Urban Green Harvest Farm School Parent Handbook

Welcome

Welcome to Urban Green Harvest Farm School — we’re so glad you’re here.

Our program is rooted in land, relationship, and rhythm. We offer a fully outdoor, farm-based learning environment where children grow through hands-on experience, unstructured play, and meaningful participation in daily life on the farm. We believe children learn best when they are trusted, supported, and given time — time to explore, to wonder, and to grow at their own pace.

This handbook is meant to give families a clear understanding of how our program works, what to expect, and how we support children and families throughout the year.

Our Mission

Urban Green Harvest Farm School exists to cultivate curiosity, confidence, and self-reliance in children through nature-based, child-led learning grounded in real life.

We support children ages 4–12 in developing strong bodies, capable minds, and meaningful relationships through farming, outdoor play, and community care — all within the rhythms of the seasons.

Our Methodology

Our approach is respectful, emergent, and rooted in trust.

We draw inspiration from Sudbury philosophy, unschooling, and project-based learning, with an emphasis on:

• Child agency and voice

• Mixed-age mentorship and collaboration

• Unstructured outdoor time

• Real-life skills through farming and homesteading

• Emotional intelligence and peaceful conflict resolution

• Learning that grows out of lived experience

Rather than following a fixed curriculum, we pay close attention to what children show us they’re ready for.

Our guiding question:
What is this child showing us they need today?

Play-Based Learning: Why It Matters

Play is not separate from learning — it is the foundation of it.

Through play, children develop problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, creativity, physical coordination, and social awareness. Unstructured play allows children to experiment, take appropriate risks, collaborate, and make meaning of their world.

Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics and Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child shows that play supports executive function skills such as flexible thinking, working memory, and self-control — all essential for lifelong learning and well-being.

Outdoor Environment

Urban Green Harvest Farm School is a fully outdoor program.

Our land includes:

• Gardens and farm fields

• Animal care areas

• Trees, grassy spaces, and open play areas

• Paths for biking, skating, and movement

Indoor Resource Room

On rare occasions (such as severe weather or special projects), we use our indoor resource room. This space includes:

• Books and quiet activities

• Board games and puzzles

• Art and craft materials

• Musical instruments

• Montessori- and Waldorf-inspired materials

• Loose parts for open-ended play

Children may bring materials from the resource room outside as part of their play and learning.

Safety & Supervision

• Maximum ratio: 1 adult : 10 children

• Staff are trained in CPR/First Aid, outdoor risk assessment, and trauma-informed care

• Boundaries are clearly communicated and consistently upheld

Children are encouraged to explore freely within safe boundaries.

Preschool Rhythm

Our preschool rhythm is intentionally designed to support young children’s need for security, movement, and hands-on discovery.

Consistent routines help preschoolers feel safe and confident, while long, open periods of time allow them to play deeply, explore at their own pace, and build focus naturally. A gentle morning invitation sparks curiosity, followed by child-led work that supports emerging independence and decision-making.

Farm activities, outdoor exploration, and creative work meet preschoolers’ sensory needs and support physical, social, and emotional development. Shared, unhurried meals throughout the day encourage connection, language development, and a strong sense of belonging.

Daily Farm School Rhythm

8:30 – 9:30 | Before Care

Breakfast is served, followed by free play and outdoor exploration as children arrive and settle into the day.

9:30 – 11:00 | Morning Invitation & Work Period

The day begins with a brief introduction to our Morning Basket — books, loose parts, and thoughtfully chosen materials designed to spark curiosity, conversation, and ideas.

From there, children move into free choice and self-directed work. Children may choose to:

• Participate in farm chores (feeding animals, collecting eggs)

• Garden and work in the soil

• Help with food preparation

• Explore the land through nature walks

• Engage in arts, crafts, and creative projects

This extended work period allows children to follow their interests, work deeply, and engage meaningfully with the farm and one another.

11:00 – 11:30 | Transition & Tidy

Children clean up together and prepare for lunch, practicing responsibility and care for our shared spaces.

11:30 – 12:30 | Shared Lunch

A nourishing lunch made from scratch with organic ingredients is shared slowly and joyfully. Conversation, connection, and community are central to this part of the day. Children help with cleanup afterward.

12:30 – 2:00 | Afternoon Work Period

Children return to self-directed activities — continuing farm chores, gardening, food preparation, creative projects, and outdoor play.

2:00 – 2:30 | Snack, Tea & Stories

The day gently winds down with an organic snack, tea, and read-aloud stories.

2:30 – 3:30 | After Care

Children continue to play, explore, and engage in activities of their choice while families finish their day.

Program Hours

Core Day

Monday–Thursday: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Extended Care (Optional)

• Morning: 8:30–9:30 AM

• Afternoon: 2:30–3:30 PM

Extended care supports working families, sibling drop-offs and pickups, and smoother daily transitions.

Meals & Snacks

We provide farm-to-table meals and snacks prepared with natural, organic ingredients, made from scratch..

• Lunch served at approximately 12:00 PM

• Afternoon snack served around 2:00 PM

• Morning snack available during extended care hours

Meals are made from scratch and often include produce grown right on the farm.

Children regularly participate in planting, harvesting, and food preparation.

Food Philosophy

• Natural and organic ingredients

• Whole, nutrient-dense foods

• Farm-fresh eggs and responsibly sourced meats

• Filtered water always available

• Stainless steel dishware (children bring their own water bottles)

• Non-toxic, environmentally safe cleaning products

Allergies & Special Diets

We offer:

• Gluten-free options

• Dairy alternatives when needed

Please inform us of any allergies or dietary needs during enrollment so we can plan safely and inclusively.

Enrollment & Attendance

Ages Served: 4–12 years
Programs: Preschool (4–6) and School-Age (7–12)
Open Year-Round

While drop-in attendance is welcome when space allows, our program works best with consistent enrollment. Regular attendance allows children to settle more deeply, strengthens relationships, and helps us plan activities, meals, and supplies thoughtfully.

Tuition & Pricing

Urban Green Harvest operates on a semester-based tuition model to support consistency, sustainability, and high-quality programming.

Semesters

• Spring

• Summer

• Fall

• Winter

Each semester is 3 months.

Semester Tuition (Core Day)

• 1 day/week: $576

• 2 days/week: $1,104

• 3 days/week: $1,584

• 4 days/week: $2,016

• 5 days/week: $2,400

Extended Care Tuition (Per Semester)

Before Care (8:30–9:30 AM)
After Care (2:30–3:30 PM)

• 1 day/week: $120 (before) | $120 (after) | $180 (both)

• 2 days/week: $240 | $240 | $360

• 3 days/week: $360 | $360 | $540

• 4 days/week: $480 | $480 | $720

• 5 days/week: $600 | $600 | $900

Drop-In Rates

• Core Day: $50/day

• Before Care: $15/day

• After Care: $15/day

• Both Before & After Care: $25/day

Drop-in attendance is offered as space allows.

Discounts & Payment Options

• 5% discount for full semester payment

• Flexible 3-payment monthly option per semester

Communication

We value clear, respectful communication and encourage families to reach out with questions, feedback, or concerns.

Contact Information

Location: 3025 N Dalton Ln, Boise, ID 83704
Phone: (208) 850-3392
Email: info@urbangreenharvest.com

Thank you for sharing your children with us!

— The Urban Green Harvest Farm School Team