Effective Date: August 2024
Last Updated: September 2026
Kolibri Education & Consulting ("Kolibri," "we," "our," or "us") values and is committed to providing a positive, holistic experience for you and your family. Our program policies below help ensure the best experience for everyone.
Program Purpose & Values
Our outdoor education programs are designed to help children build confidence, resilience, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the natural world. Through hands-on experiences in forests, fields, and trails, we aim to nurture independence, environmental awareness, and respectful group collaboration — all while having fun and staying safe.
We believe nature is a powerful teacher, and our goal is to provide a space where kids can grow through exploration, challenge, and joy in the outdoors.
Why These Policies Matter
These policies exist to protect the safety, well-being, and positive experience of all participants — including students, families, and staff. Clear expectations help us create a respectful, inclusive, and predictable environment where children can thrive.
By reviewing and agreeing to these policies, families partner with us in supporting a high-quality, low-stress outdoor learning experience for everyone involved.
For information specific to group, family, school, or organizational bookings, please see our Group & Private Instruction Booking Policies.
Class Policies & Expectations
Communications.
Each class is tailored to the topic being taught and location may change depending upon a number of considerations, according to each topic. Unless a compiled list is previously provided, class topic and location are announced individually via email in advance of each class.
Parents are expected to remain responsive to all class communications and are responsible for the information shared via the usual form of communication.
Parent/Guardian Disclosure.
Parents and guardians are responsible for providing complete and accurate information that may reasonably affect their child's health, safety, supervision needs, or ability to participate in program activities.
Please notify Kolibri before attendance of any relevant needs, limitations, recurring concerns, or changes that may require additional planning or affect participation. This includes information that may not ordinarily seem significant but could affect a child's ability to safely participate in outdoor, group, or off-site activities.
Advance disclosure allows us to determine whether reasonable support can be provided within the structure of the program. Kolibri cannot guarantee accommodations for needs that are first disclosed at arrival or during a program.
Program Readiness & Fit.
Our programs are designed around small-group learning, exploration, and active participation. Students must be able to participate safely in the group, follow essential instructions and safety expectations, and engage without requiring a level of individual supervision or redirection that substantially interferes with instruction or the instructor's ability to safely supervise the group.
Because children may be ready for different programs at different times, enrollment in one Kolibri program does not guarantee placement or continued participation in another. Kolibri reserves the right to determine whether a particular program is an appropriate fit for a student's current needs and readiness.
When a program includes a trial period, the trial period is used to assess overall program fit for both the student and Kolibri.
Independent Participation & Personal Care.
Kolibri programs are designed for children who can participate independently in an age-appropriate group setting. Children enrolled in drop-off programs must be able to independently manage their basic personal care needs, including toileting and bathroom hygiene, eating, dressing, and managing their belongings.
Kolibri instructors do not provide hands-on toileting assistance or personal care. If a child's personal care needs require substantial or ongoing individual assistance, supervision, or modification of the group's activities, the program may not be an appropriate fit.
Registration Confirmation & Payment.
Submission of a registration form is a request for participation and does not guarantee approval. All registrations are subject to review to confirm completeness, eligibility, and compliance with program requirements.
Approval is contingent upon receipt of all required parental or legal guardian consents, releases, or waivers where applicable, and full payment of all applicable fees. Participation may not begin until registration has been reviewed and approval has been confirmed.
Sibling discounts and Payment plans do not apply for all programs, are available only where noted, and may be provided upon request at our discretion.
All payments are final except if a program does not proceed.
Registration is non-transferable, and only registered attendees may attend classes.
Drop-In Registrations.
Our curriculum is built with progression in mind. Because we value providing a supportive and stable learning environment for our students, we prioritize commitment and building a sense of community. As such, Drop-In Registration is not guaranteed to occur with every class.
Drop-In Registration is not complete unless payment is received in full. Payment for drop-in spaces is due at the time of registration but no fewer than 10 days before the requested class start date.
Any sibling discounts apply to full-series registration only and are not available for drop-in spaces.
A payment plan can be applied for spaces reserved 30 days or more in advance. Payment plans do not apply for drop-in spaces requested fewer than 30 days prior to the class start date.
Drop-in spaces are first-come, first-served and are only guaranteed with payment. Availability will vary from month to month and requesting dates without payment for desired dates does not guarantee those spaces.
Failure to complete payment 10 days prior to the start of class is considered voluntary cancellation of a registration request and the student may not be permitted to attend the requested class.
Class Age Limits.
If a child would like to join a class outside the given age range, they must register as a drop-in (preferably for the first class in a series) to see if it will be a good fit. This will be determined by the instructor and is at our discretion. If the child decides to join all classes, the drop-in cost would be applied to their full registration. Not all dates are open to new-student drop-ins.
Late Payments.
