Early Childhood
Parent/Child, Nursery and Kindergarten
A sense of wonder and wholehearted participation in the surrounding world are the special virtues of young children and the qualities strengthened in a Waldorf Early Childhood classroom. Young children learn best through their senses and activity. The Early Childhood programs at UVWS are designed to be a joyful, nurturing experience for young children and their parents. Our programs offer:
- Consistent Daily and Weekly Rhythms
- Emphasis on Human Interaction
- Nutritious Whole-Food Snacks
- Festivals and Celebrations
- Experiential and Sensory Activities
- Practical Life Skills
- Outdoor Play and Nature Exploration
All of our Early Childhood programs are multi-aged and each applicant is considered individually to determine the best placement. How to apply.
Parent/Child Morning Garden
Toddlers 1-3 years old
Thursday or Friday mornings
Fall, Winter, Spring sessions
While children explore the classroom and play with friends nearby, parents engage in a purposeful, focused task or activity. This gives the children an example worthy of imitation and creates a nurturing environment in which each child can thrive. You may help to prepare the snack, join in a simple finger game or craft a toy for your child from natural materials. Together, the group joins in songs and fingers plays, enjoys a hearty snack and plays outside on the Early Childhood playground.
Parent/Child play groups meet one morning a week in 10-12 week sessions throughout the school year. The morning runs from 9:00am until 11:15am. Children who tire easily may leave early. These groups are for young children up to three years of age. Younger siblings (newborn to age 1) are welcome to come along free of charge.
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Nursery
3 and 4 years old
Monday-Wednesday mornings
The Nursery and Kindergarten curricula is based on a daily rhythm of healthy movement and activity, practical skills, handwork, woodwork, gardening, speech and language development, singing, traditional circle games and storytelling. Each day includes ample outdoor play and nutritious snacks that the children help prepare. These rhythms, along with the loving guidance of our specially-trained teachers, build confidence and joy in young children.
Nursery and Kindergarten classrooms, filled with light and natural toys and materials, cultivate a child’s sense of wonder, imagination and creativity. When nurtured in young children, these qualities become the foundation for independent thought, intellectual inquiry and a life-long love of learning.
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Kindergarten
4-6 years old
Monday-Thursday or Monday-Friday mornings
Our Nursery and Kindergarten curricula is based on a daily rhythm of healthy movement and activity, practical skills, handwork, woodwork, gardening, speech and language development, singing, traditional circle games and storytelling. Each day includes ample outdoor play and nutritious snacks that the children help prepare. These rhythms, along with the loving guidance of our specially-trained teachers, build confidence and joy in young children.
Nursery and Kindergarten classrooms, filled with light and natural toys and materials, cultivate a child’s sense of wonder, imagination and creativity. When nurtured in young children, these qualities become the foundation for independent thought, intellectual inquiry and a life-long love of learning.
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Afternoon and Extended Afternoon Programs
Enrolled Nursery and Kindergarten children
12:00 noon-3:00 pm or 5:00 pm
Our optional afternoon program begins at noon and continues until 3:00 pm or, if the child is staying for the extended afternoon program, until 5:00 pm. The program is staffed by skilled support teachers. Children eat lunch brought from home, rest, hear a story and play outside.