Raising Our Offspring Together Simply R.O.O.T.S.
Parents are privileged to take an active part in their child’s preschool experience with our ROOTS program. Together we provide a play-rich environment where staff, parents, and children create a community of learning and love.
What is the Roots Program at Journey?
Roots offers parents the ideal balance, allowing them to play an active and involved role in their child’s preschool experience while ensuring they have time for responsibilities at home. Knowing their child is engaged in enriching and wholesome play, parents can focus on their tasks with peace of mind. We recognize parents as their child’s most significant educators. The ROOTS program creates a genuine and supportive environment for teachers and parents to collaborate throughout the journey of childhood.
Extensive research highlights that both children and adults thrive through hands-on learning, with genuine play offering children remarkable opportunities for growth and discovery. Few experiences rival the joy of witnessing a child’s eyes light up with understanding as they grasp a concept or question they are authentically and deeply interested in. To provide those opportunities for personal ideas and growth, parents and staff communicate, observe, and maintain a material-rich environment free from interruption by adult interests.
FAQ
Timing: Our Roots class goes from 9:00 am-12:30 pm. Parents send a lunch from home for their child to enjoy. The ROOTS school year runs from the end of August-May.
Volunteering Commitment: The amount of time parents spend in the classroom will be determined by the number of parents participating. Typically, this ends up being about 1 or 2 days a month. On your volunteer day, stay 30 minutes afterwards to help with cleanup. When volunteering, parents follow the Journey philosophy (given through gentle guidance and education) as they spend time with the kids, help them communicate with each other, and stay safe in their play. Besides classroom volunteering, parents are expected to attend the following meetings: Orientation in August, Curriculum and Culture in October, and give some volunteer time at our Playground Spring Cleaning event in April.
What is the role of the parent: An important part of the journey for a parent is that of parent education and active onsite learning. Parents play the part of an observer, storyteller, behavior and communication modeler, an aide in children’s scientific questioning, a friend, an authority in safety, and a loving embrace when needed. In this role, all volunteers are required to undergo a background check, and turn in required paperwork. The trust shared creates a loving community in which all the children learn to love all the parents.
How do I dress and prepare myself and child: Dress for the mess and come ready to be physically and mentally engaged in the magical journey of childhood! We play outside in all kinds of weather. Children and parents should wear weather appropriate clothing and shoes, that you don’t mind getting dirty. Come ready to laugh, cry, learn, and grow together!
How old does my child need to be to join: ROOTS is mixed age from 2-5 years old. This creates an even more home-like atmosphere as the children learn from each other in an almost sibling type format.
How much does it cost: Our MWF class is $350 a month. In order to register and hold a spot, a materials and security deposit of $255 is required. A portion of this fee goes towards materials and playground upkeep. The rest is held as a security in case parents decide to leave the program early, vacating a spot. At the end of a school year, any remaining security deposit can be applied as a credit towards summer camps.
How many teachers and children are in the class: Roots has 12 spots available for children. For classes of 6 or less, one teacher and one parent are in attendance daily. For classes of 6-12, two teachers and a parent will be present daily.
How do I apply: Complete an interest form online. Applications are considered on a first come first serve basis.