Payment plan installments are due by the dates(s) provided in the initial agreement. Installments are given a (3) three-day grace period before they are considered late and after which time the initial agreement becomes void and the entire remaining balance will be due in full before your child may return to classes.
If the full balance remains unpaid fewer than 10 days prior to the start date of the next class, your child may not attend class that month. Failure to complete payment by the first date of the following calendar month is considered voluntary withdrawal from the series and all previous payments will be forfeit.
Adjustments to the due date(s) of your agreed-upon installments may be requested and will be granted whenever possible, but are not guaranteed. If an adjustment becomes necessary, you must submit a request to Kolibri Education & Consulting, LLC in writing via email to discuss possible options before payment becomes overdue. Once the (3) three-day grace period has lapsed and payment becomes overdue, the above policy will apply.
Attendance & Punctuality.
All classes are rain or shine and unsafe weather cancels class.
Timeliness and reliable attendance help maintain the quality, structure, and integrity of our programs. Students are encouraged to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to the start of class and are expected to be ready to begin on time. Being adequately prepared means all gear is secured, laces tied, outerwear donned, food, gear, and restroom needs attended to, etc.
Some classes involve group work, hiking, or changing locations right at the start, and we may be unable to delay departure or accommodate late arrivals. Late arrivals may be permitted to join at our discretion on a case-by-case basis. If it is determined a late arrival may negatively impact the student’s or class experience due to logistics, safety, class disruption, etc, they may not be permitted to join or be dropped off, and they will forfeit class for that day.
There are no make-up days, credits, or reimbursements for classes missed for any reason.
Early & Late Pick-Up Policy.
Kolibri programs end at the published dismissal time and do not include childcare or extended supervision before or after the program unless expressly stated otherwise. It is essential that all children are picked up on time to ensure their safety and honor the time of our staff. Please make sure your schedule can accommodate our class times prior to registration.
Early pick-ups are typically not possible due to the structure of the class, however we will work with you to accommodate any early pick-up requests when possible.
Programs with a designated pickup window include the grace period within that window. Late fees begin immediately after the pickup window closes.
For programs with a single dismissal time and no designated pickup window, a 10-minute grace period applies before late fees begin. Late pickup is charged at $2 per minute, due upon parent arrival and before the student may attend any further classes. Late-pickup fees, where applicable, compensate for unexpected staff time and do not provide or purchase extended care.
Multiple late pickups without prior notice or arrangements being made and mutually agreed upon may result in registration in the class being forfeited with no refunds issued.
Arrival, Dismissal & Extended Supervision
Families are responsible for following the arrival and dismissal times established for each program. Parents/guardians should plan transportation accordingly and maintain a reliable pickup plan, including an authorized backup when appropriate.
Delays or Cancellations:
We strive to begin all classes on time. In the rare event that an instructor is delayed due to traffic, weather, or emergency circumstances, we will notify you via text or email as soon as possible.
If class is delayed more than 15 minutes, families will be contacted with an update or alternate instructions.
If a class date is canceled due to instructor unavailability, we may offer a make-up class date when feasible; however, make-up classes are not guaranteed. If a make-up class is not available, a partial credit may be issued for use toward a future class. No refunds will be issued. Credits will not be provided for a student’s inability to attend a rescheduled or make-up class.
Credits must be used within twelve (12) months of issuance unless otherwise stated, are non-transferable, and may not be redeemed for cash.
Attire & Preparation.
A gear list will be sent prior to the start of the session, and again, as needed, for classes that have specific requirements. Please inquire if you are unsure if something is weather-appropriate. If your child is unprepared for class by being dressed in an unsafe manner for the current outdoor conditions, they will not be allowed to attend class that day for safety reasons. No refunds will be issued.
All attire must be Islamically appropriate, regardless of faith, personal beliefs, or gender. Hijab is a personal choice and is encouraged, but not required.
Behavior & Safety.
Kolibri Education & Consulting, LLC strives to embody the lessons of the Quran and Sunnah in maintaining a safe and Islamic learning environment. We place high value on teamwork, character-building, and building confidence in all our students, whether a child or adult. As such, students and parents are expected to practice speech and behavior most befitting a Muslim. As Islamic values are universal, this core expectation stands regardless of faith.
Strictly no profanity, whether inferred, implicit or explicit, is permitted by students or parents.
Absolutely no exclusionary, teasing, insulting, bullying, or derogatory speech or behavior is permitted.
Disrespect for self or others is not tolerated.
Dangerous or unsafe behavior is not permitted.
Behavior & Safety Policy Enforcement.
Maintaining a safe and respectful environment is essential. Instructors are responsible for enforcing behavior expectations and may use their discretion to address disruptive or unsafe behavior.
If a student’s behavior poses a risk to themselves, others, or the group experience, the instructor may take immediate action — including removing the student from the program — to protect the well-being of all participants.
