2025–2026 School Year

"Rooted in Curiosity, Growing Through Connection, Flourishing in Nature."

Wyldwood Prep Foundation

A Nonprofit K-5 inclusive educational program

Located on Historic Officers Row, Vancouver, Washington

Contact:

Website: https://www.wyldwoodprep.com

Becca Luu, School Operations Specialist: admin@wyldwoodprep.com

Phone: (971) 270-0533

Address: 1603 Officers Row, Vancouver, WA

EIN: 33-3998676

Wyldwood Prep Parent Handbook

Table of Contents

Welcome Letter................................................................................................ 3

Our Mission, Vision, and Core Values...................................................................... 4

Program Overview............................................................................................. 5

Inclusive Learning Services.................................................................................. 5

Inclusive Learning Services FAQs.......................................................................... 7

Tracking Progress............................................................................................. 7

Calendar and Holidays....................................................................................... 8

Communication Policies..................................................................................... 9

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures........................................................................... 9

Attendance Policy........................................................................................... 12

Health and Safety Policies................................................................................. 13

Outdoor and Weather Policies.............................................................................. 13

Behavior and Discipline Philosophy...................................................................... 13

Tuition and Payment Policies.............................................................................. 14

Supplies and Clothing Guide.............................................................................. 14

Media Release and Photography Policy.................................................................. 16

Field Trips and Transportation............................................................................. 16

Parent Involvement and Volunteer Opportunities....................................................... 17

School Closures and Emergencies......................................................................... 17

Contact Information......................................................................................... 17

Thank You and Final Thoughts............................................................................ 18

Welcome Letter

Dear Wyldwood Prep Families,

Welcome to Wyldwood Prep! We are honored that you have chosen to be part of our vibrant and growing community.

Our mission is to nurture the whole child — mind, body, and spirit —through a deep connection to nature, community, and curiosity-driven learning. We aim to empower children to develop emotional resilience, self-awareness, and healthy social connections, while cultivating a lifelong love of learning and the natural world.

At Wyldwood Prep, we believe that children thrive when given time, space, and encouragement to explore, create, and connect with the world around them. We are excited to walk alongside you and your child on this incredible educational journey.

Please review this Parent Handbook carefully, as it outlines important information about our program, policies, and procedures. If you have any questions, we are always happy to connect.

We can’t wait for a year of adventure, discovery, and growth!

Warmly,

The Wyldwood Prep Team

Our Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Our Mission:

To inspire a lifelong love of learning, resilience, and environmental stewardship through a nature-centered, child-led educational approach.

Our Vision:

A world where every child feels deeply connected to their learning, their community, and the natural world.

Our Core Values:

• Curiosity: We honor and nurture each child's natural desire to explore and learn.

• Community: We build a warm, inclusive environment where every child and family belongs.

• Connection to Nature: We believe that time in nature fosters resilience, creativity, and well-being.

• Respect: We model and expect kindness, empathy, and respect for ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

Inclusive Education Statement

At Wyldwood Prep, we believe that every child deserves to be seen, valued, and supported as a unique individual. We are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that embraces students of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities.

Inclusive education at Wyldwood Prep means:

• Celebrating diversity in all its forms — including differences in learning styles, abilities, race, ethnicity, culture, family structure, and identity.

• Adapting our teaching practices to meet the needs of each child.

• Providing a safe, respectful, and welcoming community where every student feels a true sense of belonging.

• Partnering with families and specialists to support individualized learning and growth.

• Teaching empathy, respect, and the value of multiple perspectives through daily interactions and intentional curriculum choices.

We believe that an inclusive community enriches the learning experience for all and prepares children to be compassionate, capable citizens of a diverse world.

Program Overview

Wyldwood Prep offers a nature-based, progressive educational experience for children in Kindergarten through 5th Grade. Our daily rhythm blends structured environmental education, child-led exploration, outdoor learning, creative arts, and social-emotional development.

Daily Rhythm Highlights:

• Morning circles and intention setting

• Outdoor explorations and forest learning

• Project-based learning activities

• Hands-on science, art, and literacy experiences

• Community gatherings and reflection

Two days a week (Wednesdays and Fridays) will be our outdoor days at Battle Ground Lake, in Battle Ground, Washington. Parents will pick up and drop off their children at the Battle Ground Lake Park. The other days, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, drop off and pick up will be at the officers row location where children will have the option to engage in both indoor and outdoor educational opportunities.

