Acres of Fun Preschool Parent Handbook
Updated February 2026
Acres of Fun Preschool
Located at Good Pickin’ Farm
5 Gould Road
Westford, 01886
Licensing & Program Information
Acres of Fun Preschool is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) as a Large Group and School Age Child Care Program and operates in compliance with 606 CMR 7.00 regulations.
EEC Central MA Office (Region 2)
324 R Clark Street
Worcester, MA 01606
Phone: 508-798-7180
A copy of EEC regulations and licensing information is available in the program office. Families may contact EEC at any time regarding licensing compliance or program history.
Contact Information
Acres of Fun Preschool
5 Gould Road, Westford, MA 01886
Phone: 425-306-7203
Email: hello@goodpickinfarm.com
Drop-off and pick-up occur at the School House Building.
Welcome
Welcome to Acres of Fun — a unique outdoor, farm-based early childhood program. We are honored that your family is joining our community.
Parents are welcome to visit the program at any time while their child is in attendance.
Good Pickin’ Farm was founded by three women — an educator, a farmer, and an artist — who envisioned a place where children reconnect with nature, learn by doing, and experience the joy of sustainable living.
We leverage our historic barn,1850s schoolhouse, greenhouse, cider mill, paddocks, and 89 acres of fields and forest to provide a meaningful experiential education rooted in nature.
Mission Statement
Good Pickin’ Education is a student-centered experiential learning community that fosters curiosity, exploration, and achievement. We nurture well-rounded and independent thinkers who create, collaborate, communicate, and meet new challenges while developing a lifelong connection to nature.
Educational Philosophy
At Acres of Fun Preschool, we believe children learn best through meaningful experiences rooted in nature. Our outdoor program nurtures curiosity, independence, and joy in discovery by immersing children in hands-on exploration of the natural world.
Our curriculum is organized into engaging 1–3 week thematic units throughout the school year, inspired by the seasons, farm life, and children’s emerging interests. While thoughtfully planned, our approach remains child-led and play-based, allowing learning to unfold naturally through exploration, inquiry, and discovery.
In our multi-age classrooms, children are supported and challenged according to their developmental stage. As they grow, expectations deepen — fostering increased independence, critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership.
Through daily outdoor experiences, animal care, creative arts, and cooperative play, children develop resilience, empathy, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Low teacher-to-child ratios support strong relationships and individualized learning.
Program Hours and Calendar
Acres of Fun operates during the academic school year.
Tuition does not include school vacation days or professional development days.
Weather-related delays and closures follow Westford Public Schools whenever possible.
Snow/Extreme Weather Days: If Westford Public Schools are closed due to snow, Acres of Fun will be closed. Tuition is not refunded.
Delayed Opening: We follow Westford Public Schools delayed openings.
Early Closing: We will remain open whenever safely possible, but may require early pickup depending on safety and staffing ratios.
Line of Authority
Communication follows this structure:
Lead Teacher
Preschool Director
Administration
Owner
Open, respectful communication is encouraged at all times.
Enrollment Requirements
All required enrollment forms must be completed before attendance, including:
Emergency contacts
Physical exam documentation
Immunization record
Lead screening documentation
Signed policy acknowledgments
Transportation authorization (if applicable)
Annual Registration Fee: $100 (non-refundable)
Tuition & Billing
Tuition is billed monthly and due on the first of each month.
Autopay via credit/debit card is required unless tuition is paid in full by check.
Returned checks incur a $50 fee.
Late payments may result in a late fee of $10/day or suspension of care.
No refunds or credits are provided for absences, illness, vacation, weather closures, or unexpected program interruptions.
Withdrawal & Schedule Changes
Permanent schedule changes require written notice at least one month in advance.
Withdrawal from the program requires 30 days written notice, and 50% of the remaining school year balance will be due.
Tuition remains due during the notice period.
Attendance & Absences
Families must notify the program if a child will be absent or late. If a child does not arrive as expected and no notice is received, staff will attempt to contact parents or guardians. A no-call fee may apply.
Arrival & Pick-Up Procedures
Children must be signed in and out daily by an authorized adult.
Only authorized individuals listed on enrollment forms may pick up a child.
