Sweet Pea Parent & Child Program - Ages 4 years & Under

Our Young Child Sweet Pea Program includes classes for Parents and Infants and Parents and Toddlers. Taught by early childhood specialist, Lea Nelson, parents observe, move, and interact with their young children in a nurturing, playful environment. Each week, different themes will focus on the foundations of movement development, the importance of rhythm, working with the senses, and building healthy habits.

Currently, four classes per week are offered for a variety of age groups. Please check with the school for drop in availability.

Each week includes:

• Circle time, with songs, movement, and rhythmical verses

• Story told with puppets

• Organic, whole grain snack

• Child development study

• Crafts and activities for parents

• A focus on and support for healthy daily and weekly rhythms

Each session begins with gentle play as children and parents enter the room. This structure and the related activities help to create a self-assured, creative child and a peaceful, observant parent. Together, we will create an environment conducive to healthy play and exploration. We will discover the importance of a healthy rhythm in supporting the overall well being of the young child both at school and in the home. You will return home with much valuable information and experience, which you can use in creating your own home rhythms. We will explore movement that offers ease, vitality, and balance. Learn about specific developmental movement needs and how to support integration and sensory development in the young child. Develop insight and intuition while observing children at play; understanding what you see and learning to offer what a child needs.

Sessions are continuous throughout the year. New families are welcome at any time, space permitting. Space is limited to seven children per class. We anticipate heavy demand for these classes. Your registration form and check will reserve your place in the class. Completed forms will be processed in the order received. Please send in your payment with the form below (checks payable to East Bay Waldorf School) in advance for each session. For further information and space availability, please contact the school office at 510-223-3570, ext. 2105.

About the teacher

LEA NELSON has taught the Early Childhood classes and the Daisy Early Kindergarten class at the East Bay Waldorf School since 2005. She formerly taught at the Waldorf School of San Diego where she developed and taught parent-child classes and preschool for five years.