Early Childhood
Green Meadow students approach every new day with joy, enthusiasm, and reverence.
Overview
A working dairy farm, meadows and fields, forest, gardens, pond, and woodland streams, all right outside the doors of our classrooms, provide the richest possible learning environments for young children.
the waldorf difference
In our Early Childhood program, children enter a warm, natural, beautiful environment, where a steady rhythm, seasonal festivals, meaningful work and play, singing, movement, and handwork encourage children’s connection to the world and their natural capacities to blossom.
a unique private school
Preschool & Kindergarten Programs
All of our classes are primarily outdoor, nature-based groups who are immersed in forest exploration, gardening, animal care, and farm visits in addition to singing, handwork, painting and drawing. Teachers forge strong bonds with every child, helping each develop a voice in the class and creating a safe, nurturing environment, fostering a lifelong respect for the earth, as well as a deep love and appreciation for each other.
Maple Garden & Woodland Nature Preschools
Our nature preschool classes enroll children 2 years 9 months in September to 4 years old (4th birthday after June 30th).
The Maple Garden and Woodlands Nature Preschools are fully outdoors from September through November and April through June. They enjoy some hours daily in their classroom during the colder months of November through March.
The joy of being together, sharing discovery and growing into emerging skills are central to the daily life for these very young children.
A teacher and a support teacher guide the group. The teachers are very attentive to support each child’s physical, language, social-emotional and cognitive development. Their week includes singing and rhymes, storytelling and games, gardening and animal care, art and crafts.
Nature Explorers Kindergarten
For ages 3-6 years old, situated on our main campus. 14 children. Combined preschool-kindergarten serving our youngest to oldest in a “family” group learning from one another.
Nature Explorers Kindergarten has its home-base yard and classroom on the main campus. Children engage in forest adventures and explorations, and fall and spring visits to the nearby Farm Kindergarten. Weekly visits to the Children’s Garden are for tending their vegetable, flower and herb beds and helping with chicken and bunny care.
A teacher and a support teacher guide the group. They engage in the full scope of Waldorf early childhood activities including play, practical work, stories, singing and circle time, arts, crafts, and nature exploration.
Forest Kindergarten
For ages 4 years – 6 years. 16-18 children.
The Forest Kindergarten is an almost exclusively outdoor program in our adjacent woodlands. They have a dedicated woodland area with a small shelter. This group also frequents the Children’s Garden across the street from our main campus. They garden and participate in chicken and bunny care. They have a dedicated classroom for the rare occasions when severe weather brings them indoors and for some regular indoor hours in the coldest months.
A teacher and two support teachers lead this group. They engage in the full scope of Waldorf early childhood activities including play, practical work, stories, singing and circle time, arts, crafts, and nature exploration in a kind and intentionally inclusive social group.
Farm Kindergarten
For ages 4 years – 6 years. 16-18 children.
The Farm Kindergarten occupies an expansive, dedicated fenced yard on the nearby Duryea Farm, a working dairy farm within walking distance of our main campus. The children care for their own garden, a small flock of miniature sheep, chickens and bunnies. They have an adjacent classroom for the winter months. Being of service to the animals and the land are central for this group.
A teacher and two support teachers guide the group. They engage in the full scope of Waldorf early childhood activities including play, practical work, stories, singing and circle time, arts, crafts, and nature exploration in a kind and intentionally inclusive social group.
More Information
All children may attend Half Day (8:30am through lunch, 1:00pm dismissal), or Full Day (8:30am to 2:45pm dismissal).
3-day option attendance is available to children 2 years, 9 months to 4 years old (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays)
Our Early Childhood after school care program is available from 2:45pm-6:00pm for parents to use as needed. Hourly billing is sent monthly.
Children must be 5 years old by May 31 to be considered in their last year of early childhood before entering Grade 1
Want to know more?
Find more information about Waldorf Early Childhood Education.