Meet our Owner and Director: Bryanna Bailey

What ages can attend Wild Roots Playschool?

We accept enrollments for children ages 2-6. If your child is under 2, we are happy to conduct an interview and tour, as well as add them to our waitlist.

What is the teacher to child ratio?

Because of the flexibility of our enrollment schedule, the teacher to child ratio will fluctuate from day to day. Our facility is licensed for a maximum of 10 children, so the largest ratio possible is 10-1.

Why play based curriculum?

Research has shown time and time again that autonomous, play based learning leads to better academic outcomes later in life, compared to children exposed to traditional adult lead learning in early years. The Lego Foundation states, “Evidence shows that engaging with the world through play is essential for learning early in life as well as for building the foundations for lifelong learning”. Children may be able to memorize surface level information in early years through mediums like worksheets and songs, but to really understand and retain information they need to experience learning through touch, smell, taste, and movement. At Wild Roots, we take a foundational approach to learning through projects and long-term study topics so that children can not only learn, but establish a life-long LOVE for learning and exploration.

What does it mean to be Reggio and Waldorf inspired?

Reggio Emilia and Waldorf are both play based schools of thought. They both prioritize open ended play and autonomous learning, in an unhurried and nurturing environment. Some principles from each philosophy that we have closely adopted are-

Reggio Emilia:

• Process art

• Project based learning tailored to a child’s individual interests.

• Emphasis on parent involvement and cultivating a community.

  Waldorf:

• Emphasis on real work for a real purpose- learning how to prepare food and wash dishes.

• Prioritization of music and dance

• An effort to rear kind, empathetic children.

• Nurture the whimsicality and wonder of childhood.

What does it mean to be a holistically minded environment?

Every-day household products such as cleaners, air fresheners, pots and pans, dishware etc. can all contain harmful ingredients like artificial fragrances, sulfates, phthalates, microplastics, PBA, PFAs. Even the water we drink and the food we eat can contain heavy metals, pesticides, and artificial colors! We pledge to use safe, non - toxic cleaning supplies, play materials and dishes. The food we serve will be healthy, mostly organic, and whole. If you have any questions about the specifics of the products we use or how we prepare food and drinks, do not hesitate to ask!

Why is the facility electronic and screen free?

Children’s tv shows and tablet games alter a child’s brain chemistry. Popular children’s tv shows and games are designed in a way that release dopamine in the brain, meaning children who participate in such activities can experience very real withdrawal symptoms when the activity ends. Children who are perpetually in a state of over stimulation have a hard time playing creatively and independently. Their brains have become accustomed to and crave the kind of stimulation that TV and electronic games provide. Screens can also affect children’s sleep, mood, and ability to regulate themselves emotionally. Our program aims to holistically nurture the minds of the children in our care, so we avoid activities that would inhibit our ability to do so.