Early Childhood
Early Childhood and Kindergarten programs nurture and protect childhood in a beautiful setting. Reflecting a deep belief that children’s natural creative play contains the cornerstones of academic ability, the rhythm of the school day flows between lively outside play with inside artistic and practical activities. In the first seven years, the child seeks to see that the world is a place of goodness. These early years are a period of joy and exuberance during which the child will absorb and imitate everything they see. Schools guided by the core principles of public Waldorf education build a foundation for learning by honoring childhood as a valuable time in the individual’s life and teaches in the spirit of gentleness and compassion.
Moonflower Preschool
This program provides a warm and homelike environment for the 3 1/2 to 5 year olds’ first steps into a social setting. Children come together and enjoy songs, stories, puppetry, gardening, baking, nature walks and painting. Children also begin finger knitting, sewing and doing workbench activities. This gentle transition is a graceful journey guided with tenderness and reverence. Our rich play-based program nourishes the magic of childhood by allowing children to explore the world through all their senses, stimulating their creativity through free play and storytelling.
*5 -Day Program
Monday – Friday from 8:15am – 12:15pm
*3-Day Program
Tuesday – Thursday from 8:15am – 12:15pm
This class is available to children no younger than 3 1/2 and no older than 5 by September 1st of the year of entry.
Children must be fully potty trained to attend this program.
*Participation in the private program does not guarantee a space in the charter Kindergarten or 1st grade.
Charter Kindergarten
This program provides a warm and homelike environment for the 5 and 6 year olds’ first steps into a social setting. Children come together and enjoy songs, stories, puppetry, gardening, baking, nature walks and painting. Children also begin finger knitting, sewing and doing workbench activities. The program uses auditory activities, visual discrimination and organizing of time and space to prepare for 1st grade readiness. This gentle transition is a graceful journey guided with tenderness and reverence. Our rich play-based program nourishes the magic of childhood by allowing children to explore the world through all their senses, stimulating their creativity through free play and storytelling.
5-day Program
Monday - Friday 8:15am – 12:15pm
The student must be 5 years old before September 1st of the year of entry.
Open enrollment for the lottery begins Nov. 1st. To be included in the lottery, all application paperwork must be completed and turned in by January 6th.
Snack in the Early Childhood
Nutritious, whole grains, seasonal fresh produce (organic when available) and letting the children be involved in the preparation of the food are essential to the early childhood programs. A healthy mid-morning snack is provided. Children staying for KinderCare will need to bring their own lunch.
Food is such an important part of this early education that the children know the days of the week by the food of the day: Rice Day or Soup day, are much more familiar than the abstract Monday, Tuesday, etc. Food is one example of how the children understand the rhythm of the week and learn to think sequentially. The preparation of the snack can help children to make connections with the natural world. The table is set with earthen and glassware, cloth napkins and fresh cut flowers.
Snack time is a group activity where the children eat together family-style with their teachers. It is likely that they have also helped to prepare the food and set the table. Afterwards, they clear the table and wash their dishes. An emphasis on gratitude for the food and on table manners sets the stage for lifelong social skills.
*Note: Each child’s special nutritional needs are considered on an individual basis. Any allergies must be listed on the emergency medical form and made known to the teacher and Administration. If your child stays for the afternoon, we ask that they bring their homemade lunch in a simple lunchbox. It is very nice for the child to have a cloth napkin. Please avoid packaged snacks and sweets. We encourage a lot of water drinking throughout the day for the children.
SAMPLE SNACK MENU:
Monday: Short grain brown rice with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, aminos and olive oil served with sliced apples
Tuesday: Homemade bread (white flour, wheat flour, yeast, salt, olive oil, honey and butter) served with bananas
Wednesday: Vegetable soup made with onion, carrots, potatoes, garlic, olive oil and a variety of vegetables and herbs provided by the families with pasta noodles, lentils and/or rice
Thursday: Black and Pinto Beans cooked with onions, garlic, olive oil, cumin and salsa served with organic corn chips
Friday: Steele cut oats with cinnamon, plain yogurt, walnuts, raisins and honey