Repeated or serious behavioral issues may result in dismissal from future sessions without refund.
Health & Illness.
To protect the health of our students, families, and instructors, please do not send your child to a Kolibri program if they are ill, experiencing symptoms of a potentially contagious illness, or have been exposed to a contagious illness. We reserve the right to send a child home if signs of illness develop or become apparent during the program.
Please do not bring your child to class if they are experiencing:
Fever or chills
Vomiting or diarrhea
A new, persistent, or worsening cough
Significant congestion or runny nose associated with illness
Unusual fatigue, weakness, or other symptoms that interfere with normal participation
Any known or suspected contagious illness for which they have not yet met appropriate return-to-activity guidelines
Children should be well enough to participate fully in the scheduled program without requiring additional individual care, monitoring, or modification of activities due to illness.
If your child has current symptoms and you are unsure whether they should attend, please contact us before bringing them to class. Please do not bring a symptomatic child to the program site for the attendance decision to be made upon arrival.
We reserve the right to decline participation when a child arrives with symptoms that may pose a health concern to others or make participation inappropriate. If symptoms develop or become apparent during a program, a parent/guardian may be contacted for prompt pickup.
Because many Kolibri programs involve small groups, close interaction, outdoor activities, and/or shared equipment and materials, instructors may determine that participation is inappropriate even when a child feels well enough to attend.
Families are expected to disclose relevant illness symptoms before attendance so that appropriate decisions can be made before the program begins.
Unless otherwise stated for a particular program, absences due to illness are subject to Kolibri's regular cancellation, absence, and refund policies.
We may establish program-specific health/safety requirements when the nature of an activity warrants them.
Shared Equipment & Materials.
Some Kolibri programs involve equipment or materials that are handled or shared among students and instructors. Families should take this into consideration when determining whether a child with illness symptoms is well enough to attend.
We may restrict participation when illness symptoms create additional health or sanitation concerns because of the nature of the activity or the use of shared equipment.
Food & Drink.
Students must provide their own food, snacks, and water for each class. We are a nut-free, halal (not zabihah) environment. Any food brought to class by parents or students must adhere to this policy.
For classes that involve food preparation, it is the responsibility of the parent to inform the instructor in advance of all information regarding dietary restrictions, allergens, and sensitivities.
Bathroom & Personal Care.
Our programs often take place in natural settings without immediate access to traditional restrooms. We teach and support respectful, low-impact practices for using the bathroom outdoors.
Our manner of speaking and any instruction given will be done in a way that strictly adheres to what is most appropriate and maintains the dignity of both the student and the instructor, as in the example of An Nabi (Sallalahu Alayhi Wa Sallam).
If a child needs help finding or using a suitable spot, staff will only assist if given the child’s clear consent, and every effort will be made to preserve the child’s privacy, dignity, and comfort.
No physical assistance will be provided unless absolutely necessary for health or safety (e.g., illness, injury, or emergency).
Discounts & Promotions.
Sibling Discount: Sibling discounts apply when children from the same household are enrolled in any of our classes during the same enrollment period. Siblings do not need to be in the same class to qualify. To receive the discount, all siblings must be registered at the same time or within seven (7) days of the first child’s registration.
Promotions & Sales: Promotional pricing and seasonal sales (such as holiday or limited-time offers) apply only to registrations made during the stated promotion period. Discounts cannot be applied to prior registrations or combined with sibling discounts unless specifically noted.
No Retroactive Discounts: Discounts and promotions must be applied at the time of registration. They cannot be added or refunded after payment has been processed.
Program Status & Compliance Disclaimer (Maryland)
Our programs are designed as supplemental enrichment opportunities for families who homeschool or seek additional educational experiences for their children.
We are not a public school, private school, childcare program, or registered umbrella school under Maryland law. Participation in our classes does not satisfy Maryland’s compulsory school attendance requirements on its own. Parents and guardians are solely responsible for:
Homeschool registration with their local school district or appropriate oversight entity.
Ensuring compliance with all state laws and regulations regarding their child’s education.
Maintaining their child’s official academic records as required by law.
Our role is to provide optional, supplemental educational experiences to support and enrich your child’s learning. Enrollment in our programs does not constitute legal enrollment in a school or childcare program under Maryland law.
Waiver & Photo Release.
A hard-copy, signed waiver and photo release is required annually for participation and is posted for your review. Upon confirmation of enrollment, please review it ahead of time and submit a signed, hard copy of it prior to the start of classes. Only parents or legal guardians of minor participants may sign their waiver.
Contact Info.
The instructor(s) can be reached via direct text during class. Registrants will receive the appropriate contact information following registration as part of their Welcome email. Parents are asked to kindly limit phone calls to important ones. Be mindful that while in class, the focus is on the students, and any communication will be addressed as soon as is possible.