Photo ID is required for unfamiliar authorized adults.
Children will not be released to unauthorized individuals.
Late Pick Up Policy
Our staff members have responsibilities and families of their own after programs end. Consistent late pickups disrupt end-of-day routines and place an unfair burden on our team. Please respect our program hours and plan accordingly.
If a child is still at the farm 5 minutes past the scheduled program end time:
They will be placed in Extended Day (summer) or After School (school year) for a flat fee of $55.
If no Extended Day program is available, late fees will apply.
Late Pickup Fees
Late pickup fees begin immediately after the scheduled program end time — there is no grace period.
1st offense: $5 for every 5 minutes (or portion thereof) past the program end time.
2nd offense: $15 for every 5 minutes.
3rd offense or repeated late pickups: $25 for every 5 minutes and/or possible dismissal from the program.
If no Extended Day or After School program is available, this same fee structure applies.
Examples:
If your program ends at 6:00 p.m.
Child leaves at 6:03 p.m. → $5 fee
Child leaves at 6:06 p.m. → $10 fee
Child leaves at 6:19 p.m. → $20 fee
Child leaves at 6:27 p.m. → $30 fee
Fees are calculated based on the time your child leaves the program area, not parent arrival time.
Failure to Communicate
If we have not heard from a parent/guardian and no authorized contact can be reached within 30 minutes of closing, we may contact local authorities or child protective services, per our licensing and safety requirements.
Additional Notes
All late pickup fees are due the same day or will be automatically added to your account. All late fees must be paid before your child returns to the program.
Repeated late pickups may result in loss of enrollment privileges.
Please call or text us as soon as possible if you anticipate being late.
Transportation Policy
Acres of Fun Preschool does not provide transportation services.
Movement on Farm Property / Field Experiences
As a farm-based program, children regularly move between designated licensed outdoor learning areas under close supervision. Children do not leave the licensed property without prior written parent permission.
Staff Qualifications & Staff-to-Child Ratios
All staff meet or exceed qualifications established by EEC regulations.
Staff undergo required background record checks and receive ongoing professional development.
A staff list is available at the beginning of each school year.
Acres of Fun maintains:
Program ratio: 1 educator to 5 children
Licensed maximum ratio: 1 educator to 10 children
Ratios never exceed EEC requirements.
Health & Illness Policy
Children must remain home when they have:
Fever of 100.4°F or higher
Vomiting or diarrhea within 24 hours
Contagious illness
Persistent pain or breathing difficulty
Symptoms that prevent participation
Children must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning.
Parents must notify the program of contagious illness.
Medication Administration
Medication is administered only with completed consent forms.
Prescription medication must be in original labeled containers.
Non-prescription medication requires physician authorization.
Medication is stored securely and administered by trained staff.
Children may not self-administer medication without written authorization.
Allergy & Individual Health Plans
All allergies must be documented. Emergency medications and individual health care plans are required when applicable.
Food sharing is not permitted.
Food Allergy & Nut Policy
Acres of Fun Preschool is not a nut-free facility.
We recognize that food allergies are serious and can be life-threatening. Rather than labeling our program as “nut-free,” we take a proactive and comprehensive approach to allergy safety. Research shows that nut-free policies alone do not eliminate risk and can create a false sense of security. Our priority is to remain diligent, informed, and consistent in our safety practices at all times.
Because we implement strict supervision, hygiene, and allergy management procedures regardless of food type, we believe it is more effective to maintain strong universal precautions rather than limit families’ food choices unnecessarily.
Our Allergy Safety Practices Include:
Collecting detailed allergy information prior to enrollment
Maintaining written Allergy Action Plans signed by a physician
Training all staff in food allergy awareness and emergency response
Keeping emergency medications (e.g., EpiPens) readily accessible
Supervising all meals and snacks
Enforcing strict handwashing before and after eating
Cleaning and sanitizing eating surfaces before and after use
Prohibiting food sharing
Communicating clearly with families when severe allergies are present
If a child with a severe nut allergy enrolls, additional reasonable accommodations may be implemented in collaboration with the family to ensure safety.
We are committed to partnering closely with families to create an inclusive and safe environment for all children.
