The Young Child

Nursery Program

The Daisy Nursery carries children along by the rhythms of the world in which they live, from the rhythms of breathing, to the daily rhythms of sleeping and waking. The yearly cycle of the seasons and the rhythmic procession of the stars across the heavens are part of life’s experience for children, and indeed all of us. The Waldorf view is that children flourish when their daily activities reflect the natural order of life with a rhythmic arrangement of the day.

Your child will engage in play, singing and movement activities; create simple craft items; and experience vocabulary rich stories and simple puppet plays. The activities are kept as home-like as possible, out of the recognition that this is often the child’s first experience away from home and their parents. We help the child adjust to the social world around them, support them in learning everyday skills, and fill their days with plenty of joyful movement and play. It is an environment conducive to healthy play and exploration. The structure and related activities help to create a self-assured, creative child.

Your child will experience the rhythm of the full Kindergarten Program, balanced between teacher-led and child-expressed activities, between indoors and outdoors, between group activities and individual activities. The child experiences the social activities of sharing meals together, working together, cleaning up together, moving together, singing together. This can have a profound impact on the home life as the child shares experiences with their family.

All classroom toys and supplies are made from natural materials. This gives the young child a real experience of the tactile elements of the world in an authentic way – especially important for the young child who is developing a concept of the world.

Age Requirements

The Nursery Program is a possibility for children from 2 years 9 months old and potty-trained to young four year olds. The Nursery class is small and intimate and provides the children a gentle transition into our Kindergarten Program. A child who turns four before June 1st will be assessed by the early childhood faculty to assess if the child is ready for our two-year Kindergarten Program.

Program Schedule

The Daisy Nursery is three days a week, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parents have the option to have their children remain for lunch and rest until 2:00 p.m. without paying for aftercare. The purpose of this offer is to support families who will be picking up children from the Grade School. The choice to have your child remain for rest must be expressed at the beginning of the school year, to allow the school to plan accordingly.

Admissions

If you are interested in the program, please refer to Early Childhood Admissions. We will admit children mid-year provided there is space available.

Parent and Child Program

Our Sweet Pea Parent and Child Program includes classes for parents and young children of different ages. It is the place where we welcome the newest and youngest members of our community, and we hope it is just the beginning of a long and mutually supportive relationship between you and our school and Waldorf education. Taught by early childhood specialists, 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 and Child Program is a wonderful introduction to Waldorf education, and we hope that the majority of the children will transition into our Nursery Program.

Each Week Includes:

Circle time, with songs, movement, and rhythmical verses
A story told with puppets
Organic, whole grain snack
Child development study
Crafts and activities for parents
Articles on aspects of early childhood to take home
A focus on and support for healthy daily and weekly rhythms.

Parents and Children 1 ½ Years to 3 Years

These classes are delightful opportunities to spend with your child and other parents in a Waldorf setting. The classes offer a first step into the world of Waldorf education for families, and life-long friendships have been known to develop. You will return home with valuable information and an enriching 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; understand how to support integration and sensory development in the young child; and develop insight and intuition while observing your child and others at play – understanding what you see and learning to offer what a child needs.

You and your child will 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 the healthy development of the child. We will discover the importance of rhythm in supporting the overall well being of the young child both at school and in the home.

Parents and Infants

This class is for parents and babies who are three to four months old to newly walking. In an atmosphere of quiet observation, we will explore the beautiful and natural unfolding stages of very early childhood. Using a body-centered approach, the classes support bringing natural harmony and ease 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.

Schedule and Space Reservation

Currently, for parents and children who are 1 ½ to 3-years-old, we offer four classes per week on Mondays and Fridays. We offer one parent and infant class on Fridays. Classes are continuous throughout the year in two semesters. We encourage parents to sign up for a semester to reserve and guarantee a space in a class. Your registration form and check made payable to East Bay Waldorf School will serve as your reservation. Completed forms will be processed in the order received. The Sweet Pea class schedule and registration form can be downloaded from the Admissions Section of Early Childhood. We anticipate heavy demand for these classes. Please check with the school for drop in availability. For further information and space availability, please contact the school office at 510-223-3570, ext. 2107.