Overview:

This Waldorf early-childhood program's fundamental emphasis works in three areas with children between the ages of three to seven years old. Young children who come to preschool are learning how to transition from the home into a space without the parent. This transition is aided greatly by the teacher’s care for the food provided, thus our excellent food program, the care for learning basic skills of socialization, as seen in all group activity and by the care given toward inviting the child’s developing senses and imaginative potential  to shine forth in undisturbed free play.

The teacher’s role is that of model and guide for children.  In a setting rich in beauty, filled with natural play toys, where the year unfolds from one seasonal mood to another and out of which many activities originate, the child is gently and warmly welcomed into the world away from home.

Schedule of the day:

When a child has a schedule it knows what to expect and settles into its world of greater wonder and exploration (without question.....literally, without 'Why'?) So, our day is scheduled and it is recommended for parents to schedule the home life for these first years as well. Our guideline for scheduling is to make it breathe.....an activity followed by a lesser activity, breathe in.............breathe out.

Following is our daily Schedule:

8:30	Arrival	Jackets, coats, street gear off, slippers on and the children are off to play freely. A daily teacher guided anchor-activity is happening. (M) cooking, (Tu) Repairs (W)painting (Th) seasonal crafts (F)household tasks: watering/oiling the cutting boards/ washing window glass, etc.
9:30		Toileting or diapering begins
9:45	Clean Up	We tidy, put away..."I have a home and my toys do to"
10:00	Circle Time	A seasonally based story in gesture, rhyme, movement, song, verse slowly develops with much repetition over 5 - 6 weeks of time. It is astonishing how repetition works into the deeper layers of the child .
10:15	Pillow Rest
10:00	Breakfast	We eat, we chat and learn social and table skills
10:30	Outside	In the play yard and garden for fresh air activities (both free and teacher-guided) that nurture the self and the Earth
11:30	Inside	Story time with table puppets, marionettes, a rocking chair story. Themes often seasonally based
11:45	Rest	Children rest while teacher sings lullabyes
12:45	Wake up	Quiet activity while friends awaken
1:00	Lunch	All foods are the highest standard organic or bio-dynamically grown
1:30	Outside	Preceding closure for the day we play in the paly yard and garden
2:30	Pick-up	Good-byes to friends and Teachers at the gate

Food:

Foods served at Mountain Morning Preschool meet the high standard of providing superior nourishment.  Foods served are both bio-dynamic and organic. They strive to anchor and sustain children throughout a day filled with activity.  The variety served is extensive.  Children always find their food needs met.  Special diets are honored and served.  Two meals daily are served and are considered by parents and children in attendance a consistent program highlight.

Parent Education:

While a child is in preschool many questions arise from parents regarding childhood basics:

• How do I provide the proper environment for healthy development?
• How should I discipline my child?
• How can I help my child get enough rest at night?
• What does a child’s schedule look like?

These topics and others are presented and discussed in monthly Parent Education evenings at Mountain Morning Preschool.  Mothers and fathers alike come to these evenings where the opportunity to speak about children is honored as an integral part of helping them and ourselves, teacher and parent, grow together.  Parents come away from this open environment filled with new ideas about how to be that all-important guide for the maturing human individuality.