Early Childhood.
Ages 3 - 6 years
Play: The work of children.
After Parent + Child in the Park, the on campus Early Childhood programs at The Waldorf School of Tampa Bay offer an array of choices to meet the needs of both the child, and the family. Parents are choosing different ages, speeds and intensities to begin their child’s school experience, and we are proud to meet these diverse needs.
All the programs below require an application and begin in the fall with a year-round commitment for children 3 - 6 years. They all follow a similar, traditional Waldorf curriculum where childhood is honored, nurtured and protected. Our programs do not introduce traditional academics at this age, but rather offer a rhythmic and gentle, home-like environment that combines imagination, nature, art and developmentally-appropriate practical skills, all creating the foundation to a strong, capable body that is ready (and eager!) for academics in first grade.
Bridge Program
The Honeysuckle Bridge programs is an extra-gentle start for young three-year olds that begins in September and runs through May.
Please visit here to learn more about this special program that literally creates a “bridge” between Parent + Child and Preschool.
Applications for the 24/25 program are currently being accepted as this is a rolling admissions program.
PreSchool
The Waldorf School of Tampa Bay’s sun-lit classrooms are harmonious, homelike environments that encourage imagination and allow for ample physical movement. Children three-years old participate together in meaningful tasks that develop coordination and cooperative social skills, while unfolding creative capacities that build a strong foundation for later academics.
The rhythm of the day flows seamlessly from imaginative play, to seasonal songs, a shared wholesome snack around a beautifully set table. The children always enjoy an abundance of fresh air and spend a good portion of the day outdoors, rain or shine.
Child must turn 3 by May 31, 2023
8am - 12pm, Monday - Thursday. This is a four-day program.
We highly encourage that children aged 3 and 4 rest/nap at home, whenever possible.
Afternoon Care (pmC) includes lunch and nap with dismissal at 3pm for families who have true need and have received faculty approval.
Mixed Age Kindergarten
Building on the foundation of Preschool, children four to six years participate in a similar rhythm in the formal Kindergarten curriculum, which begins to challenge them in developmentally-appropriate and meaningful ways.
A formal Circle Time allows children to both move their bodies and practice quiet listening, while stimulating the imagination through stories, songs and verse told from memory by the teacher. Seasonal crafts and celebrations mark the year and help children stay grounded in the natural world.
Child must be at least 4 years.
8am - 1pm includes lunchtime.
Afternoon Care (pmC) includes rest time and play, with dismissal at 3pm. True Kindergarten-aged children are given priority, as we encourage 4 year olds to rest/nap at home whenever possible.
“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”
— Albert Einstein