NURSERY PROGRAM
Drop-off program for children ages 18 months to three years.
Our youngest children are nurtured in a warm, beautiful and loving home-like environment. Our half-day nursery meets from 8:30 – 12:30 and is held in a fully-licensed classroom. Our teachers work closely with families to ensure a smooth transition to school and to create and experience that supports each child’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. Our strong daily rhythm gives our nursery children the security to explore freely and with confidence under the protection of loving adults. Each day includes plenty of time for creative, free play both indoors and out as well as time for practical and artistic endeavors like painting and drawing, cooking and clean up. Circle time activities help children develop motor skills, integrate the senses, and work cooperatively. Puppet shows and stories inspire their awakening imaginations and help build strong language skills while counting games lay a foundation for mathematics.
PLAYGROUP PROGRAM
Parent and child classes for children ages 18 months to 3 years.
Why Waldorf?
The early years of a child’s life, full of wonder and joy, are also the most critical years of development. The Waldorf Playgroup and Bridge classes at the Waldorf School of Orange County offer children a rich environment for exploration and play and offer parents support in creating a healthy home life to create a solid foundation for learning. Through meeting together in a group with like–minded parents and an experienced Early Childhood Waldorf teacher each week, a warm and loving community is formed.
The beauty of the changing seasons will create a natural rhythm as we move through the year with songs, verses, activities and stories. Play is the heart of the young child, and children will have opportunity to explore this world of play in the beauty of a classroom and garden designed especially for them. Come prepared to splash in the puddles, dig in the mud, and dance in the sunshine.
Click here for our 2021 Waldorf Playgroup brochure.
Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination,
dexterity, and physical, cognitive and emotional strength. Play is important to
healthy brain development. It is through play that children at a very early age
engage and interact with the world around them.
Playgroup Classes
18 months to 3 years
Mondays 11:30am – 1:30pm
Wednesdays 9:00am – 11am and 1pm – 3pm
Fridays 11:30am – 1:30pm
Playgroup Schedule
Playgroup Session #1
September 8 – December 17
Playgroup Session #2
January 4 – April 1
Playgroup Session #3
April 19 – June 18
Bridge Classes
3 years old by Dec. 1
A “bridge” between Playgroup and Pre-K
Mondays 9:00am – 11am
Wednesdays 11:30am – 1:30pm
Fridays 9:00am – 11am
Bridge Schedule
Bridge Class – 1 session
September 8 – June 18
Daily Rhythm
Free Play
The children will enjoy free play while the caregivers work nearby in purposeful activity and enjoy discussion with one another. This is an ideal time to observe your child at play! If you have a handwork project from home (such as sewing, knitting, mending), you’re welcome to bring this along to work on as well.
Welcome Circle
During our circle and story time, we will journey from fall into spring in verse and song. This is a special time to enjoy being with your child, undistracted by your housework, phones, and other tasks.
Snack Time
We begin with a blessing and enjoy warm snacks which the parents can help to prepare, such as brown rice and peas. Snacks are homemade and use organic and local ingredients when possible. We follow this activity with dish washing.
Outdoor Free Play
Please be sure that you and your child have appropriate clothing for the changing weather. We will go outside rain or shine!
Closing Circle
We finish each class with a verse and warm goodbyes.
Play is the highest form of research.
Albert Einstein
Recommended Reading
Beyond the Rainbow Bridge is an award-winning book that belongs on the nightstand of every parent with young children. Full of everyday wisdom for busy parents, this treasure of a book is for all caregivers who value imaginative play, the necessity of daily routine, and the benefit of creative discipline.
Co-authors Barbara J. Patterson and Pamela Bradley offer realistic suggestions for creating a healthy family life that can be incorporated into any lifestyle.
Simplicity Parenting. Today’s busier, faster, supersized society is waging an undeclared war…on childhood. As the pace of life accelerates to hyperspeed, with too much stuff, too many choices, and too little time – children feel the pressure. They can become anxious, have trouble with friends and school, or even be diagnosed with behavioral problems. Now, in defense of the extraordinary power of less, internationally renowned family consultant Kim John Payne helps parents reclaim for their children the space and freedom all kids need, allowing their children’s attention to focus and their individuality to flourish.
Both books are available for purchase at our school store, The Company of Angels.
Children come and…
Explore a child-friendly environment that is safe, challenging and emotionally nurturing with simple play materials.
Delight in the special attention given to support their unfolding interests, motor abilities, and problem-solving skills.
Experience social interaction in play that stimulates their speech and language development.
Engage with other children in their stage of development, while expanding social capacities.
Parents come and…
Experience an environment that encourages the valuable exchange of ideas and information, and provides a framework for why Waldorf works.
Explore the value of observation to see and understand what their children are doing and how they are learning as they play.
Delight in the joy of sharing songs and games with your child that support their speech and language development. Meet other parents and find a community of sharing and support.
Discover new tips for parenting and caregiving.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Playgroup and Bridge classes?
They differ only in that the Bridge classes provide an opportunity for the children to play independently, for a portion of the class, under the guidance of our teachers, while parents meet nearby for a study about Waldorf and parenting.
What happens if I begin in a class and need to withdraw unexpectedly?
Refunds are available only until the end of the first week of your starting date, and will be 50% of the total fee.
Can I purchase more than one Playgroup session at a time?
Playgroup and Bridge refunds are available through the end of the first week of each session and will be 100% of the total fee.
What happens if I have to miss a class?
No problem! We recognize that there are going to be days when you are not able to make it. Since our Playgroup curriculum is play-based, there are not concerns about missing a class. It is the overall rhythm of attendance that is important. There are no “make-up” days offered.
Can another adult bring my child to class?
Certainly. We are happy for either parent, grandparent, nanny, or friend to bring your child. In fact, it is a lovely way to introduce that person to the Waldorf School curriculum.
May I join a Bridge class mid-year?
If there is space remaining in a Bridge class, we welcome a new student at a pro-rated fee.
Which days are you closed for holidays?
The teacher will post a calendar with holidays and school closure dates. This is available on our web site and will also be included in your class roster for your reference.
Why is there such a specific age cut-off for Bridge classes?
Bridge classes are the “bridge” to our Pre-Kindergarten. Pre-Kindergartners are at least 3 years and 9 months old by September 1st of the year of entry to Pre-K. Therefore all students in the Bridge classes must turn 3 years by December 1st as they will be considered to transition together.
When do we apply for Pre-Kindergarten?
It happens very quickly! The deadline for application for the fall of 2019 is January, 2019. This deadline is important to note as our Pre-Kindergartens fill each year and we want to be certain that we can welcome our Playgroup students first.
How can I learn more about Waldorf Education?
Why not begin by joining us for an all school tour? These Walk Through the Grades tours are offered throughout the school year. To RSVP – www.waldorfschool.com/admissions-calendar.
What if I have questions? Who do I ask?
Registration/fees/refund questions, as well as application to Pre-K and long-term program planning questions are directed to Kathy Christian, Director of Admissions: kchristian@waldorfschool.com – (949) 574-7775 x206.
Your child/classroom conduct/suggestions are directed to Michaela Heller: mheller@waldorfschool.com.
Playgroup Fee
$400 per session (or) $1,000
for all 3 sessions purchased at once
Bridge Class Fee
$1,000 for the year
All fees are paid in one non-refundable payment
