Nature Play Area

Osseo Area Schools Early Childhood Family Education (EC&FE)

Weather Related Guidelines For Nature Play Area ECFE classes

Our program has developed general weather-related guidelines for ECFE parent and child classes (not play times) held in our Nature Play Area at Arbor View Early Childhood Center. Parents/guardians participating in NPA ECFE classes will be notified in advance of any future changes to our weather related program practices. The weather related guidelines are subject to change based on program needs.

On Class Days

Families are encouraged to dress for the weather conditions, outdoor messy play and use the guidelines listed below for planning arrival to class.
Rain suits (sizes 3T and 4T and rain boots (sizes 9, 10, 11) are available for child to use during class time.
Families are expected to provide winter clothing.

Nature Play Area class format will be determined as follows:

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OUTSIDE

Class will be held outdoors in the Nature Play Area:

when the temperature with windchill is at or above 40 degrees fahrenheit
when the heat index is less than 90
no severe or inclement weather is forecast.

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OUTSIDE AND INSIDE

Class will be held outdoors in the Nature Play Area and move indoors to a classroom at Arbor View Early Childhood Center:

when the temperature with windchill is between 10 and 40 degrees fahrenheit
when the heat index is at or above 90
unless severe or inclement weather is forecast.

The first part of class-parent and child interaction time will be held outdoors. Then, when separation time begins the class will move indoors to classroom spaces. The children’s classroom will include nature-based activities and themes-bringing the outdoors into the classroom space. Parent education time will be held in a parent education room.

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INSIDE

Class will be held indoors in classroom spaces at Arbor View Early Childhood Center when:

the temperature with windchill is at or below 9 degrees fahrenheit
the heat index is at or above 90
severe or inclement weather is forecast.

The children’s classroom will include nature-based activities and themes-bringing the outdoors into the classroom space. When separation time occurs, parent education time will be held in a parent education room.

Things to Note

Parents/guardians should plan for the class to begin outside. If there is need to start the class inside, parents/guardians will be notified by the program office at least one hour prior to the start of class.

In Minnesota, weather conditions can be unpredictable. In addition to the above guidelines, when making a decision about where class time will be held Osseo EC&FE will use information from The Weather Channel for the City of Maple Grove, MN and consider other weather factors such as: heat, wind, air quality, snowfall and rain.

Public restrooms are available in the building at Arbor View Early Childhood Center for family use prior to, during or after class.

Play. Explore. Learn Together.

We're excited to support you and your child with early learning experiences in our outdoor Nature Play Area! Contact the Osseo Area Schools Early Childhood & Family Education program office at 763-391-8777 or ecfe@district279.org if you have any questions.

Document Updated: June 2022