* * * BT IS OPEN TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7th 2 HOURS LATE @ 8:30 AM DUE TO SNOW AND ICY ROAD CONDITIONS.
ALL DISTRICT BUSES ARE ON SNOW ROUTES. * * *

(Make sure you talk with BT staff if your child has a different snow route bus stop. If it is not on the top of the hill, we may not be able to get your child to or from it.)

BT's Mid-Winter Break Schedule

BT will be OPEN February 21 - 24 for Mid-winter Break.
BT will be CLOSED February 20th for President's Day.
Make sure you've signed up for any care you need on the list next to the sign-in/out sheet.

Winter Weather Schedule Changes
If ice/snow changes Seattle Public Schools' schedule, then BT will follow those changes. For example: If Pathfinder School is closed, then BT will be closed. If Pathfinder School opens 2 hours late, then BT will open 2 hours late at 8:30 AM. Please check the SPS website (see Seattle Public Schools sidebar link) for any schedule changes.

The results of Blazing Trails Family Survey for 2016 are HERE

* * * * * Summer & School Year Registration * * * * *

We are still accepting registrations for School Year 2016-17. Program information and registration forms are posted on the "Registration" and "School Year" program tabs (See left sidebar). We have room in the mornings, but unfortunately, we may still have a waitlist for some afternoon timeslots. Please, check with Mckinsey for more details.

Our RECENTLY UPDATED Yearly Schedule 2016-17 is linked below. (Any changes to this schedule will also be in our monthly newletters.) 16-17 Yearly Schedule - Download as PDF

We're continuing to build on our Facebook page HERE
Note: You have to have a Facebook account to view the page and you can post on Blazing Trails' page when you "like" it.

Our monthly Newsletters can now be found HERE

Documents such as the Family Handbook 2016-17 are available to the left on the Documents tab.


Blazing Trails Childcare

Blazing Trails Childcare is Pathfinder K - 8 School's non-profit childcare program for school age children ages 5 to 12. We are open from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, excluding school hours. We also provide an enrichment program during the summer.

Our mission is to...

...provide staff and families a safe, diverse childcare environment dedicated to respectful communication, problem solving, creative learning and the freedom to play!

About our Program

Blazing Trails, located at Pathfinder  K-8 School in West Seattle, is a non-profit before and after school childcare program for school-age children ages five through twelve. We also offer a summer day camp enrichment program.
We are dedicated to supporting families in our community as we help each child develop good communication skills and celebrate his or her own uniqueness. We maintain an environment that encourages intellectual, physical and social growth with respect for others and the natural environment. People relate to each other peacefully and we joyfully appreciate our rich diversity.
Staff training is a crucial component to accomplishing our goals. We support our staff, both professionally and personally, through respect for each other's personal differences and unique teaching styles. We provide opportunities for shared leadership, professional growth and development and an environment that encourages mutual support and care.

Inclusion Policy

Our Statement of
Anti-discrimination, Anti-bias and Cultural Sensitivity

We foster an understanding of diversity among people, expecting and modeling unconditional respect for self and others. We enjoy celebrating and exploring our community's rich cultural diversity.

All children and their families are accepted according to our policies without regard to race, color, religion or belief structure, creed, ancestry, gender or gender indentiy, sexual orientation, national origin or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical challenges.


General Information

We'd like to know our community better. Please, take our quick, 8 question survey. Your participation is greatly appreciated!

"Getting To Know You Survey"
• We are open during the school year from 6:30 to 9:00 AM before school and 3:00 to 6:00 PM after school. Next year (2015-16) school start and end times may change. For the most part, BT will follow Pathfinder K-8 start/end times, although some buses may leave as late as 9:00 AM.
• We are open all school days (except BT professional development days - see "School Year Calendar" for more information), all early dismissal days and only certain vacation days. (See the B.T. Yearly Schedule for more information.)
• We offer a drop-in option as space is available.
• Blazing Trails accepts DSHS, City and U.W. subsidies and has limited scholarships or work-trade opportunities at the Director's discretion.
• Our goal is to inspire positive self-esteem, respect for self and others and a sense of responsibility for one's own behavior.
• Parents/Guardians are always welcome to drop by to share their experiences or to just "hang out" and play with us!
• Blazing Trails is a non-profit organization with its own governing council and is run through Pathfinder's PTSA.
• Blazing Trails maintains at least an 11 to 1 student/adult ratio. This ratio may vary due to the needs of individual activities (ie. outdoor games may have up to a 15:1 ratio whereas an art project could end up with a 6:1 ratio).
• We have use of Pathfinder's playground, grass fields, cafeteria and gym facilities.
• We provide healthy snacks.
• Our curriculum is child-centered, culturally relevant and developmentally appropriate. Activities include, but are not limited to:
Movement
Sports and outdoor play
Science discoveries
Cooking
Story reading and telling
Building/construction
Imaginative play
Beading, sewing and other
  arts & crafts
Table games
Field trips during vacations
Theme and club activities
Individual study
• "Homework Club" is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons to help 1st through 6th graders with their homework. Students may choose to attend on their own or there's also a sign up sheet if you wish to make attendance regular. Please, feel free to speak with the Head teacher concerning your child's needs or to ask for more information
• We follow Pathfinder K-8's schedule. Check SPS website: www.seattleschools.org for any schedule changes.

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