Inclusive Learning Services (ILS)

At Wyldwood Prep, we believe in supporting the whole child through inclusive, individualized learning. Our Inclusive Learning Services (ILS) team works collaboratively with teachers and families to ensure students receive the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Learning Plan Assessments

All students receive a Learning Plan Assessment at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year. These assessments are included in tuition and help us monitor student growth and guide classroom support strategies.

Pathways for Additional Services

At Wyldwood, we know that every child grows in their own way and sometimes a little extra sunlight, water, or care can help them truly thrive. If a student may benefit from additional support, a parent or teacher can reach out to our ILS team to start the conversation. We'll spend time observing and connecting with the student, and together we’ll explore what school-based supports might help them flourish.

Available School-Based Services

● Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)

● Occupational Therapy (OT)

● Mental Health Services through our partnership with Wonder Tree

● Developmental Psychology

Insurance and Billing

For mental health services only such as treatment for anxiety or selective mutism (SM), we can bill your insurance or provide a superbill for reimbursement. These services are delivered through Wyldwood’s contract with Wonder Tree Developmental Psychology.

Integrated Classroom Supports

Our classrooms—both indoor and outdoor—include daily activities and interventions designed by mental health professionals, OTs, and SLPs. These are fully included in tuition and benefit all students.

Optional 1:1 Services and Fees

If a student needs more support, 1:1 services are available for an additional fee:

● 1:1 weekly speech or OT = $150/month

● 1:1 weekly speech and OT = $275/month

Services are optional and decisions are made collaboratively with families, the ILS team, and teachers.

Family Engagement and Support

Quarterly parent workshops are included in tuition to support ongoing education and family involvement. We’re also happy to meet with you in advance of the school year to review documents, coordinate with outside providers, and plan for student success.

Please contact our Director of Inclusive Learning Services if you have any questions or need additional information: Marilea Brock, mbrock@wyldwoodprep.com

Inclusive Learning Services: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I request additional support for my child?

Please contact our administrative team (admin@wyldwoodprep.com) or Marilea Brock (mbrock@wyldwoodprep.com). We will schedule a meeting to discuss your child’s needs and next steps.

What types of services are available?

Services may include academic support, social-emotional support, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other specialized support through our trusted partners.

How are services paid for?

Some services may be billed to your family’s health insurance. Others will be offered for an additional fee.

Will my child be separated from their peers?

Whenever possible, services are integrated into the daily learning environment to support inclusion and community. If one-on-one services are needed we will work with your family to come up with a plan.

Tracking Progress

At Wyldwood Prep, we believe that children’s growth and learning unfold in beautiful, diverse, and non-linear ways. Rather than focusing solely on traditional grades or standardized benchmarks, we take a holistic approach to tracking progress — honoring each child's individual journey.

Our educators closely observe students through natural interactions, creative work, play, and exploration. We use a variety of tools to support this process, including developmental checklists, portfolios of student work, anecdotal notes, and reflective conversations. These methods allow us to capture a rich, authentic picture of each child's strengths, challenges, and emerging interests.

Progress is shared with families in a variety of ways throughout the year, including seasonal family conferences, written reflections, and ongoing communication. Our goal is to partner with families, celebrate growth, and work collaboratively to support each child’s development —academically, socially, emotionally, and beyond.

When additional support is needed, we work thoughtfully and proactively, offering resources through our Inclusive Learning Services or connecting families with additional support. Every step of the way, we strive to nurture a learning environment where each child feels seen, supported, and inspired to flourish.

Calendar and Holidays

The school year runs from August 28, 2025 through June 17, 2026, following a traditional academic calendar. A full calendar with important dates will be provided in addition to this handbook.

First and Last Day of School

● 8/28/2025 and 6/17/2026

●Location: Indoor Home-Base (1603 Officers Row, Vancouver WA)

Indoor / Outdoor Days

● Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays - Indoor Home-Base (1603 Officers Row, Vancouver

WA)

● Wednesdays* and Fridays - Forest Basecamp (Battle Ground Lake, Battle Ground WA)

*Wednesdays are early release days (8:30am-1:30pm). All other days will have regular hours of 8:30am-3:30pm.

Holidays / School Closure

● 9/1/25 Labor Day

● 11/11/25 Veterans Day

● 11/24-11/28/25 Thanksgiving Break

● 12/22/25-1/2/26 Winter Break

● 1/19/26 MLK, Jr Day

● 2/16/26 Presidents’ Day

● 4/6-4/10/26 Spring Break

● 5/25/26 Memorial Day

Communication Policies

Clear and respectful communication is vital to our community. We communicate regularly through:

● Regular email updates

● Monthly parent newsletters

● Direct messages for important announcements

For non-urgent communication, please email or call during school hours. If concerns arise, we encourage open and respectful conversations.