Sunscreen & Insect Repellent Policy
Because Acres of Fun Preschool is 95% outdoors, children spend significant time outside in all seasons. Sun protection and insect protection are important parts of maintaining children’s health and comfort.
Authorization
Written parent authorization for the application of sunscreen and insect repellent is included in the registration packet and must be signed prior to application.
In accordance with Massachusetts EEC regulations, sunscreen and insect repellent are treated as non-prescription topical products and require annual parental consent.
Program-Provided Products
The program provides:
SPF 50 broad-spectrum children’s sunscreen (typically brands such as Coppertone®, Banana Boat®, or similar pediatric formulations)
OFF!® Family Care Unscented insect repellent (or comparable family-safe product)
Products may vary slightly based on availability but will remain age-appropriate and intended for children.
We prefer spray sunscreen for ease, consistency of coverage, and efficiency during transitions outdoors.
Family-Provided Products
Families may provide their own sunscreen and/or insect repellent if preferred.
If supplying your own product:
It must be labeled clearly with your child’s full name.
It must be in the original container.
It must be age-appropriate.
It must not be expired.
Personal products will be used only for your child.
Application Procedures
Sunscreen is applied prior to extended outdoor time and reapplied as needed, particularly during summer months.
Insect repellent is applied as needed based on seasonal conditions and insect activity.
Staff supervise application and assist children as needed to ensure adequate coverage.
Children are encouraged to participate in self-application when developmentally appropriate, promoting independence and body awareness.
Staff follow hand hygiene procedures after assisting with application.
Additional Protective Measures
In addition to sunscreen and repellent use, we promote:
Protective clothing (hats, long sleeves when appropriate)
Tick checks during high-risk seasons
Regular handwashing after outdoor play
Our goal is to balance outdoor exploration with thoughtful health precautions so children can safely enjoy nature in all seasons.
Tooth Brushing
Children in care more than four hours may brush teeth with labeled supplies.
Toothbrushes are stored according to EEC sanitation standards.
Nutrition & Food Safety
Children bring meals and snacks from home. Meals and snacks cannot be heated.
Children may become hungry at times other than “snack time,” and may bring an extra healthy snack from home to eat.
Children are not allowed to share items from home due to food allergies and parental preferences.
Choking Hazard Policy
The following foods must be cut into small pieces:
Grapes
Cherry/grape tomatoes
Baby carrots or whole carrots
Large blueberries
Hot dogs
Not allowed:
Popcorn
Gum
Hard candy
Whole nuts
Large marshmallows
Toileting and Personal Care
Staff assist children with toileting as needed and follow sanitation and hygiene procedures consistent with EEC health and safety standards. Children are supervised during bathroom routines to ensure safety while supporting independence.
Outdoor Program & Clothing Requirements
Children spend significant time outdoors daily.
Required:
Closed-toe shoes (no sandals or Crocs)
Weather-appropriate layers
Rain gear and winter gear as needed
Extra change of clothing daily
If outerwear becomes wet and no backup is available, families may be called for pickup to ensure safety.
Nature-Based Program Risks & Safety
As a nature-based program located on a working farm, children may encounter uneven terrain, mud, insects, and natural environmental conditions. Safety procedures, supervision, and risk assessments are in place at all times.
Animal Interaction
All animal interactions are directly supervised.
Handwashing is required after animal contact.
Children do not independently enter animal areas.
Inclement Weather Policy
Outdoor learning continues year-round with safety modifications.
Outdoor activities may be modified or moved indoors during:
Extreme temperatures
Lightning or storms
High winds
Poor air quality
Unsafe conditions
Families are notified of closures via email. No tuition refunds are provided for weather-related closures.
Behavior Guidance Policy
We use positive guidance practices including:
Redirection
Problem-solving
Natural and logical consequences
Prohibited practices include:
Physical punishment
Verbal humiliation
Withholding food, rest, or bathroom access
If behavior presents ongoing safety concerns, families may be asked to participate in planning meetings. Suspension or termination may occur when necessary for safety.
