The Young Child

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 specialists, Birthe Kaarsholm, Glenda Jarvis-Cox and Bonnie Romanow, 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.

The Parent & Infant and Toddler classes are delightful opportunities to spend with your child and other parents in a Waldorf setting. The Sweet Pea Classes offer a first step into the world of Waldorf education for families. 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. Currently, five classes per week are offered for a variety of age groups. Please check with the school for drop in availability.

Parents & Infants

for babies three-four months to newly walking In an atmosphere of quiet observation we will explore the unfolding stages of very early chldhood. Using a body-centered approach, the classes support bring natural harmony and east into the parenting experience. Each week, different themes will be presented to help us understand the foundations of movement development, the importance of routine and rhythm, working with the senses and building healthy habits. The class is open to pregnant mothers as well.

Parent & Toddlers

for young children from one to four years In these classes you and your child engage in play, singing and movement activities, create simple craft items and experience stories and simple puppet shows you can do at home. Each session begins with gentle play as children and parents enter the room. The 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 h ealthy 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.

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


Sessions are continuous throughout the year in two semesters. 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 semester. For further information and space availability, please contact the school office at 510-223-3570, ext. 2105.

About The Teachers

Birthe Kaarsholm provides a Waldorf-oriented approach to the very young child. She leads the Parent & Infant Classes by exploring the connection between movement and healthy development. Birthe, a Breema body practitioner for many years, created a program, Baby Moves, specifically for infants.

Gabriela Gerlach was born and raised in Berlin, Germany. She graduated from the Rudolf Steiner College in Fair Oaks in 2004 with focus on early childhood education. Gabriela has been teaching at the East Bay Waldorf School for several years, working first as a kindergarten assistant. Gabriela then became the founding teacher of the Early Kindergarten preschool and has also substituted in the Parent and Toddler classes. She also taught German in both the Lower School and the High School.

Bonnie Romanow has been working with children and families for over 25 years. A Waldorf Early Childhood teacher for more than 15 years in Chicago, Bonnie was a preschool director and founding member of the Great Oaks School. Bonnie has spent the last several years in the Bay Area working with parents and children in other settings doing parenting workshops, one-on-one consultations and parent-child groups.

Young Child | Kindergarten | Lower School | Support | Special Subjects