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

School Hours

● Drop-off: 8:30am

● Pick-up: 3:30pm*

*Wednesdays are early release days with 1:30pm dismissal

Please respect pick-up times; late pick-ups may incur additional charges.

Arrival Procedure - Indoor Home-Base

Location: 1603 Officers Row, Vancouver WA

Drop-Off Window: 8:15-8:30am

● Pull into the designated drop-off zone and park your vehicle.

● Ensure your child has their backpack, lunch, and any necessary materials for the day.

● Walk your child into the school’s main entrance, where a staff member will greet them.

Dismissal Procedure - Indoor Home-Base

Location: 1603 Officers Row, Vancouver WA

Pick-Up Window: 3:30-3:45pm

● Pull into the designated pick-up zone and park your vehicle.

● Walk into the school’s main entrance to pick up your child; a staff member will release them to you. Ensure that they have their backpack, lunchbox and anything else that should return home with them.

● Walk your child out of the school and to your vehicle.

Indoor Home-Base Arrival and Dismissal Map

Arrival Procedure - Outdoor Forest Basecamp 

Location: Battle Ground Lake 

Drop-Off Window: 8:15-8:30am

● Pull into the designated drop-off zone and park your vehicle. 

● Ensure your child has their backpack, lunch, and any necessary materials for the day.

● Walk your child to the drop-off point by the park entrance, where a staff member will greet them.

Dismissal Procedure - Outdoor Forest Basecamp 

Location: Battle Ground Lake 

Pick-Up Window: 1:30-1:45pm Wednesdays, 3:30-3:45pm Fridays

● Pull into the designated pick-up zone and park your vehicle. 

● Walk to the gathered group at the pick-up point; a staff member will release your child to you. Ensure that they have their backpack, lunchbox and anything else that should return home with them. 

● Walk your child back to your vehicle.

Outdoor Forest Basecamp Arrival and Dismissal Map

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is essential for student learning and community connection. We ask all families to notify the school promptly if a student will be absent. 

Reporting an Absence 

If your child will be absent due to illness, family emergency, or other reason, please notify the school by 8:00 AM on the day of the absence via email to our attendance email alias below. 

● Email: attendance@wyldwoodprep.com 

Include your child’s full name, reason for absence, and (if known) the expected return date. 

Excused Absences 

Absences are considered excused for reasons such as: 

● Illness or medical appointments 

● Family emergencies 

● Religious or cultural observances 

● Pre-approved family travel or activities 

Unexcused Absences 

Absences without notification, or for reasons not outlined above, may be considered unexcused. 

Tardiness 

If your child will arrive late, please also notify us using one of the above methods. Students arriving late should check in with a staff member upon arrival. 

If your child will arrive late on an Outdoor Forest Basecamp day, you will be responsible for walking your child to the shelter area or contact a staff member via the Attendance Hotline phone number to meet you at the parking lot. Our staff will no longer be present at the parking lot drop-off point past 8:30am. 

Why This Matters 

Clear and timely attendance communication helps us support your child’s learning, ensure safety, and keep our records accurate. 

Health and Safety Policies

• Keep your child home if they exhibit signs of illness. 

• Children must be fever-free (without medication) for 24 hours before returning. • Medication can only be administered with prior written permission. 

• Regular safety drills are practiced, including fire and earthquake drills. These drills will be done without setting off alarms to ensure the comfort of our students with noise sensitivities through the duration of each drill.

Outdoor and Weather Policies

We are an all-weather school! We learn outside in all seasons. 

Please ensure your child arrives each day with: 

• Weather-appropriate clothing 

• Waterproof layers 

• Extra dry layers as needed 

In cases of severe weather, we will adjust programming to ensure student safety. 

Behavior and Discipline Philosophy

At Wyldwood Prep, we approach behavior through the lens of nervous system  regulation and educational neuroscience. We emphasize collaborative problem-solving,  empathy, and supporting self-regulation. 

Our philosophy focuses on: 

• Clear expectations 

• Respectful communication 

• Natural consequences and restorative practices

If significant dysregulation arises, we will work closely with families to support the child’s  growth

Tuition and Payment Policies

Annual Full Time Tuition: $15,500 per year 

Non-refundable Deposit: $500 (applied toward first month's tuition) 

Full Time Payment Plan Options: 

● Annual payment (2% discount) 

● Semester payments 

● Monthly installments (August–May) 

Annual Part Time Tuition: $6,800 per year 

Part Time Payment Plan Options: 

● Billed in 10 monthly payments of $680 (August-May) 

Tuition Payment Policies: 

● Payments are due on the 1st of each month. 

