The Rudolf Steiner School's Early Childhood Programs provide a nurturing foundation for the growing child. By nourishing the mind and the senses through a healthy, beauty-filled environment, our Program fosters the development of the whole child. Through imaginative play, artistic activities, simple crafts, verses, songs, puppetry, and fairy tales, the child's emotional, intellectual and spiritual life are strengthened. While our Early Childhood programs are non-academic in nature, we believe that through our daily activities a strong foundation is laid for the future academic success. Songs and nursery rhymes cultivate intimacy with language and the world of words. Listening to stories, watching marionette shows, and participating in dramatic play strengthen the power of the memory and imagination. Counting games and rhythmic activities build a solid foundation for arithmetic and number skills. Artistic activities and crafts help the children develop small motor skills, coordination, and the ability to concentrate. Ample time for free creative play, both in the classroom and in nearby Central Park, enables the children to strengthen their bodies, forge healthy, long-lasting social relationships and engenders interest in the world around them.

Our Early Childhood Programs strive to meet the needs of children and their families. We offer two nursery classes, two kindergarten classes and a Parent-Child program for two year olds and their parents, as well as an optional afternoon program for kindergarteners.

"If a child has been able in his [her] play to give up his [her] whole loving being to the world around [her] him, [s]he will be able, in the serious tasks of later life, to devote [herself] himself with confidence and power to service the world."

Rudolf Steiner