TINY SCIENTIST FAQ
1. What is your refund Policy on full day programs?
We understand that issues come up and want to accommodate family requests. We also take a great deal of time preparing materials and staffing for each special day at The Tiny Scientist. If canceling four weeks before the start of your program: credit for the value of the program, minus a 75$ cancellation fee. If canceling two weeks: 50% credit for the value of the program, minus a 75$ cancellation fee. Credits can be used for future workshops, classes or parties (subject to availability, for up to 1 year from the date the credit is issued). After that, no credits will be given. There are no refunds of any kind.
If we cancel programs: The Tiny Scientist reserves the right to cancel programs. If programs are canceled by The Tiny Scientist, all money will be fully refunded.
2. What if my child misses an after school class?
There are no refunds for missed classes. Make-up classes will be allowed within two weeks of the sick day for up to 2 missed days. ***Please note*** If the child making up the class needs pick up from their school on a make-up day, we must already have staff going to that school on the make-up day. Make-up classes are subject to availability.
3. When is drop-off in the morning for Full Day programs?
Our doors open at 9 am. If you registered for early drop off, children will be welcomed in at 8:30 am. Early drop off is $10/Day in advance or $15 Day of.
4. When is pick-up?
Normal class ends at 3:30 pm. Extended day runs from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm, ($45/day in advance, $50/day of). You may sign up for full-week or choose specific after care days that you need.
5. What if I need aftercare but didn't sign up, or if I’m running late?
No problem! Please contact us immediately if you know you will need aftercare, but didn't sign up. We will accommodate last-minute sign-ups as long as we have space. Parents who are more than 15 minutes late picking up their children will automatically be charged for aftercare until 5:30 pm. Scientists who are enrolled in extended day will enjoy some outdoor time and do extra science activities.
6. Are nuts allowed? Yes, but NO Peanuts.
We have a few kids coming during each program session that we want to take special care of. Peanut allergies are dangerous because people can get a reaction just by inhaling "peanut" air. We check lunches, but please keep peanuts at home to help other scientists have a safe week. If we take away snacks that contain peanuts, we will store them and you can take them home for another time. Cashews, almonds, and other nuts - which have to be ingested to cause reactions - are allowed but monitored.
7. What should my child bring each day?
A packed lunch (that does not contain any peanuts).
1-2 peanut-free snacks and at least 2-3 snacks if the child will be staying for extended day.
A water bottle.
Rain gear, sunscreen, proper footwear, and clothing appropriate to seasonal weather (we will go outside every day (unless there is inclement weather). Please apply sunscreen before you drop children off.
A reusable tote to bring projects home.
8. What will my child be doing all day?
TONS OF AMAZING ACTIVITIES! We will post a daily schedule and go over it with the scientists, but please feel free to check it out during drop-off or pick-up. From time to time, we will send home a list of questions so you can converse with your child about the kinds of work we are doing - who knows, you may even learn a thing or two yourself!
General Schedule:
9 am: Sign In/Unpack/ Science Open Play/ Lab meeting
9:30: Morning Snack
10:00: Morning Science Class
11:15: Stretch Your Legs! Nature Walk, Playground Science, Bug Hunt
12:00: Lunch/ Choice time
1:15: Afternoon Science Class
2:30: STEM Challenges & Wrap Up
3:00: Choice Time/ Themed Read Aloud/ Pack up
3:30: Sign Out
3:30-5:30: Extended Day: Fresh Air/ Snack/ Science 3/ STEM Challenges
9. Do you let children go into the sprinklers when it's hot or play with snow when it's cold?
We will let our scientists run through the sprinklers to explore properties of water science, to cool off, or handle some snow to observe its properties. We don't want anyone to get too soaked — we want them to be comfortable when we return to the space. If you have a child "prone" to getting soaked, feel free to send a change of clothes that we can store and return at the end of the session.
10. What is extended day like?
We take a break and go outside, and then bring the children back in for a snack. Scientists get a bit of "choice" time with our cool science-y toys and then engage in fun, pre-planned activities geared towards making the most of their day with us.
11. Who is allowed to pick up my child?
Child safety is exceptionally important to us! If you need to change the pick-up options you provided online, we must be notified in writing in advance of pick-up or email to info@thetinyscientist.com. All individuals who pick-up children will be asked for I.D. We do not release children to adults other than those listed on your online forms. We never release children to minor under the age of 16 or let them leave unattended by an adult.
Feel free to call 718.832.8400 or email info@thetinyscientist.com if you have any questions.