● Late payments are subject to a $25 late fee. 

● Withdrawal requires one month's written notice. 

● Previously paid tuition is non-refundable. 

Supplies and Clothing Guide

General School Supplies 

Please label all items with your child’s name. 

● Backpack (comfortable, large enough to hold a folder, water bottle, and lunch)

● Lunchbox or insulated bag 

● Water bottle (spill-proof and labeled) 

● Headphones (over-ear preferred, for quiet work time) 

● 1 wide-ruled notebook (spiral or composition) 

● 2 two-pocket folders (sturdy) 

● A pencil box or pouch containing: 

o 1 pack of sharpened pencils 

o Erasers 

o Colored pencils 

o Glue stick 

o Scissors (child-safe) 

o Crayons or markers (washable) 

● Reusable utensils for lunch (as needed) 

● Extra change of clothes (in a labeled Ziploc bag, to be kept at school)

Optional donations for the classroom (always appreciated!): 

● Tissues 

● Disinfecting wipes 

● Extra school supplies for students who need them 

We recommend labeling all belongings. Extra layers will be available if needed.

Outdoor Forest Day Gear

Our students spend time outdoors in all kinds of weather! We encourage families to invest in durable, layered gear so your child can learn and play comfortably no matter the conditions. We will have back-up options at school if a student should forget something. Please label everything clearly. 

Base Layers: 

● Wool or synthetic thermal top and bottom (avoid cotton) 

● Wool socks 

Mid-Layers: 

● Fleece jacket or sweater 

● Insulated pants or sweatpants (weather-dependent) 

Outer Layers: 

● Waterproof rain jacket with hood 

● Waterproof rain pants or snow pants (seasonal) 

● Waterproof boots (rubber or insulated) 

● Winter coat (for colder months) 

Accessories: 

● Hat (sun hat for warm months, beanie for cold) 

● Gloves or mittens (waterproof for rainy/cold days) 

● Neck gaiter or scarf (for warmth) 

● Extra dry socks and underwear (in backpack) 

Other Essentials: 

● Backpack that fits gear and is comfortable for hikes 

● Sit pad or small foam mat (for outdoor learning time) 

● Sunscreen and bug spray (apply at home; send labeled if reapplication is needed) ● Reusable plastic bag for muddy or wet clothes

Media Release and Photography Policy

Photos and videos taken during the school year may be used for internal communication,  newsletters, and promotional materials — only with prior parental consent through the Media  Release Form.

Field Trips and Transportation

We offer outdoor excursions and field trips throughout the year. 

Families will be informed in advance, and a signed Field Trip Permission Form is required.

Parent Involvement and Volunteer Opportunities

We love and value family involvement! 

Opportunities to participate include: 

● Classroom volunteering 

● Nature days 

● Fundraising and community events 

If you are interested in learning more about upcoming volunteer opportunities, please contact admin@wyldwoodprep.com. A survey will also be sent via email before the start of the school year to collect interest in volunteer opportunities. 

School Closures and Emergencies

In the event of weather closures, families will be notified via email and text message as early as  possible. 

Closures typically align with the local public school district.

Contact Information

● Dr. Ashley Taylor, Founder and Head of School: dr.taylor@wyldwoodprep.com

● Becca Luu, School Operations Specialist: admin@wyldwoodprep.com

● Marilea Brock, MS, Inclusive Learning Services Director: mbrock@wyldwoodprep.com 

● Hunt Dougherty, Artistic Director: hunt@wyldwoodprep.com 

● Caylah Lawrence, Full Time Teacher: caylah@wyldwoodprep.com

● Renee Roberston, Part Time Teacher: renee@wyldwoodprep.com 

● Attendance Hotline: attendance@wyldwoodprep.com

Thank You for Being Part of Our Community

At Wyldwood Prep, we believe that education is most powerful when it is a true partnership  between school and family. We are honored to walk alongside you and your child on this journey  of growth, discovery, and wonder. 

This Parent Handbook is designed to provide a clear foundation for our shared expectations,  values, and day-to-day operations. Communication, flexibility, and collaboration are at the heart  of everything we do. 

Thank you for trusting us with your child's learning and development. Together, we will create a  community where every child feels safe, seen, and inspired to thrive. 

We are so excited to embark on this adventure with you! 

With appreciation, 

The Wyldwood Prep Team