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:

In a Waldorf preschool/kindergarten the schedule of the day reflects a philosophy based on healthy breathing. One greater activity is followed by a lesser one, and so our days breathe rhythmically. The schedule shown below is embellished with seasonal activities. Additionally, daily anchor activities throughout the week provide the foundation of security children rely on as they move through the course of the year. Festivals and celebrations including parents and family members strive toward creating community activities based on healthy, wholesome fun together.

Following is our daily Schedule:

8:30	Arrival	Children arrive for Free Play/Teacher- guided activity
9:30	Circle Time	Seasonally based song/verse/gesture/ movement developed over 5-6 weeks time
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.