Answers to FAQs on Kids' Programs

Thank you for your interest in our Kids' Programs.

Here are answers to the questions most frequently asked. Don't find your answer? Send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

What do you do in the class?
We have a seasonal approach to each of our programs. We take full advantage of what the season brings and then we construct an ‘extreme-theme’ program for each week. We spend as much time outside as possible (even in the rain!) with the animals and in the garden, we encourage lots of hands-on interaction and we teach the participants lots of things about what they’re doing or seeing. We often teach them key words like ‘ruminants’ if we’re learning about goats and ‘cotyledon’ if we’re starting seedlings. Then, we generally have a craft project and a snack related to our day’s theme. Each of the programs is structured with age-appropriate content.

What Programs are you offering for 2012?
We plan to offer our Kids' Programs for each age group in the Spring and Fall. We do not plan on offering a summer program this year.

How do I register for the programs?
Registration is done on-line, with links to the registration forms available on Kids' Program Highlights or individual Kids' Program pages. There are three steps: (1) fill out and submit the on-line registration form; (2) make your payment with our secure credit card system; and (3) print, sign and mail in your Consent Form. Your registration will be confirmed, subject to space limitations, after we receive your registration form, your payment AND your consent form. If the classes fill, we will offer a waiting list and we encourage you to register for the waiting list as sometimes spaces do open.

I heard you take photos of the classes. How can I access them?
We DO take lots of photos of each class and we are happy to share them through Shutterfly. If you are enrolled in the class, we provide a link and a password to you so that you can view, share and purchase any of the photos from the classes.

Do you provide recipes for the snacks you have in class?
We are happy to make any of the recipes available to you if you’re interested. We frequently provide them in our weekly e-mails, but don’t hesitate to ask us!

Do you have nuts in your snacks?
We are very sensitive to the allergy issues of our participants and we strive to provide snack that everyone will be able to enjoy. We do not use nuts in any snack.

Do you offer make-ups if we miss a class?
We’re sorry that we do not offer make-ups for any missed classes because our other class days are full and we cannot accommodate any additional participants.

What happens if it rains, do you still have class?
We DO have class, rain or shine! Please dress your Root, Bud or Sprout appropriately for the weather as we will nearly always spend time outside around the farm.

Can I bring a friend with me to Roots? Can I bring a sibling to the class with my Root/Bud/Sprout?
We cannot allow those who are not registered for the classes to join in on the class. This is due both to space limitations and insurance company restrictions.

Can I bring my parent/grandparent/aunt/friend with us?
We cannot allow any additional guests to the classes. Please do not put us in the uncomfortable position of having to ask the additional guest to leave. You are welcome, however, to join up with your guest AFTER the class and to walk around the farm with close supervision of your child and guests.

We cannot make it to every class, can you pro-rate the program fee?
Our curriculum for our kids’ programs takes full advantage of the seasonal time period during which they’re offered and we encourage everyone to attend in each session of the season to get the greatest benefit from the class. Our teaching staff is hired to run the program each week, in a ratio to those who are enrolled. We recognize that some participants, for one reason or another, cannot attend all of the sessions in a season, either because they sign up late or have conflicts or during the course of the season, or may unfortunately get sick. However, we require full payment for the programs so that we can sustain our program and our teaching staff and do not offer a pro-rated fee.

Do Buds need to be potty trained?
Yes. We do require potty training for our drop-off programs as we do not have the staff for diapers. We will provide opportunities for class participants to use the bathroom during their time at the farm.

Do you hold class in inclement weather?
We have class in all kinds of weather, so please dress your child for the temperature and the farm environment. However, in the event that the Bedford Central School District cancels school due to the weather, Rainbeau Ridge programs will also be cancelled that day. We try to update our web-site with closing information, so feel free to check the web-site or contact us at the farm 914-234-2197 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are unsure.