Suspension & Termination Policy
Enrollment may be suspended or terminated for:
Non-payment of tuition
Repeated late pick-up
Failure to follow program policies
Unsafe child behavior despite intervention
Parent or guardian behavior that threatens safety or staff wellbeing
Whenever possible, families will receive written notice. Immediate termination may occur when safety is at risk.
Parent Communication & Family Involvement
Families receive regular newsletters and updates. Parent conferences may be requested at any time. Family participation and feedback are valued.
Parents and guardians may visit the program during operating hours.
Parent Grievance Procedure
Families may raise concerns at any time.
Submit concerns to the Preschool Director verbally or in writing.
The Director will respond within five business days.
If unresolved, concerns may be escalated to Administration or the Owner.
Families may contact EEC directly at any time.
Mandated Reporter Policy
All staff are mandated reporters. Suspected abuse or neglect must be reported to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and EEC in accordance with state law. Parents will be notified unless doing so would place a child at further risk.
Resource List
Westford Board of Health
978-692-5509
Poison Prevention Center
800-222-1222
Emerson Hospital
978-369-1400
Lahey Clinic
781-273-5100
Federation for Children with Special Needs
617-482-2915
Lowell General
978-937-6000
Prevention of Abuse and Neglect
Mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
All children in the care and custody of the program (Acres of Fun) shall be protected from abuse and neglect. If a staff member should suspect child abuse or neglect, the program director must be immediately notified in writing. The report must be dated and signed and true to the best of his or her knowledge. The Department of Children and Families is then contacted.
If a case of suspected abuse has allegedly occurred while the child was under the care of Acres of Fun, the director will immediately notify the program administrator who will then immediately notify the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Early Education and Care.
Acres of Fun will cooperate in all investigations of abuse and neglect. Cooperation will include identifying parents, disclosing information to the Department of Children and Families and other persons or agencies specified by the Department as necessary to prompt an investigation of the allegations and protect the child.
Any staff member who is under investigation will be immediately removed from direct contact with all children in the program until the Department of Children and Families investigation is complete, and for such further time as the Department requires.
Injury & Incident Notification
Families are notified promptly in the event of injury or significant incidents. Written incident reports are provided and maintained in the child’s record.
Emergency Medical Care
In emergencies:
911 will be contacted
Parents/guardians will be notified immediately
Emergency contacts will be called if needed
Child transported to nearest appropriate hospital
Transportation or medical costs are the responsibility of families.
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency procedures include:
Fire drills
Evacuation plans
Shelter-in-place procedures
Emergency relocation plans
Drills are conducted regularly.
Records & Confidentiality
Child records are confidential and accessible to parents upon request.
Parents may request copies of records in writing.
Records will be provided within a reasonable timeframe.
Records are retained for at least five years after withdrawal.
Records may be transferred with written parental permission.
Referral Policy
If a staff member suspects a social, mental health, medical, dental, vision, hearing, or educational problem, she or he will notify the program director. Written observations and concerns will be noted in children’s files. Parents will be contacted and given, in writing, a brief summary of the Acres of Fun observations related to the referral and any efforts the program may have made to accommodate the child’s needs.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Acres of Fun Preschool does not discriminate based on race, religion, disability, family structure, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national origin. Reasonable accommodations are made whenever safely possible.
Toys From Home
Toys from home are discouraged unless specifically requested by teaching staff. The program is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
Staff Babysitting Policy
Staff may not provide care to enrolled children outside program hours.
NATURE-BASED PROGRAM ADDENDUM
As a farm-based outdoor program:
Children may encounter:
Uneven terrain
Mud and water
Insects and ticks
Farm equipment (secured and supervised)
Animal sounds and smells
Weather exposure
Safety measures include:
Continuous supervision
Designated licensed areas
Risk assessment procedures
Handwashing after animal contact
Restricted access to equipment
Emergency communication systems
Animal interactions are always supervised.
Children do not independently enter animal enclosures.
Outdoor learning occurs daily unless conditions are unsafe due to:
Extreme temperatures
Lightning
High winds
Poor air quality
Families acknowledge inherent outdoor risks associated with nature-based learning.
Acknowledgment
Thank you for being part of the Acres of Fun Preschool community. We are honored to partner with you in your child’s early learning journey.
