Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What ages are your classes designed for?

Honey Bee Hollow offers classes and activities designed for children and their caregivers, with age groups that help us provide experiences that are developmentally appropriate, engaging, and fun.

Honey Bee Academy offers two age groups:

Bumblebees — Under Age 3
Designed for our youngest learners and their caregivers, with developmentally appropriate opportunities to explore, play, move, create, and learn together.

Busy Bees — Ages 3–5
Designed for preschool-age children and their caregivers, with activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, early learning, independence, and hands-on exploration.

Honey Bee Hollow Learn & Play activities and events also offer two age groups:

Honeycombs — Ages 5 & Under
Playful, hands-on activities and experiences created especially for younger children and their caregivers.

The Hive — Ages 5–10
Engaging activities and events designed for older children, with experiences that offer more challenge, creativity, exploration, and fun.

Not sure which group is the right fit?
Every child develops at their own pace, and we know age doesn’t always tell the whole story! If you’re unsure which group is best for your child, or you have children of mixed ages and would like to attend together, please reach out. We’re happy to help you find the class or experience that will be the best fit for your family.

2. Is a parent or caregiver required to attend?

Yes. Honey Bee Academy and Honey Bee Hollow Learn & Play are child-and-caregiver programs, not drop-off programs. A parent, grandparent, nanny, or other trusted caregiver age 18 or older must remain with the child for the entire class or event.

Our role is to plan and lead the activities, provide the materials and learning experiences, and create a welcoming environment for families. The adult attending with the child remains responsible for their child’s care, supervision, safety, and behavior throughout the program.

Caregivers are encouraged to participate, explore, and play alongside their child. These shared experiences are an important part of what makes our programs special.

3. Are medical forms required?

No. Medical forms are not required for Honey Bee Academy or Honey Bee Hollow Learn & Play classes and events.

Our programs are not licensed child care or drop-off care. Because a parent or responsible caregiver age 18 or older remains with their child throughout the entire program, families are responsible for their child’s care and for managing any medical, allergy, dietary, or other individual needs during the class or event.

If your child has a special need that could affect their participation in an activity, you’re always welcome to reach out to us ahead of time so we can discuss how we can best support their experience.

4. Where are your classes and events held?

We’re mobile—our classroom can go anywhere! Honey Bee Hollow does not operate from one permanent classroom. Instead, we bring our activities, materials, and learning experiences directly to families and communities throughout the state of Connecticut.

Classes and events may be held in libraries, recreation centers, churches, dance studios, community spaces, private homes, outdoor spaces, and other welcoming locations.

We also offer private groups, so families can gather their own group of children and we’ll bring the fun and learning to a location that works for them.

5. What makes Honey Bee Academy and Honey Bee Hollow Learn & Play unique?

Both of our programs are designed around a simple idea: young children learn best when they can play, explore, create, and discover alongside the grown-ups they love. Our classes are hands-on, developmentally appropriate, and designed to give children the freedom to participate at their own pace.

Honey Bee Academy offers a more structured early-learning experience for toddlers and preschoolers. Each week centers around a theme and combines early learning, sensory exploration, art, music and movement, stories, nature, and purposeful play. Families also receive an emailed take-home packet after class with activities and ideas for continuing the learning at home.

Honey Bee Hollow Learn & Play is all about bringing families together for fun, educational, theme-based experiences. Children and caregivers explore a variety of hands-on activity stations that may include sensory play, art, nature, music, movement, early learning, and special celebrations. Learn & Play also offers experiences for a wider range of ages through our Honeycombs and Hive groups.

Best of all, we bring the experience to you. From libraries and recreation centers to private groups, community spaces, and outdoor locations, our mobile programs bring playful learning to families throughout Connecticut.

6. How do I register for classes?

Registration is easy! Upcoming Honey Bee Academy and Honey Bee Hollow Learn & Play classes and events will be posted on our website and social media pages with the date, time, location, age group, and registration information.

Because many of our classes are intentionally kept small, advance registration is recommended and space may be limited.

Families interested in creating their own private group can also contact us directly. Gather your group, choose a location, and we’ll work with you to plan a Honey Bee Academy or Learn & Play experience that comes to you.

7. Is there a sibling discount?

Yes! We love making it easier for families to enjoy our programs together.

For individual classes, tuition is $35 for the first child and $25 for each sibling attending the same class.

For Honey Bee Hollow Learn & Play, families can also purchase a Honey Pass for $200, which includes six class admissions. Those admissions can be divided among siblings in whatever combination works best for your family. Honey Pass families also receive guaranteed placement in classes.

