Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions.
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About the program
Is The Idea Garden a school? Can my child attend full time?
The Idea Garden is an independent, private, supplemental learning program for Kindergarten and Grade 1-aged children. It is not affiliated with a school board or government education program, and at this point it does not replace enrolment in public school or another educational arrangement.
It’s meant to complement whatever your child already does: public school, home school, forest school, or an arrangement you’ve created yourself.
Is it a forest school?
Not exactly. Outdoor learning and exploration are a big part of our program, but The Idea Garden also places a strong emphasis on literacy, math, art, innovation and creative problem-solving.
Short, engaging, explicit lessons in math and literacy build those foundational skills. That kind of teaching usually isn’t part of a forest school setting.
Will my child still learn literacy and math?
Absolutely. Foundational literacy and mathematics are central to the program. Children get intentional teaching, then plenty of chances to practise and apply their skills through play-based, project-based, hands-on learning.
What does learning look like?
A child might practise counting while building a structure, explore new vocabulary through a favourite story, measure materials for an invention, or investigate a question discovered outdoors.
Behind these experiences is intentional teaching. I introduce skills, notice what children understand, identify where they need support, and create opportunities to practise and extend their learning. The aim is to connect foundational academic skills with the things children naturally want to explore.
Sometimes children become so absorbed that they ask, “When are we doing the school part?” That’s the kind of learning we love.
You talk a lot about flexibility and intentional teaching. What does that mean?
Rhythm, but not rigidity. Children benefit from familiar routines and clear expectations. They help kids feel safe, and build confidence and trust in the program, because they know what their day will look like before it begins. Children also need time to get absorbed in an idea without being hurried from one activity to the next.
Our day starts with literacy, then a snack, then hands-on math, another snack, and outdoor exploration. Art, innovation, dramatic play, reading and one-on-one time weave through all of it. See the full daily rhythm.
The plan isn’t rigid. If rain is coming, we might go outside first and do literacy last. Any change I make is in the children’s best interests, and I make sure they feel safe and secure through it.
My child has specific learning needs. Can they still come?
Learning should be accessible. Every child deserves to feel that they belong, that their ideas matter, and that there’s room for them to learn in their own way.
If your child has particular interests, strengths, support needs or circumstances you’d like me to understand, I warmly invite you to reach out. I am only one person, and the safety of every child comes first, so I’d love to learn more about your child and talk honestly about the support I can offer in a small-group setting.
Is the program licensed by the Government of Ontario?
The Idea Garden operates as an unlicensed child-care program and is independent of school boards and government education programs. The program will provide the required written notice regarding its unlicensed status. Families are welcome to ask questions about the program’s operating arrangements before enrolling.
Days & logistics
What ages can attend?
The intended age range is approximately 4–7 years old, with programming focused on Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners. Please get in touch to talk about your child’s age and learning needs.
How many children attend?
A maximum of five children attend on any given day. That keeps the group small and gives every child more individual attention.
Can we choose which days our child attends?
Yes. Families can enrol for one, two or three days per week, subject to availability. Tuesday is the first priority, followed by Thursday, with Monday offered if there’s enough interest.
What happens if my child is sick?
Tuition remains payable for a reserved program day. I’ll do my best to arrange a make-up day within the term, subject to availability, but I can’t guarantee one.
What should we bring?
Please pack a lunch and a water bottle, and dress your child for the weather and season. Supplementary water and healthy vegan snacks are available if needed, so your child feels energized and ready to learn.
Can we visit before enrolling?
Yes! Visits can be arranged in advance. I’d love to show you the indoor and outdoor spaces, meet your family, and answer your questions. Request a visit.
Tuition & enrolment
When is tuition due?
Full-term tuition is due before January 1, 2027. If paying upfront isn’t manageable, please reach out. I’m happy to discuss a multi-instalment payment arrangement. See tuition details.
What if the tuition is difficult for our family?
The standard rate is $70 per day, with a sliding scale of $60–$70 per day for families who need some flexibility.
If even the sliding scale feels out of reach, please get in touch and share whatever you feel comfortable sharing. I’ll do my best to accommodate your circumstances where I can. I want The Idea Garden to be a place where families feel welcome to start a conversation.