Parent + Child.
Nurturing Childhood
The Waldorf School of Tampa Bay is proud to offer two different programs for our youngest students and their caregiver. These programs are offered once a week and are the perfect start for parents and children to begin their gentle Waldorf journey.
Waldorf in the Woods: Toddlers confidently walking up to age 3 and their caregiver
Merrily We Meet: Children age 2 and their caregiver.
Please continue reading to learn more and register/apply for these wonderful programs that serve to nurture both children and their caregivers.
If your child has reached or is about to reach their third birthday, please consider our Honeysuckle Bridge program, which is accepting rolling admissions.
Waldorf in the Woods
The Waldorf School of Tampa Bay has been an innovator in the forest school “children in nature” movement. For 100 years, Waldorf schools around the world have promoted the benefits of spending time in nature. Waldorf in the Woods provides a living experience of observation and free play in an outdoor setting.
Throughout the year, Waldorf in the Woods children and their caregivers marvel at the wonder and beauty of nature as they journey through woodland trails, and immerse themselves in the butterfly garden. Our outdoor classroom will be based at Dunedin’s Hammock Park with our own shelter and plenty to explore!
Together we celebrate the seasons of the year through songs and rhymes, organic herb teas, puppet stories, simple festivals and crafting using the gifts of nature. Families seeking experiences that nourish the senses and warm the soul can find refuge in this environment, which strives to incorporate the beautiful surroundings, quiet observation, and reverence for both the parent and child’s joyful wonder-filled journey.
Fall Session Details:
Wednesdays at 9am or 11am
September 18th - December 11th (Thanksgiving Week excepted)
12 sessions
$650
Merrily We Meet
Merrily We Meet is the name that captures the heart and soul of our on-campus Parent and Child program. Classes meet once a week, and toddlers who are ages 2 and their caregiver, enjoy a peaceful morning with friends enriched with movement, song, puppet storytelling, verses, snacktime and play.
Through bread making and the sharing of tea and a wholesome snack, children are enveloped in the warmth of community spirit. Time spent outside with Mother Nature allows us to experience her magic and beauty with wonder. Through quiet observation, age-appropriate songs and storytelling, teachers assist parents in creating a healthy and harmonious rhythm for their child’s day. Families are given the opportunity to experience artistic and practical activities such as water color painting, churning butter, and seasonal crafting. With joy and laughter, parents and children celebrate this time of togetherness, while expanding their social circle with like-minded souls. Articles on child development are shared to help support the magical journey of childhood.
Our Fall Session is currently full and closed. We will reopen applications in November for our Winter/Spring session. Stay Tuned!
Fall 2024 Session Details:
Details:
September 6th - December 15th.
Fridays, 9am - 11am. 13 Sessions. (No class 11/1 or 11/29)
Children must turn 2 by September 1, and not yet had their third birthday.
This is a Parent + Child program.
$1,400, includes supply fee and two parent enrichment gatherings.
Applications due August 9th.
This program requires an application, as children who complete MWM track to the WSTB Preschool programs.
A non-refundable $75 application fee is due at the time of submission.
Applicants who have not participated in Waldorf in the Woods or do not have an enrolled sibling will have an in-person interview.
Acceptance into the Merrily We Meet Program is based on application dates, the child’s developmental needs, and parental support/interest in the Waldorf educational philosophy.
“Wisdom begins with wonder.”
— Socrates