8. What happens if my child is shy or needs time to warm up?

That’s completely okay! Children are never expected to jump right into an activity or participate before they feel comfortable. Some children may want to watch for a while, stay close to their caregiver, or explore the environment before joining in.

Our classes are designed to be flexible and child-led. Children are welcome to participate at their own pace, move between activities, revisit favorites, or simply observe until they’re ready.

Having a trusted caregiver right there provides the comfort and reassurance many children need when experiencing something new. Our goal is for every child to feel welcomed, comfortable, and successful—without pressure to participate in a particular way.

9. Do you welcome children of all abilities?

Absolutely. Honey Bee Academy and Honey Bee Hollow Learn & Play welcome children of all abilities. We understand that children learn, communicate, move, play, and experience the world in different ways.

Our activities are designed to be flexible and developmentally responsive, allowing children to participate at their own level and in ways that feel comfortable for them. There is no expectation that every child will complete an activity in the same way—or participate in every activity.

If your child has a special need, sensory preference, developmental difference, or requires an accommodation, please feel free to reach out before class. We’re happy to talk with you about your child and work together to make their experience as welcoming, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible.

10. What happens if there is bad weather?

We plan for the weather whenever possible! Because many of our Honey Bee Academy and Honey Bee Hollow Learn & Play experiences may include outdoor activities and nature exploration, families should come prepared for the day’s conditions.

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, outdoor activities will be moved indoors whenever an appropriate indoor space is available so the fun and learning can continue.

If severe weather or unsafe conditions make it necessary to cancel or reschedule a class or event, registered families will be notified by email as soon as possible, and updates will also be posted on our Facebook page.

11. What should my child wear?

Come ready to play, explore, and get a little messy! Our classes may include sensory play, process art, nature exploration, movement, water, paint, and other hands-on experiences.

Children should wear comfortable, play-friendly clothing and shoes that allow them to move freely and that families don’t mind getting dirty. For outdoor classes and activities, please dress your child appropriately for the weather. Hats and sunscreen are recommended when appropriate.

We use washable art and sensory materials whenever possible, but we cannot guarantee that every material will wash completely out of clothing. We believe some of the best learning can be a little messy—so dress for the experience, not the occasion!

12. Are snacks and drinks allowed?

Families should bring a water bottle for their child to classes and events.

For outdoor classes and events, families may bring a small snack for their own child. To help us create a safer environment for everyone, peanut butter, peanuts, tree nuts, and other nut-containing snacks are not permitted. Please do not share food with other children.

For indoor classes and events, water is welcome, but food and other beverages should remain outside the activity area unless otherwise stated. Because we visit a variety of locations, families must also follow any food and beverage policies established by our host location.

Infants are always welcome to bottle-feed as needed, and breastfeeding is welcome.

13. What happens if I cannot attend a class?

We understand that things come up, especially with young children! If you’re unable to attend a class you registered for, please let us know as soon as possible.

Because class sizes are limited and materials are prepared in advance for each registered child, class payments are nonrefundable. However, we will allow your child to reschedule and attend another available class.

If you are using a Honey Pass, please contact us as soon as possible so we can move your admission to another available class.

14. How do I handle payment?

Families will register for their chosen class first—no payment is required at the time of registration.

Our classes require a minimum enrollment of six children. Once six children have registered and the class is confirmed, families will receive an invoice by email along with payment information and instructions.

This way, families are not asked to pay until we know the class has enough children enrolled to take place.

15. Do you provide materials?

Yes! All materials needed to participate in Honey Bee Academy and Honey Bee Hollow Learn & Play classes and events are provided. Families do not need to purchase or bring activity supplies unless we specifically let you know otherwise before a particular event.

Depending on the program, children may enjoy art materials, sensory experiences, early-learning activities, nature exploration, music and movement materials, and other hands-on experiences.

Families will also receive an emailed take-home packet after class with ideas and activities they can use with their child to continue the fun and learning at home.

16. Have additional questions?

We’re happy to help! If you have questions about Honey Bee Academy, Honey Bee Hollow Learn & Play, age groups, registration, private groups, locations, special needs, or anything else, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Not sure which class or experience is right for your child or family? Send us a message! Tell us a little about what you’re looking for, and we’ll help you find the perfect fit.

We generally respond to inquiries within 24 hours.

We look forward to welcoming you and your little bees! 🐝💛