1. My child is 5 years old but isn't ready for a drop-off program. Can we join the Caregiver & Me program?
Absolutely!
Our Caregiver & Me program is a wonderful option for children who are approaching the age for our drop-off programs but may not be ready for that transition. We would love to welcome you and your child to enjoy the farm together!
2. Can I enroll my child at any time during the year?
Yes!
Registration is open year-round based on availability. Click the “Sign Up Here” tab at the top of our website to view available spots. You can also email us at Connect@MagicStepsStudios.com for assistance.
Farm School OC/SD Attire
3. Does my child need to wear their Farm School OC/SD shirt during every class?
Yes!
For the safety and identification of our students while on the farm, all children must wear a visible Farm School OC/SD T-shirt during our programs.
If your child needs a replacement shirt, please let your teacher know. Replacement shirts are available for $25.
Individual Needs & Behavior
4. My child has special needs. Can your program accommodate them?
Every child has unique strengths and needs, and we encourage families to contact us before registering to discuss their child's individual circumstances and the support they may need to participate.
Farm School OC/SD takes place on active working farms, where students frequently transition between different areas, navigate outdoor and sometimes uneven terrain, and participate in activities around animals and other members of the public. Farm environments can also become busy and unpredictable.
Our programs operate with a set staffing structure, and we are not staffed to provide dedicated one-on-one aides or specialized individualized supervision. Students must be able to participate safely in group activities with the level of supervision our regular teaching staff can provide.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss whether our program environment, activities, and available support are an appropriate fit for your child. Participation decisions are considered individually, with safety and the needs of all students in mind.
5. What is your policy regarding behavioral or safety concerns?
Our goal at Farm School OC/SD is to maintain a safe, positive, and respectful learning environment for every student, our teachers, and the animals.
We use a progressive, three-step approach to address recurring behavioral or safety concerns:
First occurrence: The teacher will speak with the parent or caregiver at pickup to discuss the concern and work together on strategies to help resolve it.
Second occurrence: The parent or caregiver may be contacted for early pickup, and an email documenting the concern will be sent.
Third occurrence: We will meet with the family to discuss whether continued enrollment is appropriate.
Depending on the severity of an incident, immediate action, including suspension or removal from the program, may be necessary without following all three steps.
Examples of concerns include repeatedly leaving the group or not following essential safety directions, as well as hitting, kicking, spitting, or other behavior that puts students, teachers, or animals at risk.
Our priority is to support children while maintaining a safe environment for everyone.
Drop-Off Programs & Farm Access
6. Can I stay with my child during a drop-off program?
Our Farm School OC/SD programs for ages 3½–12 are drop-off programs. Parents and caregivers do not remain with students during class, and only authorized, background-checked staff may enter designated classroom and instructional spaces.
If you prefer to participate alongside your child, please visit our Caregiver & Me tab to learn about our parent-participation classes for children ages 15 months to 4 years.
7. Can I visit the farm while my child is in class?
Yes!
Families are welcome to visit participating farms during their regular public business hours, subject to each farm's admission fees, policies, and availability.
For safety and supervision reasons, only our authorized, background-checked teachers may enter designated Farm School classroom and instructional areas during class.
Please note that some farms are not always open to the public during our program hours. If a farm is closed to visitors, families will not be able to enter unless the farm's management has made other arrangements.
Weather & Cancellations
8. Do you cancel classes due to weather?
Most classes take place rain or shine, depending on the location and the available shelter. However, classes may be canceled due to excessive heat, heavy rain, flooding, or other conditions that make the farm environment unsafe.
If a class must be canceled, enrolled families will receive a text message with the cancellation information.
When a class is canceled due to weather or unsafe conditions, refunds are not provided. Families may arrange a makeup class on another day, subject to availability and space.
Caregiver & Me Program
9. Can I bring another adult to Caregiver & Me?
Yes!
We welcome an additional adult to join you and your child. The regular class fee covers one child and one adult. Each additional adult is $10 and can be paid via Venmo to @MagicStepsStudios.
Funding & Educational Partnerships
10. Do you accept charter school or Regional Center funding?
Yes!
We currently accept Regional Center funding in Orange County and work with the following charter schools:
Cabrillo Point Academy
Pacific Coast Academy
iLEAD
Excel Academy
Suncoast Academy
SoCal Scholars
Funding eligibility, approval, and payment arrangements may vary by program and provider. Please contact us before enrolling if you plan to use educational or Regional Center funds to check availability.
11. My charter school isn't listed. Can I still use my educational funds?
Yes!
If your charter school is not currently listed, please request Farm School OC/SD as a vendor through your charter school. We are happy to begin the approval process with additional charter schools.
Please note that enrollment and payment using charter funds are subject to the school's approval and applicable funding requirements.
