early childhood

Nursery, Pre-K & Kindergarten

Early Childhood Classes

Our Early Childhood Classes, for children who are ready to be dropped off at school, provide a bridge from home to school while nourishing and supporting the development and growth of each child as a unique individual.

Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten at WSOC honor the “kingdom of childhood.” The atmosphere is reverent and purposeful with softly lit and simply decorated rooms and toys that are soothing to the touch. Here, in this beautiful, calming space, children learn by doing, discover through play, and enjoy a wealth of pre-academic activities, from finger knitting and cooking to gardening and outdoor crafts.

Each day follows a rhythm of in-breaths (circle time, inside play) and out-breaths (outdoor fun, snack time). Our daily rhythms build confidence and boost skills that will serve the child as they enter the grades.

The best way to learn more about our Early Childhood classes and all they offer is to visit. We offer monthly tours and events which are designed to be an important introduction to our K-12 school.

WONDER

Nursery

2 and 3 years: potty-trained

The Nursery Program allows children to develop at their own pace with regard to their physical, emotional and social well-being. The environment of the classroom and outdoor playground are intentionally rich with beauty and wonder, including sensory experiences that encourage awareness without excessive stimulation.

Large and small motor skills, oral and receptive language, musical gifts, social awareness, love for the natural world and the beginnings of self-care abilities are some of the skill sets that young children learn as they play and work among respectful and observant teachers.

Nurture

Pre-kindergarten

3 years 9 months to 4 years 9 months

The Waldorf School Orange County Pre-K program is for children who are 3 years, 9 months by September 1st. The class size is 13 with a teacher and an assistant.

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 stories.

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. Each day includes circle time, story, creative play and outside play.

Pre-Kindergarten is available from 8:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

PLAY

Kindergarten

4 years 9 months to 6 years

The Kindergarten program is for children who are 4 years, 9 months by September 1st. The class size is 18 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.

The 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.

Monday – Friday from 8:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

APPLY

How to Apply

If you have already visited our school and you are ready to submit an enrollment application for your child, let’s begin!

This page contains step-by-step instructions to describe the process. However, if you’d like some additional support, please contact Maureen McDermott in the admissions office or call (949) 574-7775 at extension 208.

Choosing the right school for your child is a heartfelt decision. Our commitment to you is to support you every step of the way, and to share our admissions decision as soon as possible after you have completed our admissions application process.

The application process for Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten begins with a mandatory Early Childhood Orientation Evening – please go to our Events Calendar to see specific dates for these events.

Applications may be completed at any time throughout the year, but those received prior to the application deadline will receive priority. If there are spaces remaining following this first round of applicants, additional applicants will be considered.

Participation in our Playgroup program is beneficial, but is not a requirement for consideration to Pre-Kindergarten.