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Getting ready for day one

How the first weeks go, what's allowed, and what your child's day looks like.

Your first days
01

The week before

  • Label every piece of gear
  • Practice packing the backpack together
  • Look at our Instagram and talk about the day
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Let your child do as much of their morning routine as they can: shoes, coat, backpack zipper. Owning the routine makes drop-off easier.

Do a test run in rain gear. Can they get their rain pants on and off, and open their lunch containers by themselves?

02

Drop-off

  • Keep goodbyes short and cheerful
  • Tell them when you'll be back
  • Then go, even if there are tears
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Children read our confidence. A calm, matter-of-fact goodbye tells them this is a good place. A special handshake or hug ritual helps.

Most tears pass within minutes. If your child stays upset, we'll message you.

03

The first few weeks

  • Expect a tired, muddy, hungry kid
  • Every child settles on their own timeline
  • Watch Brightwheel for photos and notes
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Some children love it from day one and wobble in week three. That's normal. Tell us if something feels off at home, and we'll work on it together.

Small transition item? One is welcome if it stays in the backpack, like a keychain.

Good to know

Is this allowed?

Toys from home No toys. One small transition item, like a keychain, is fine if it stays in the backpack. Nature treasures, binoculars, and field guides are welcome. We can't be responsible for lost items.
Birthdays Your child walks a globe around the sun, once for each year, sharing photos and milestones. A shared treat is welcome, with no nuts, sesame, or raw egg. Skip plastic goody bags. Treat ideas →
Balloons No latex balloons, indoors or out.
Napping Rivendell only, 1–2 hours after lunch, if you'd like. Send a small roll-up nap mat; it goes home weekly to wash. A small, quiet comfort item is fine. Not asleep after 20 minutes? Quiet activities. Shire has no nap. See the nap mat we recommend →
AirTags Encouraged. Clip one to the backpack for extra peace of mind outdoors.
Family dog at drop-off Welcome if it sits and stays calmly, and doesn't bark at or crowd children. Pets →
Bringing things to share Natural, real, or recycled materials are best. No glitter, sequins, styrofoam, or small plastic bits. Natural materials →
A day in each program
Indoors

Wind Rose Montessori

Arrive and settleWash hands, put things away, ease in.
Work cycleTwo-plus hours of chosen work: pouring, counting, building. Snack when hungry.
CircleA story, song, or grace and courtesy lesson.
LunchCalm and unhurried. Afternoon children have rest time after, if families want it.
Closing circleClean up, reflect on the day, head to pickup or outdoors.
Outdoors

Magnolia Explorers

Safety circleA welcome song, the day's plan, and our safety reminders.
Hike and exploreForest trails, the Loop Trail, the viewpoint, or the Ballard Locks. Every spot is near a bathroom. For farther trips, we walk or take the bus.
Snack breakBathroom, handwashing, and kids open their own snacks.
More adventureFree play, building, climbing, and noticing.
Reflection circleA bird sit, gratitude, or a quiet story before heading back.
What kids learn to say outsideShow less
  • "Red light!" means stop and check in with the group
  • "Up and down when friends are around" for sticks
  • Star your body and shout if you see a coyote
  • Hug a tree if you lose the group
  • Get a teacher if you find hazardous trash
  • Hold your partner's hand when crossing the street
How we keep kids safe outdoors →
Visiting or subbing

Joining us for the day

Follow the childWatch what they choose instead of steering them to a work.
Get lowKneel to eye level and use a quiet voice.
Let them tryAsk a question instead of correcting. "Help me help myself."
Phones for photos onlyPhotos are welcome. Please skip any other phone use.
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Plan ahead: message us to pick a day. We'll tell you your role for drop-off and the day.

Sharing isn't required during work time. We model taking turns instead of forcing it.

Bathrooms are mostly handled by the lead teacher. Feel free to encourage a child who looks like they need to go.

Observe more than you ask. Montessori materials correct themselves and don't need much talking.

Your own child may act differently with you there. That's normal.

Outdoors, stay with the group, use the safety phrases above, and come to the teacher at three whistle blasts.

More language you can use with children: Parent Resources.