Greetings! 🌈 🐝 🎶

We're so glad you're considering applying to NOLA Nature School. We use Brightwheel to manage applications, enrollment, and communications. Please follow this step-by-step guide carefully to avoid duplicate accounts or confusion, especially if you’ve used Brightwheel with another school.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Create or Log Into Your Brightwheel Account

🔗 URL: https://schools.mybrightwheel.com/sign-in

✏️ If you've never used Brightwheel before: Create a new parent account with your primary email address.

🔑 If you've used Brightwheel with another school (including for siblings): Do not create a new account. Log into your existing account.

💡 Tip: Using the same email address avoids duplicate accounts and keeps all your children’s information linked.

2. Add Your Child’s Profile

🔗 URL: https://schools.mybrightwheel.com/add-child

➕ Select + Add Child from your Brightwheel dashboard.

📝 Enter your child’s full name and birthdate.

🚫 Do not create duplicate profiles. If you're unsure whether you already have a profile, please email us before proceeding.

3. Request to Join NOLA Nature School

🔗 URL: https://schools.mybrightwheel.com/sign-in?redirect_to=/give_access/90194

🔍 Select your child's profile from the dropdown menu.

✅ Click Request to Join.

You will receive an email confirmation once your request has been submitted.

4. Complete the Application Form

Once we approve your request, you'll receive an Invite to Apply via email.

🔑 Log into Brightwheel.

📄 Go to Forms & Requests on your dashboard.

🖋️ Complete the NOLA Nature School Application in full.

⏰ Important: Applications are not considered complete until all required fields are filled out and submitted.

5. Wait for Confirmation

Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive an email update about your child’s application status.

💬 Need Help?

If you run into issues at any point, please reach out to us at info@nolanatureschool.com.

Thank you for your interest in joining our community & patience as we work through applications! We look forward to growing & learning with your family soon!

🌿🦋🌿

Getting Started with Brightwheel

Welcome to NOLA Nature School! 🌻

We spend our days gathering sticks, counting caterpillars, and letting curiosity lead the way — Brightwheel helps us share those moments without interrupting them. This app keeps families connected while letting our teachers stay present with the children instead of buried in paperwork.

What is Brightwheel? 💬📸

Brightwheel is our all-in-one app for:

🌞 Sharing updates & magical moments
📷 Photos from school adventures
💬 Secure messaging with teachers
💳 Tuition invoices + online payments
👋 Digital check-in and check-out

Learn more:Brightwheel Overview

How to Get Started 🌱

If you've already applied to NOLA Nature School, you may have received an email invitation to create a Brightwheel account or link your existing account.

📧 Check Your Email – Invitations are sent to the same email address you used on your application.

📲 Download the App:

👉 Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/brightwheel/id1047176631

👉 Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kaymbu.bw&hl=en_US

✍️ Create Your Account – Use the same email address where you received your invitation.

🪴 Connect to Your Child's Profile – Your child's name will automatically appear once you're in!

What You'll See While Your Application is Pending 🔍

If you've applied but not yet enrolled, your account will have limited features — this is totally normal!

✅ You'll still be able to:

-Check your child's application status

-Upload requested documents

-Receive messages or updates from us

🚫 You won't see daily updates or photos until enrollment is fully confirmed.

How We Use Brightwheel at NOLA Nature School 🌳

Once your child is officially enrolled, Brightwheel becomes your go-to for:

👋 Daily Check-In & Check-Out
📸 Photos of play and exploration
💬 Quick messaging for small updates or questions
💳 Tuition invoices and payments
🚨 Absence notifications

How to Complete Enrollment Forms & Payments 💳📄

Once enrollment is confirmed, all required enrollment forms (contracts, emergency contacts, waivers) will be available in Brightwheel.

📝 Go to the Forms Tab to:

Fill out your Enrollment Contract

Update your child's Emergency Contacts

Complete any Medical or Consent Forms

💰 Pay as soon as possible to secure your child's spot
✅ Go to the Billing Tab to view invoices
💳 Set up Autopay for easy, on-time payments
📅 Due dates will be clearly listed on each invoice

📸 Upload a Profile Photo of your child under their profile tab — this helps us with daily check-ins!

💬 Test Message Us! Use the Messages tab to send a quick hello to confirm you're connected.

Once you've completed everything, please message us through Brightwheel or email info@nolanatureschool.com to let us know you're all set — or if you need help!

