Early Childhood Programs

Our Early Childhood Programs provide the bridge from home to school while nourishing and supporting the development and growth of each child as a unique individual. The programs include the Parent and Child Program for child and parent together, Pre-Kindergarten (three, four or five days per week) and Kindergarten.

Parent and Child Program

Our unique program for the youngest members of our community serves as a gentle and beautiful introduction to Waldorf Education. In small groups of twelve, children and parents experience circle time, story, playtime and a healthy snack.

Sessions are 10 weeks, 1 day per week.

Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday
9:00 – 10:30 am
For children 18 months to 3 years with a parent.

Thursday
9:00 – 10:30 am
For children 3 years to 3 years and 8 months with a parent.
These older children will transition into a "Bridge" group, providing the children a chance to play independently while parents meet close by for an activity and discussion.

Fee: $250 for each 10-week session.

• Fall Oct 3 – Dec 16 *
• Winter Jan 3 – March 16 *
• Spring March 19 – June 8 *

* No classes 11/21-25; 2/20-24; 4/2-13

 

TO REGISTER FOR THE PARENT and CHILD PROGRAM: CLICK HERE

• If you are blocked from registering it means that a particular group is full and you will need to make another choice.
• If you have any questions about the registration process, please call our Registrar, Gina Garrison, at (949) 574-7775 ext. 222.

The Kindergartens

The Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten day includes circle time, story, creative play and outside play. Play, being the work of the young child, is the time for the child to live in his/her imagination and imitate, reenact and explore the world around them. Seasonal circles and stories are offered daily. Circle time integrates movement, songs and recitation. The children's imaginations are engaged through storytelling and puppetry. Activities include watercolor painting, baking, handwork (crafts), gardening and walks in nature. Each artistic activity has its own special day and contributes to the soothing rhythm of the week.

Pre-Kindergarten

The Pre-Kindergarten program is for children who are 3 years, 9 months by September. The class size is 14-15 with a teacher and an assistant. The children experience socialization and play outside their home and away from parents in a loving, warm and nurturing environment. A daily and weekly rhythm of activities provides both structure and spontaneity through developmentally appropriate circles, play and story.

Pre-Kindergarten is available from 8:30 am – 1:00 pm:

• 3 days per week (Mon-Wed)
• 4 days per week (Mon-Thurs)
• 5 days per week (Mon-Fri)

Kindergarten

The Kindergarten program is for children who are 4 years, 9 months by September. The class size is 20 with a teacher and an assistant. The Kindergarten curriculum provides the foundation for the grades through a movement and language rich curriculum. Circle time, play and activities are selected to stimulate and support the development that is the foundation for the cognitive work to come in the grades. The stories, circles, activities and creative play of the Pre-Kindergarten continue, but become more sophisticated and interactive.

• Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 1:00 pm

Tuition and Fee Schedule:

A complete breakdown of all associated fees is available HERE.

Application and Enrollment Process for Kindergartens:

1. Attend our mandatory Information Evening on one of the following dates:
   • Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at 7 p.m.
   • Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 7 p.m
   • Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 7 p.m.
These Information Evenings are for parents only, please. Our Early Childhood teachers will describe the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten curriculum and activities, as well as the developmental philosophy of our program. The presentation will conclude with time for questions and discussion.


2. Submit an application:
Applications for enrollment are available to parents who attend one of our mandatory Early Childhood information evenings. We recommend that families attend a meeting as early as possible as enrollment fills quickly.


3. Family Conversation:
Family conversations are with our early childhood teachers. These take place in the classroom and are scheduled by our Admissions Director. Both parents, along with their child, are expected to attend.


4. Notification of status via letter:

Morning in the Kindergarten:

Parents are encouraged to come with their prospective Pre-Kindergarten or Kindergarten child to a "Morning in the Kindergarten." This is an opportunity for your child to experience a shortened day in the classroom and for you to have a peek into the life of a Waldorf Kindergarten.

• Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Saturday, January 21, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

RSVP for Information Evenings and Morning in the Kindergarten:

If you have any questions, or to RSVP to any of the above events, please call our Director of Admissions at (949) 574-7775 ext. 221

* Please note: A child's enrollment in our Early Childhood program is a favorable consideration in their application to our first grade, but it does not guarantee placement.