Hawthorn Hearth — FAQ Questions for Miss Victoria
The Program

        1.      What ages do you accept and is there a minimum age?
        2.      How many children are in the program at one time?
        3.      What days does the program run and what are the hours?
        4.      Do you follow the public school calendar?
        5.      Does each day of the week have its own rhythm or focus — a baking day, a painting day?
        6.      How do you handle the range between a 5-year-old and a 9-year-old in the same space?
        7.      How do you know when a child is ready for first grade level work versus still needing kindergarten?
        8.      Is this a drop-off program or are parents expected to stay?
        9.      Does a child need to be potty trained?
        10.     How do you handle a child who struggles with transitions or separation anxiety?
        11.     What does the program look like in winter versus summer?
Food
        12.     Are meals provided or do families pack food?
        13.     How do you handle food allergies and dietary restrictions?
        14.     Are the food preparations vegetarian, or do you accommodate different diets?
        15.     What does a typical snack or lunch look like?
The Space
        16.     How do children move between the house, the porch, the tent and the yard?
        17.     How do you manage safety in the outdoor spaces — the yard, the tent, the studio?
        18.     What is the supervision ratio?
        19.     How do you handle conflict between children?
        20.     When should a sick child stay home?
        21.     What is your emergency and first aid protocol?
Philosophy & Approach
        22.     You delay formal academics — how do you respond to parents who worry their child will fall behind?
        23.     How do you gently bridge children from pure play into more structured first and second grade level work?
        24.     What role does art make — watercolor, beeswax, handwork — play beyond just being fun?
        25.     How does storytelling work in your program, and why do you tell stories rather than read them?
        26.     How do you celebrate seasons and festivals in a way that is inclusive of all backgrounds?
        27.     What does a child who thrives here look like?
        28.     What does a child who struggles here look like, and what do you do about it?
        29.     How do you support a child going through something hard at home?
        30.     What does “protecting childhood” mean to you in your daily practice?
        31.     How do you handle a child who doesn’t want to participate in group time?
        32.     What is your thinking about mixed ages — what does a 5-year-old get from being with a 9-year-old?
        33.     Do you ever use technology with children?
Families
        34.     How do you communicate with families day to day?
        35.     What does parent involvement look like — is it required?
        36.     How do you welcome families from very different cultural or religious backgrounds?
        37.     What if a family’s parenting values feel different from yours?
        38.     Can siblings in the older Sonder Life program interact with the younger children?
Enrollment & Practical
        39.     How does a family apply and what does enrollment look like?
        40.     Is there a waitlist?
        41.     Do you offer a visit day or trial period before committing?
        42.     What is your withdrawal policy?
        43.     Is financial assistance or sliding scale available?
        44.     Are state subsidy programs accepted?
        45.     What should my child bring on the first day?
        46.     What should children wear — any clothing guidance?
About Miss Victoria
        47.     What brought you to this work and to this age group specifically?
        48.     What do you love most about the 5 to 9 year old?
        49.     What would you want a hesitant or skeptical parent to know before walking through the door?
        50.     What does a child look like a year after leaving your program?



All life is an experiment-RWE