Brightwheel Quick Tips 🌟

🔔 Turn on Push Notifications so you never miss an update.
🚗 Add All Pick-Up Contacts directly to your child's profile.
💳 Set up Autopay for stress-free tuition payments.
✏️ Use Messages to notify us of absences or schedule changes.
📄 Update your Emergency Contacts each season.

Privacy & Security 🔒🌿

Your child's updates and information are only visible to parents, guardians, and trusted contacts you approve. Brightwheel uses bank-grade encryption to protect your information.

Common Questions ❓

What if I can't find my invitation email?
Check your spam folder or request a new invite by emailing info@nolanatureschool.com.

Can extended family get updates too?
Yes! You can add Family Contacts with view-only access.

Need Help? 💡

If you're having trouble setting up your account:

🌐 Visit the Brightwheel Help Center: https://help.mybrightwheel.com

Learn more:Brightwheel Overview

Other Questions?

Email us at info@nolanatureschool.com

We're so glad to have your family connected — we can't wait to share the wonders of nurturing in nature with your family! 💜 🌿 ✨

At NOLA Nature School, we believe the right gear helps children feel comfortable, capable, and ready to explore! Below is a guide to help families prepare for the elements and foster children's independence.

Clothing

Everyday Layers (Year-Round):

👕 Base Layers: Breathable, quick-dry fabrics (avoid cotton for cooler months)

🧦 Socks: Wool or synthetic for moisture-wicking comfort

🧢 Sun Hat or Cap: For daily sun protection

Seasonal Layers:

❄️ Cool Weather (Fall/Winter):

🧥 Fleece or wool mid-layer

🌧️ Waterproof jacket and rain pants

🧤 Gloves/mittens and hat

🧣 Neck gaiter or scarf (optional, great for added warmth)

☀️ Warm Weather (Spring/Summer):

👕 Lightweight long sleeves for sun and bug protection

👒 Wide-brim sun hat

🩱 Swimsuit or water-friendly clothes for splash days

Footwear 👟🌧️🩴

👟 Everyday Shoes: No laces, water resistant, closed-toe, comfortable, & sturdy for walking or climbing

🌧️ Rain Boots: Waterproof and easy to pull on/off

🩴 Water Shoes: For warmer months and water play

Bags + Storage 🎒

🎒 Backpack (child-sized): With two straps & big enough to carry their own lunch, water, & spare clothes

💦 Wet Bag: For damp or muddy clothes

🔍 Small Pouch: For found treasures or personal comfort items

Food + Hydration 🍎💧

💧 Water Bottle (Leak-proof): Easy for little hands to open independently

🍱 Lunch + Snack Containers: Simple, reusable, & easy for child to open

🔥❄️ Thermoses: Optional — great for keeping food or drinks warm in cool weather or iced in warm weather

⚠️ Allergies + Food Safety:

🦐 Our program is seafood-free (NO fish & shellfish, please!)

🥜 Optional precaution: nut-free snacks if preferred by families

Extras 🦋

💕 Comfort Item: Enjoyed but not too precious in case it gets dirty or lost — perhaps a small squishy creature or soft token that can be attached to the bag by carabiner

🌞🦟 Kid Sunscreen + Bug Spray: some in bag, but also applied at home before school

🛏️ Towel or Lightweight Blanket: For rest time (if applicable- will send out a note)

Supporting Independence 🌱

Packing the right gear empowers children to take care of their own needs. Practicing at home — like zipping jackets or opening containers — helps build confidence and makes the school day run more smoothly.

If you're ever unsure about what to pack, reach out — we're happy to help!

At NOLA Nature School, we believe that nourishing bodies helps nourish minds. A well-packed snack and lunch supports your child’s energy, focus, and enjoyment throughout the day. Below are our guidelines, tips, and recommendations to help you plan for your child’s meals.

🍎 Snacks

Children enjoy snack time mid-morning and in the afternoon, with an extra snack on hand for unexpected needs.

What to Pack:

🔑 2-3 small, nutrient-rich snacks that are easy to open and eat independently.

Examples: Fruit, veggies, cheese, crackers, yogurt, granola bars, or hummus with dippers.

Nonperishable options are recommended to avoid spoilage.

Please avoid sugary snacks like candy or cookies.

Tips:

Pack snacks in small, reusable containers.

Include a small ice pack if needed to keep items fresh.

Label everything.

🍽️ Lunch

Lunch is a time for refueling and connection with friends. We encourage simple, familiar foods that children enjoy.

