Early Childhood

For the young child, the continuity of life rhythms provides strengthening reassurance and a healthy foundation for physical development.

Close up of two kindergarteners holding hands; each is wearing a flowered dress; there are other children in the background

Kindergarteners with teacher stand in a circle in early childhood classroom with their hands over their heads, following the teacher's gesture

Young children seated around wooden table at lunchtime; teachers are seated at either end and are in the process of lighting candles for their meal together

Two young children outdoors in snow are dressed in winter gear and are on their knees playing together; the school hall with its colorful mural is in the background and there are snowy branches framing the photo

Three girls dressed in winter gear peer into a bucket that is collecting sap; one of the children is peering into the camera

young girl with long braids captured in mid-air as she jumps rope inside a Kindergarten classroom while her classmates look on and a teacher hold one end of the jump rope. The other end of the jump rope is not visible in the photo. The classroom is sunlit with windows in the background

Close up of child's hands working with dough on a table

Parent and Child Classes

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Parent and Child classes are available for young children ages 6 weeks to 4 years and their caregivers. Parent Child classes are held outside in the woods, farms and gardens encouraging children to explore, imagine and create through movement, songs, puppet shows and seasonal nature activities. Parents will learn ways to intuitively guide their child, bringing more ease and warmth to their connection and allowing the parenting journey to be more inspired, more joyful and more harmonious.

Seedlings: classes for babies 6 weeks to walking with a caregiver

Leaflets: classes for children 1-2.5 years with a caregiver

Rosebuds: classes for children 2.5-4 years with a caregiver

The Nursery and Kindergarten at Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School is a vibrant place – filled with the joyful exuberance of children held in the secure embrace of their teachers.

The Nursery and Kindergarten is made up of four mixed-age classes for children ages 3 to 6. The Nursery programs are half days with the option of an afternoon rest time, and Kindergarten programs are four full days and Friday morning.

Nursery: 3 and 4 years — 8:15 am to 12:30 pm

Robin’s Nest and Peach Blossom Nurseries welcome children 3 and 4 years of age. There is an option of afternoon playgroup which includes a walk, lunch, and rest until 2:45 p.m.

Kindergarten: 4 to 6 years — 8:15 am to 2:45 pm

Morning Star and Rose Kindergartens welcome children ages 4 to 6 to develop a love of learning towards readiness for the grades. This is a full day program running from 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Earlier pick-up is optional if needed.

Marigold Late Afternoon Care Program — 2:45-5 pm

The Marigold Late Afternoon Care Program welcomes children who are 4 years old and up. This program goes beyond the normal school day hours, Mondays through Thursdays from 2:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. It is a relaxed play time with snack, lots of outdoor time, and occasional arts.

Know what it is to be a child?

We invite you to consider this question posed by the English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. At Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School’s Early Childhood Center, we are dedicated to bringing excellence to the learning experience of the young child. Essential educational foundations that nurture the development of thinking, feeling, and willing are built into our holistically integrated curriculum.

Through our daily activities of meaningful work, the children gain self-esteem by experiencing interconnectedness and feeling that their work is needed in the world. The ability to take the time to give care is essential.

Honoring the Essence of Childhood

Welcoming children to a world of wonder where a love for learning is experienced every day:

In nature – exploration of forests, waterways, and fields.
Through creative arts and play, story and song.
Experiencing the plants, animals, and people of the farm.
Building confidence through meaningful work celebrating friends and community!
Educating the whole child – head, heart, and hands.

Early Childhood Virtual Tour

Meaningful work and play within our protected community environment inspires little ones with practical life lessons. Creative free play is a key part of our approach to early childhood education. Play builds foundational skills in communication, collaboration, and cooperation. Through guided social interaction, healthy emotional intelligence is supported. Rich immersion in the arts – in music, painting, coloring, storytelling, puppetry, and hand crafts – nurtures creative capacities.