Early Childhood
Our youngest students are surrounded by friends, warmth, and beauty in joyful spaces that feel like home. We offer Early Childhood programs for enrolled children ages 2–5 years old, with flexible schedules from three to five days a week and an Extended Day option to support family needs.
For families who aren’t enrolled but wish to experience our community, we also offer Caregiver & Child classes for children from birth to 3½ years old — a gentle introduction to the wonder of Waldorf.
Nurturing connection and confidence
At the Waldorf School of Philadelphia, our play-based Early Childhood programs welcome young children into a gentle environment. Seasonal celebrations, festivals, and a rich community life encourage healthy, age-appropriate self-awareness and respect for others.
Children’s curiosity and self-expression are nurtured through free play, while teachers model kind and respectful interaction and interest in others, supporting social development. Our programs balance freedom and structure, and our students engage in meaningful activities — in and out of the classroom — that promote brain development, support self-regulation and executive function, develop large and fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and strengthen flexible thinking, creative problem-solving, and emotional resilience.
Taught by trained Waldorf educators certified by the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN), our Early Childhood programs serve children ages 2 to 5 years old.
Nursery Program | Ages 2–3 1/2 years
Our teachers work out of the Emmi Pikler approach to caregiving and Rudolf Steiner’s indications for Waldorf education. The Pikler approach informs teachers’ one-on-one moments throughout the day, developing strong bonds of trust between teacher and child. Teachers design a schedule that supports the child’s natural internal rhythms; this provides the child a sense of peace and security in the group.
Five days: Monday–Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Three days: Monday–Wednesday, 8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Mixed-Age Early Childhood Program | Ages 3 1/2 – 5 years
Children learn and benefit socially from being with companions of different ages. In our mixed-age program, older children relish guiding younger classmates, who themselves look forward to one day teaching newcomers to the class what they have learned.
Rooted in the Senses
Rhythmic daily activities offer a sense of security and include cooking, crafting, self-care, and rest. Outdoor free play provides limitless possibilities for discovery and fosters a lifelong relationship to the natural world.
A Foundation for Academics
The intentional curriculum in our mixed-age program inspires creative expression and provides the foundation for substantive academics in our grades program. Music and art promote language development. Games and movement develop physical agility, mathematical thinking, and self-esteem. Outdoor exploration fosters observational skills that lead to scientific inquiry.
Five full days: Monday–Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Three full days: Monday–Wednesday, 8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Children who will be five years old by September 1st are required to attend school five days a week.
Early Childhood families whose children participate in the Mixed-Age Program (ages 3 1/2 - 5 years) can take advantage of our Extended Day Program, enabling your child to be cared for in our warm, home-like environment from 7:30 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.