Does outdoor preschool really happen in the middle of winter? At TOCA, the answer is “yes”, and here's exactly how that works.
What Is TOCA's Winter Schedule?
"TOCA happens every day, year-round", Lelé says, "except in January and February, when we work Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays". That's not the cold keeping kids inside. It's a practical adjustment that leaves room for occasional makeup days. All the other months, we're out in Prospect Park, every week.
Does TOCA Meet In The Same Spot All Year?
Mostly, yes, anchored by what the kids call the magic tree. "We spend most of the time here in spring", Lelé says, "fall as well". Winter looks a little different: we shift toward other areas of the park, since the ground around the magic tree turns muddy and hard to walk at that time of year.
That small shift means children get to watch the exact same stretch of park transform completely across the seasons: green and full in spring, golden and crunchy in fall, quiet and stark in winter. Nobody has to explain any of it. They see the changes happening with our teachers adjusting the day to fit whatever the season brings.
Does TOCA Cancel For Rain Or Snow?
No. "We work year-round here," Lelé says, "We are in the park rain or shine". The only exception is severe weather, like a strong storm or high winds, when it’s not safe to be in the park.
"We only don't come when the trees are falling", she says, meaning real danger. "But we love rainy days. We love the puddles. We love the snow, and we love the ice. We are in the park all the time, year-round."