How does a Waldorf preschool differ from academic preschools?
We seek to create a space where children and parents can experience a slower, more intentional pace, diminishing the stress of daily life. We alternate between outdoor play, tree climbing, music, walks, indoor art, and story activities. Our community is a group of diverse individuals who strive to love and care for all of the children as if they were our own. Children are self-directed in their play and encouraged to be compassionate with each other and with their environment. We emphasize imagination, expression, and creativity.
How many days can a classroom model parent expect to be in the classroom each month?
Generally, expect to be in the classroom 3 to 4 times a month, depending on the number of days your child attends per week. Parents/guardians will either be scheduled as a:
– Working Parent (assisting the teacher on the walks, outdoor-to-indoor transition, and indoor play)
-Snack Parent (preparing snack, setting the table, bathroom transition, and kitchen clean up)
-On-Call Parent (available in case a scheduled adult cannot make it to school due to illness or emergency)
How many adults are in the classroom and why?
The number of children varies from day to day due to the variety of 3, 4, or 5 day attendance options. Monday, Thursday, and Friday have fewer children, while Tuesday and Wednesday have the full roster (generally 20). Monday through Thursday, there are typically 1-2 working parents plus the 2 teachers. Since Friday has only the older children and the class is much smaller, only one adult is scheduled to assist the teacher.
The Waldorf pedagogy encourages children to learn how to self-direct and engage in play with their peers. In such an environment, there are fewer teacher-directed activities. The adults oversee the play, coach children with problem solving, and encourage team work and respectful social interaction.em solving, and encourage team work and respectful social interaction.
What is the rhythm of a school day?
The day begins with a handshake greeting by the teachers and working parents. Children play on the playground as everyone arrives. The class then gathers for Morning Circle time where they participate in songs about the seasons and nature.
When Morning Circle time is over, children walk to their outing location, either Bradner Gardens, Sam Smith Park, or the Seattle Children’s PlayGarden. Children spend the first hour and a half outdoors year-round. Upon return from the outing, there is a transition time where children shed their outdoor gear, put on their slippers, and use the restroom. They gather with the teachers for a story, puppet show, songs, or other circle activities. Then it’s snack time! We eat snack family style at our large table. First snack is served with water or warm tea. After snack, the children are free to engage in indoor play. The classroom is filled with toys made from natural materials, including wooden blocks, silk scarves, seashells, and capes and crowns. While children are playing, small groups are called over to a small table to make art, including painting, drawing, or crafts. The children finish the day with cleanup, another bathroom trip, quiet circle and lullabies, then a second snack all together.
Does my child need to be potty-trained?
Before starting at Mount Baker Preschool, we expect that all children will be potty-trained (at least during the day), out of diapers, and able to use the toilet independently. We understand that accidents happen. Teachers and/or working parents will always assist with a change of clothing if needed.
Do preschool model families have co-operative community responsibilities?
Mount Baker Preschool is a co-operative school, which means there are a minimal number of paid staff. While Co-op Preschool model families do not assist in the classroom, ALL families have a family job to help the school run throughout the year. These jobs include positions on enrollment, fundraising, marketing, maintenance, gardening, technology, and/or special events committees, and the board of directors.
Is snack provided?
Children have two healthy snacks per day. Each snack consists of a whole-grain food, such as oatmeal, quinoa, or a muffin, and a fruit or vegetable (provided by the snack parent). As with everything at the preschool, the daily snack schedule follows a rhythm. Soon your child will be asking if it’s oatmeal day, rather than Tuesday.
How is tuition paid?
Tuition may be paid annually, bi-annually, or monthly.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is available based on family need. Financial aid applications are available upon request and the digital application can be downloaded from here.
Can I switch between classroom and preschool model mid-year?
Should the need arise, and if openings are available, families may switch from the classroom to preschool model mid-year, and vice versa.
What is the preschool commitment to inclusion and an anti-bias learning environment?
At Mount Baker Preschool, we believe in working toward a society in which all people are treated with dignity and honor. This work begins with our children. We believe barriers of prejudice, misinformation, and stereotypes can be avoided by creating an inclusive and respectful learning environment for families and children of all gender, ethnicity, economic class, religion, family composition, physical ability, and size.
How do Co-op Classroom model families facilitate child care for younger siblings during working shifts?
Babes in arms may be brought to school during working shifts provided they are not mobile and can be in a carrier. Also, families with younger siblings can set up childcare swaps with other families to watch siblings during their working shifts.