How to Register:
- Click the Apply button below – this will take you to Brightwheel, the platform we use for parent communication. Create an account and fill out the application.
- We will review your application and reach out on Brightwheel to schedule a phone call or visit to our program.
- Have a phone call or visit.
- Complete enrollment paperwork and pay a registration fee and deposit.
Academic Year Monthly Tuition Rates:
| Days/week | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Tuition/Month | $449 | $599 | $729 | $799 |
Read Our Full Policies & Procedures:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Welcome to Roots & Rhythms! We know choosing a preschool is a big decision, and we want families to have a clear picture of who we are, how our program works, and what you can expect.
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please reach out. We believe in open, ongoing communication with families.
More questions? Read our full handbook:
About Roots & Rhythms
Roots & Rhythms is an outdoor-focused preschool by academic year and expands into a school age summer camp by summer. We are built around the belief that children need time, space, and supportive adults to engage deeply in play.
Our philosophy is to provide a safe, loving, adventurous environment where children can explore, build relationships, develop independence, and grow their confidence. We act as "guardians of play," giving children room to follow their interests without unnecessary interruption while remaining close by to coach them through social and physical challenges when needed.
We operate out of local park spaces in Thurston County, which allows children to root themselves in the greater community and become good stewards of public spaces.
Roots & Rhythms is an outdoor-focused preschool built around the belief that children need time, space, and supportive adults to engage deeply in play.
Our philosophy is to provide a safe, loving, adventurous environment where children can explore, build relationships, develop independence, and grow their confidence. We act as "guardians of play," giving children room to follow their interests without unnecessary interruption while remaining close by to coach them through social and physical challenges when needed.
We operate out of local park spaces in Thurston County, which allows children to root themselves in the greater community and become good stewards of public spaces.
We see ourselves not as directors of every moment, but as guardians of children's play.
That means we create a safe and supportive environment, then give children the freedom to become deeply engaged in their own play and exploration. We observe, listen, and step in when children need help navigating a social or physical challenge.
We believe children are capable of much more than they are sometimes given credit for in highly structured environments.
Roots and Rhythms is a mixed-age community where everyone is a teacher. Children learn from each other, from each other's families as well as from the staff.
Roots & Rhythms was founded by Sarah Mitchell and Sophia Rychener. Ziara Romanchik is our primary sub throughout the year. Our staff team grows during the summer.
Check our our full team here!
We operate out of various locations in Thurston County, WA. Our lineup of locations differs from year to year and from summer to summer. We have a set rotation of 5 primary locations each academic year where drop off and pick up happen.
Our locations include but are not limited to LBA Park, McLane Creek Nature Trail, MIllersylvania State Park, Squaxin Park, Woodruff Park Tumwater Historical Park and more.
In addition to our operating locations we adventure by foot and by bus to other locations.
If you would like to know where to find us, please reach out.
We are so lucky to live in a place where public transit is free. The Intercity Transit system provides us with the opportunity to explore our greater community. Wednesday is the day that bus exploration is the most likely.
When we ride on the bus we use the 'sandwich' method, where one staff is in the front and one in the back. Children follow the first staff onto the bus. Each child finds a seat near the back with the first staff or in the front with the other staff and the wagon. Once they are seated they remain in their space until we are at our location.
Places we may travel, SPSCC, The Evergreen State College, Timberland Regional libraries, Percival Landing and more. Some days the ride itself is more important than the destination.
Our Approach to Learning and Play:
Our days are designed around a natural rhythm rather than a rigid sequence of adult-directed activities.
Children have opportunities for outdoor exploration, imaginative play, physical activity, social connection, stories, projects, and hands-on discovery. We follow children's interests and allow them extended periods of uninterrupted play.
Yes. We spend significant time in local outdoor spaces, where children can move their bodies, encounter nature, take appropriate physical risks, engage in imaginative play, and experience the changing seasons. Outdoor exploration is a central part of the Roots & Rhythms experience.