What to Pack:

A balanced lunch with protein, fruit/vegetable, and a carb

Easy-to-open containers and foods that your child can manage independently

Reusable utensils and napkins (if needed)

Ideas for Lunches:

Sandwiches, wraps, or quesadillas

Bento-style lunches with fruit, veggies, and protein

Pasta salad with veggies

Leftovers in a small thermos (if your child can open it)

Treats in Moderation:

We are happy to see small desserts or occasional treats in lunches. However, we've seen that minimally nutritious lunches can leave children still hungry and affect their mood during play, making them grumpy or low-energy which negatively affects learning & engagement with peers. Within your best abilities, please be thoughtful when packing meals to support your child's well-being throughout the day.

Please Avoid:

Candy or soda

Glass containers

Seafood (both fish and shellfish) due to severe allergies in our community

💧 Water Bottles

Every child must bring at least one reusable water bottle each day.

We refill bottles as needed — please label them clearly.

🔥 Allergy Awareness

Our community includes children with severe seafood allergies (fish and shellfish). Please do not pack seafood of any kind. While we are not a completely nut-free school, we encourage families to consider nut-free options to support inclusivity.

🌿 Sustainable Choices

We encourage waste-free lunches! Choose reusable containers, utensils, and cloth napkins whenever possible.

💡 Helpful Hints for Success

Practice opening containers at home.

Pack a little extra on big adventure days (we'll let you know when those are coming!).

Label everything!

If your child enjoys a warm lunch, test out thermos use at home beforehand.

Thank you for supporting your child’s well-being and our school community with thoughtful, nutritious meals!

To support our classroom community & help children engage fully with our intentional school materials, we are no longer allowing children to bring toys from home for daily play.

The exception is one small comfort item (like a keychain, fob, or small plush) that can be attached to their backpack—something they're comfortable sharing & won't worry about if it gets dirty, lost, or broken.

We know how special certain objects can be! From time to time, we may host a Show & Tell where children are invited to bring a meaningful item from home to share during group conversations. These special objects will be shown, discussed, & then returned home the same day.

🌿 Arrivals Our daily rhythm begins with a warm welcome at play, setting the tone for the day ahead.

🕗 Drop-Off Begins: 8:00* AM
🚪 Location: The Nest or our predetermined excursion location for the day (announced in advance)

*For your convenience, families are welcome to drop off anytime from the start of the school day onward.

Gentle Goodbyes: A smooth transition at drop-off helps children feel secure and confident. We understand that separating can be hard for both children & parents, but lingering can unintentionally make this transition more difficult.

To support your child:

💛 Keep goodbyes short, sweet, & consistent.

🗣️ Let your child know what's happening: For example, "I'll give you a big hug, then you'll play, have your morning circle, and I'll see you after lunch time."

🌈 Trust the teachers — we are here to help your child settle in and will always reach out if a child needs extra support. (It may take a few mins, but usually kiddos are fine & ready to play once their family member drives away!)

💡 Why We Keep Drop-Offs Brief:

Children look to adults to gauge how they should feel about a situation. A confident goodbye signals to your child that they are safe and capable. Lingering can unintentionally give the message that something might be wrong or uncertain, gives more power to their reaction because it’s keeping their family member there longer, or even the impression that the family member can choose to stay however long (despite usually having to go to work) which can be distressing if they feel like you’re choosing to leave them at will rather than out of necessity.

If you'd like an update on how your child is settling in, please reach out via Brightwheel about 30mins after drop-off (that amount of time usually gives them time to re-regulate & finally get started on their day); we're always happy to check in & let you know how they're doing!

🌿 PICK - UP

We know that needs vary, so families are welcome to pick up their child at any time during the registered school day. Reuniting at the end of the day is a special moment!

To help your child transition home smoothly:

🤗 Greet your child with warmth and curiosity.

⏳ Allow them space to share (or not share) about their day in their own time.

🚶 Once your child is in your care, please plan to depart promptly — children need clear signals that their day is ending.

🕛 Half-Day Pick-Up: 12:30 PM (after lunch)

🕞 Full-Day Pick-Up: 3:30 PM

🌅 Aftercare Pick-Up: Full Day students are automatically enrolled in Aftercare, so pick up can be anytime between 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

🚪 Location: The Nest or our predetermined excursion location for the day (announced in advance)

Community Flow

Our school community thrives best with a loving routine that creates a steady, consistent flow to our day.

Keeping pick-ups & drop-offs brief but positive helps our whole community because it gives children a sense of routine + allows teachers to focus on providing care and connection to each child.

Thank you for partnering with us to create a calm, predictable rhythm that helps children feel safe, confident, & connected.