Early Childhood Programs: Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten
The WSA Early Childhood program nurtures a sense of wonder and curiosity in the young child, while encouraging reverence and joy for the goodness of life. The warmth and beauty of the classrooms and the mixed age groupings provide an opportunity for children to play and learn in a home-like atmosphere. Children thrive on the daily and weekly rhythms of the classroom with specific days for making soup, baking bread, painting and handwork. These rhythms provide familiarity and support the children as they move wholeheartedly into play and learning.
Learn more about Waldorf Early Childhood Education:
Letting Children Be Children
“WSA has been such a gift to our family. Our son has flourished in the Early Childhood Program, and it has helped us to become better parents. We are so grateful for Waldorf Education. ”
When the children join our Early Childhood classrooms, they each will engage according to their age and abilities. The two-year olds are open to their environment and simply take it all in through movement and rich sensory experiences. The 3-year olds and the 4-year olds begin imitating the mood, gestures and work of the classroom teachers (and their older friends). The 5 and 6-year olds develop the independence and sense of responsibility necessary to become active and contributing members in the class.
At WSA, the Early Childhood experience is rich in storytelling, puppetry, singing, poetry, domestic and artistic activities. Crafts, handwork, games, and regular outdoor play encourage the healthy growth of the child's body. Toys, art materials, and classroom aesthetics emphasize natural, simple materials, encouraging the child's imagination. Through play, each child learns a broad range of cognitive, social, and linguistic skills.
The WSA Campus has several Early Childhood classrooms.
Preschool Classes for 2 and 3 year olds
Mixed Age Program - Ages range from 2 to 3 year olds (Applicants have to be 2 years old by August 15 of the year of entry)
Up to 12 students with a lead teacher and an assistant
3, 4 and 5 Day Programs are offered from Mondays through Wednesdays, Mondays through Thursdays, and Mondays through Fridays
Full morning program is from 8:30am to 1pm
Afternoon program can be added for children once they turn 4 (includes 45 minute rest/nap) with pick-up times from 3 to 6pm
Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten Classes for 4 and 5 year olds
Mixed Age Program - Ages range from 4 to 5 years old (Applicants are generally 4 years old by June 1 of the year of entry)
Up to 16 students with a lead teacher and an assistant
Program is 5 days/week, Mondays through Fridays
Full morning program is from 8:30am to 1pm
Afternoon program can be added (includes 45 minute rest/nap) with pick-up times from 3 to 6pm
You can also inquire, schedule a tour, or find out more information by calling our Admissions Director Stacey Alston:
Our Early Childhood Teachers are:
Sondi Eugene
Alana Handman
Annamay Keeney
Lisa Knight
Jolie Luba
Kelly Pins
Annie Sommerville-Hall
Our Early Childhood Assistant Teachers are:
Lisa Chagala
Hannah Fisher
Raphael Levesque
Jessica Brown
Gabi Myers
Oz Gagnon
Capacities children will develop in our program:
Social
Manners
Gratitude
Respect
Care of others
Listening skills
Self-control
Flexible thinking
Physical
Fine motor skills
Gross motor skills
Coordination
Self-care
Competence
Emotional
Wonder
Good habits
Rhythm
Empathy
Aesthetic appreciation
Confidence
Language
Imagination
Vocabulary
Story structure (beginning-middle-end)
Recitation
Flexible thinking
Math
One-on-one correspondence
Counting
Sorting
Planning
Sequencing
Science
Observational skills
Sensory stimulation
Snack preparation
Nature walks
Care of environment