Yes! Messy play is an intentional part of our program. Children may get wet, muddy, dirty, or messy while playing and exploring. That's why we ask families to send weather-appropriate clothing and at least one complete change of clothes every day.
We want children to experience adventure while remaining in a safe and supportive environment. Outdoor play naturally presents physical challenges. Children may climb, balance, navigate uneven ground, engage in rough-and-tumble play, and test their developing abilities.
We remain vigilant and step in when children need coaching through social or physical struggles. Our goal is to give children opportunities to develop judgment, confidence, and physical competence while providing appropriate adult support.
Inclusion and Community:
Yes. Our program is for everyone. We recognize that families can experience many different barriers to accessing programs like ours, including economic circumstances, skin color, gender identity, nationality, and developmental differences.
If your family is experiencing a barrier, we invite you to talk with us. We want to work together to brainstorm ways to break those barriers down.
We welcome families to communicate with us about their child's individual needs.
Our philosophy is rooted in meeting children where they are and supporting them as individuals. If your child has developmental differences or other needs that you would like us to understand, please talk with us so we can work together to determine how best to support your child.
We recognize the value of physical, energetic play. Rough-and-tumble play can give children opportunities to explore physical boundaries, practice communication, develop body awareness, and build relationships.
As with all play, consent and safety are the most important factors.
Practical Information:
When you enroll a second child you will be eligible for 10% sibling discount while both children are enrolled.
Please send your child with:
- At least one complete change of weather-appropriate clothing every day
- Layers during colder months
- Extra gloves during winter
- Waterproof shoes, such as rain boots, during wet weather
- A rain suit or waterproof pants and coat during wet seasons
- Easy-on/easy-off waterproof shoes during warmer months
Please expect clothing to get wet and dirty.
We also have a clothing library with many outdoor items available to borrow. If your family needs something, please let us know.
Yes. Families provide their child's food for the daily snack.
If your child has special dietary needs, please let us know. We will take those needs into consideration and practice safe food-handling procedures.
Children naturally like to share food with one another, so knowing about dietary restrictions helps us make sure children don't eat something they shouldn't.
An adult must sign each child in and out every day using their Brightwheel code.
Children will only be released to people listed in Brightwheel as authorized contacts. If someone arrives to pick up your child whom we don't recognize, we will ask to see their picture ID before releasing the child. You can add or remove authorized pickup people in Brightwheel at any time.
Please let us know by phone, text, or Brightwheel message if your child will be absent.
Families have full access to their children during preschool hours, but we ask that you avoid early pickups and late drop-offs whenever possible because they can interrupt the rhythm of the group.
We prefer children to be potty trained but do not require it. As with every aspect of our program, we individualize and meet families where they are at.
If your child is still in diapers, we ask that they come with diapers that can be easily removed and put on without having to remove your child's pants. This allows us to change diapers in the woods and in the rain with as much ease as possible.
Weather, Closures & Holidays:
Because we operate along the Olympia School District schedule, if Olympia schools close or delay due to inclement weather, Roots & Rhythms will close for the day.
We do not have delayed starts because we feel that a two-hour program is too short to provide the experience we want for children.
Weather-related closure information will be posted on Brightwheel as soon as a decision is made.
Roots & Rhythms follows the Olympia School District schedule and takes most school breaks, along with some additional time throughout the year.
Families receive a year-long calendar upon enrollment showing scheduled holidays, seasonal breaks, and other planned closures.
All children begin with a 30-day probationary period. During this time, either your family or Roots & Rhythms may decide to end care.
After the probationary period, families must provide two weeks' notice when withdrawing. Tuition remains due for that two-week period, even if your child does not attend during those two weeks.
After the probationary period, Roots & Rhythms will generally provide at least two weeks' notice before terminating care.
Exceptions include situations involving safety concerns, inappropriate or unsafe behavior by a parent/guardian/family member, or failure to follow the policies and procedures outlined in the handbook.