Early Childhood
At the Ithaca Waldorf School we provide early childhood programming for children ages 20 months through 6 years. All of our classes provide a beautiful, healthy environment for growth and learning. Because young children imitate and take in their surroundings in a very deep way, our teachers create a warm, home-like setting with natural lighting, comfortable, handmade furnishings and playthings. In every classroom our teachers provide:
- Creative play with simple, beautiful toys made from natural materials
- Snacks made with organic whole foods
- Songs and finger plays to learn and take into your family life
- Puppet shows and stories to create wonder and joy
- A gentle introduction to working and playing with others
Parent/teacher conversations include:
- Practical parenting issues including sleeping, eating, care-giving, establishing rhythm and routines, and care and protection of the senses for the young child
- How to support your child’s natural growth and healthy development
- Ways to foster joy and self-confidence in your child
- The benefits of allowing freedom of movement
- The practice and benefit of observation
- The emerging social life of the young child
Our programming includes:
Parent/Child Class
for children ages 20 months through 3 years (accompanied by a parent or care giver)
one morning a week
Nursery Class
for children ages 3 through 4 years – three mornings a week
Kindergarten Class
for children ages 3 through 6 years – four or five mornings/days a week
After-school care from 3pm – 5:30pm is available Monday- Friday for all Early Childhood programs (except for Parent/Child classes)