Frequently Asked Questions

Rootworks is a mixed age environment:

• The Nursery School supports children between 18 months and 5 years

Mixed age environments are beneficial for a variety of reasons: 

• Older children have the opportunity to model behavior and teach younger children, building self-confidence

• Younger children have the benefit of seeing how older children move through the space

• Mixed age environments reflect most children's home lives, and, in fact, the world

• Because of our low teacher to child ratio, children receive the individualized support they need, regardless of age

• Children with unique learning abilities and needs can be met where they are more easily in an environment designed to cater to differing ages and developmental stages

1:4

The nursery school is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.

See our list of services for other programming hours.

We do not follow a regimented schedule, rather we flow in a rhythmic and predictable way from space to space throughout the day.

Most days

Outdoor time: We start every morning outside with unstructured outdoor play. Children have the opportunity to dig in the dirt, create mud pies, move water, care for plants, observe wildlife, balance on tree stumps, run, jump, leapfrog, climb a tree, have a "tea party," play house, build with blocks, read books, draw with chalk, clean and maintain tools, rake the rocks, sweep the porch, collect natural materials, play hide and seek, engage in big body movements, collaborate with each other... there are truly so many possibilities in the outdoor environment! From time to time we also go for a community walk during this part of the day.

Transition: Clean up, go inside, opportunity to use toilet, wash hands

Circle: We gather together to center ourselves, sing a simple good morning song, and to read or tell a story as a group.

Independent work cycle: Once again, children are free to decide how they would like to spend their time. Options include, but are not limited to: build with blocks, do a puzzle, help bake bread, work with clay, play with baby dolls, create a fort, play dress up and/or create pretend scenarios, climb the climber, read a book, prepare a snack for yourself, help prepare lunch for the group, play with shadow and light, paint with watercolors, clean the windows, sweep the floor, fold the towels, wash the dishes, water the plants, watch wildlife out the window, play with instruments, draw a picture, tell a story, work on an ongoing project... the space is full of possibilities! Children may also receive individualized lessons during this time.

Transition: Clean up, opportunity to use toilet, wash hands, set the table for lunch

Lunch: We share a nutritious, organic, whole foods vegan meal each day.

Transition: Clear the table, opportunity to use toilet, wash hands and face

Outdoor excursion days

Arrival: We gather together to say good morning and prepare for our outing.

Transition: Opportunity to use toilet, wash hands, prepare snack and water to go

Community outing: We ride in a cargo bike to a community playground or an outdoor space, or we head out on foot to explore the nearby arroyo. Special trips are always shared with parents in advance.

Transition: Go inside, opportunity to use toilet, wash hands

Circle: We gather together to center ourselves and to read a story as a group.

Independent work cycle:  Once again, children are free to decide how they would like to spend their time. Options include, but are not limited to: build with blocks, do a puzzle, help bake bread, work with clay, play with baby dolls, create a fort, play dress up and/or create pretend scenarios, climb the climber, read a book, prepare a snack for yourself, help prepare lunch for the group, play with shadow and light, paint with watercolors, clean the windows, sweep the floor, fold the towels, wash the dishes, water the plants, watch wildlife out the window, play with instruments, draw a picture, tell a story, work on an ongoing project... the space is full of possibilities! Children may also receive individualized lessons during this time.

Transition: Clean up, opportunity to use toilet, wash hands, set the table for lunch

Lunch: We share a nutritious, organic, whole foods vegan meal each day.

Transition: Clear the table, opportunity to use toilet, wash hands and face

September through May the nursery school is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of each week from 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Please see Services for other programming hours.

During the months of June, July, and August we are closed, unless otherwise stated. Sometimes there is summer programming available.

Additionally, there is a fall, winter, and spring break scheduled to be in sync with Ajo Unified School District. We are open all other holidays unless otherwise stated.

Nursery School: At the end of the morning we all sit together to enjoy a nutritious plant-based meal. Whenever possible the food is organic. The children have often helped to prepare the food we eat together. During the morning cycle, children are free to serve themselves a wholesome snack.

Other programming: A robust snack is always provided.

Children are not required to be fully "potty trained" before coming to Rootworks, however, we require a willingness to learn to use the toilet and a commitment from families to support children in this learning at home.

We see toilet use as an ongoing process that can take time to develop. Children are encouraged to pay attention to the signals coming from their bodies, to use the toilet at regular intervals throughout the day, and to take charge of the process. 

Children who are new to toileting may opt to wear pull-ups or thick training underwear while at Rootworks; when this is the case, we ask that families supply these items. If children wear pull-ups there is an additional one time $5 diapering fee due at the time of enrollment.

All children should have at least one extra change of clothes available in case of accidents.