FAQ

  • Sunflower Seedlings Preschool is a nature-based, outdoor preschool program in Beacon Hill Seattle that provides children ages 3-5 with hands-on learning experiences in natural settings. Our program focuses on fostering curiosity, environmental stewardship, and kindergarten readiness.

    • Defined exploration zones: Children are given clear, safe boundaries to ensure their play remains within supervised areas.

    • Low adult-to-child ratio: With a 1:7 ratio, each child receives close supervision and individual attention.

    • Bright safety vests: Reflective vests keep children highly visible during outdoor activities.

    • Constant visibility and audibility: Children must always stay within their teacher’s sight and hearing.

    • Frequent headcounts: Teachers regularly count children to ensure every child is accounted for.

    • Stranger protocol: Teachers handle interactions with unfamiliar adults, limiting direct contact between children and strangers.

    • Authorized pick-ups only: Children are only released to individuals who are pre-approved by parents or guardians.

    • Safe drop-off and pick-up zones: Locations are carefully selected to provide ample parking, minimal traffic, and overall safety.

    Emergency Preparedness

    We also go beyond everyday precautions to ensure we’re ready for unexpected situations:

    • Certified in CPR and First Aid: All teachers are fully certified and regularly update their training to stay prepared.

    • Proactive risk management: Our comprehensive safety plans are regularly reviewed and updated to address potential hazards.

  • We encourage our students to be mostly potty trained before enrolling in our program. While we understand that occasional accidents can happen, being potty trained is important for the comfort, confidence, and overall well-being of each child.

    Our program is based in public parks, where restroom access can be limited and sometimes requires walking a distance. For children, this can mean navigating unfamiliar facilities, which might feel challenging if they are not yet confident in their potty skills. Being potty trained helps ensure that children can fully enjoy their outdoor exploration without unnecessary stress or discomfort, allowing them to focus on play, learning, and discovery.

    We’re here to support children’s independence and self-assurance, and readiness in this area helps create a smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

  • The program will be held in Beacon Hill. While we’re still finalizing the park location, we’ll share an update as soon as possible!

  • We believe that children learn best through play, exploration, and interaction with the natural world. Our curriculum is play-based and tailored to the developmental needs of each child, encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and social skills.

  • 1:5

  • We recommend dressing your child in comfortable, weather-appropriate layers, with sturdy boots or shoes. We also offer access to an outdoor gear library with items for all seasons to keep children comfortable.

  • Each child should bring a backpack with a water bottle, a change of clothes, and a small healthy lunch.

  • The pilot program runs February to May 2025, Monday through Friday, 9am-1pm. Our full program will launch in fall 2025, following the Seattle Public Schools calendar.

  • We’re committed to outdoor learning rain or shine! Our gear library provides necessary clothing to keep kids comfortable. If weather conditions become hazardous, we have detailed plans to remain safe and will shelter within the park space . We will contact families for early pick-up if needed.

  • Enrollment is open on a first-come, first-served basis. Please fill out our enrollment form online or contact us directly for availability and to join the waitlist.