to attend camp, and a refund or credit is not guaranteed.


School Safety and Emergency Drills

As mandated by the Department of Health, Wonderforest will hold a fire drill within 48 hours of the start of each session of summer camp. 

Our designated evacuation site is in front of 18 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, 11217, on the sidewalk at the metal barriers in front of the building. If the back door of the building is obstructed or unsafe to use AND/OR inclement weather upon arriving at the evacuation site that would prohibit children from safely waiting to return to school, children and staff may be directed to the covered entrance to the Barclays Center side door, located at 467 Dean Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11217. 

Fire drills may be conducted with the bell and alarm system. We will also practice without the bell in order for students to feel more comfortable with the evacuation procedure. 

On the day of the drill, teachers will discuss with the children that we will be practicing what happens in the event of an emergency when we all need to leave the school to stay safe. Teachers can let the children know that the alarm will be loud to help everyone know it is time to leave the building “Quickly, Quietly, and Safely.”

In our experience, some children can be frightened by the loud sound of the bell upon first hearing it and then become more comfortable with the sound after each drill. Children may feel like talking about the drill with their families after it has occurred, and talking through the drill can help them process the experience. Our intention with each drill is to ensure that all teachers and students are knowledgeable and confident in evacuation procedures in the event of an actual emergency. After each drill, families will be notified that a drill has taken place. 

Lockdown drills will be held at a minimum of two times throughout the school year. We will call them “Waiting Drills,” with the children, as this is a drill where we wait to make sure the school is safe outside of our classroom. During the drill, we will instruct children to “huddle up against the wall,” to stay together in the designated classroom lockdown location. 

Should an emergency evacuation happen during drop-off or pickup time, teachers are unable to return to the school building to retrieve children’s personal belongings. Additionally, children must remain with the class until the class reaches our assembly area, and it is safe to sign children in or out. We ask that families follow this policy and remain with their children and class during these moments so that teachers can focus their attention on caring for children during an evacuation. 

In the event of an evacuation, if it has been determined that the school is not safe to return to, children will be picked up by their families or other caregivers. Families will be notified via Brightwheel of the evacuation by a Director and will be instructed to immediately pick up their child, and where to pick up their child if the children have moved from the designated evacuation site.


We are looking forward to a lovely summer with you all, and thank you in advance for your participation and cooperation!