EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM
“Children in play-based preschool programs showed stronger academic performance in all subject areas measured.” - Rebecca Marcon, PhD, Professor of Developmental Psychology, University of North Florida
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Play is the work of young children, and imitation is their natural way to learn. Warmth, security, and natural beauty abound in our home-like setting where we offer activities such as storytelling, singing, puppetry, costume play, circle games, watercolor painting, drawing with beeswax crayons, cleaning, and seasonal festivals all in our hybrid outdoor setting. Our hybrid setting allows us to spend our entire time together outdoors so that we can still have the benefits of in-person learning in the most safe environment during a pandemic. Studies have shown that being outside supports the child in ways such as reducing anger and fear. Being in nature helps you feel better emotionally, as well as contributing to your physical well-being. It is our goal to do what is right for the child during these times.
Songs and nursery rhymes cultivate a lively sense of language. Listening to stories, watching puppet shows, and acting in dramatic play enrich language and strengthen a child’s powers of memory and imagination. Counting games and rhythmic activities build a solid foundation for arithmetic and number skills. Work and play activities develop coordination, concentration, and a healthy social sensitivity. Participation in seasonal activities and festivals provides joyful experience and develop a child’s inner life. 
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Our early childhood program is referred to as “kindergarten,” which is the norm at many Waldorf schools around the country. Children enjoy more continuity and stability when they remain with the same teachers and in the same environment for several years. The older children are given more responsibilities, and they help the younger children. The younger children learn from the older ones and gradually grow into a more mature role in the classroom. The Chickadee Kindergarten is for children ages four to six. It is divided into three groups based on developmental stages and how to best support the child, Chickadee I, II, & III. The Grades Program begin their day at 8:00 am, while the Early Childhood time is 8:30 am to stagger drop-off time during COVID-19. CHICKADEES I 4 years old (must be 4 by March 31) 3-day, half-day program for Tuesday - Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CHICKADEES II 5 - 6 years old (must be 5 by August 31) 4-day, half-day program for Tuesday - Friday, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CHICKADEES III 5 - 6 years old (must be 5 by March 31) 4-day program, Tuesday - Friday. Full-days, Tuesday - Thursday from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and a half-day on Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Hearth Semester From our scheduled Thanksgiving Break to the Spring Solstice is considered our Hearth Semester. During this period, our hours are: Chickadee I & II Tuesday - Thursday (and Friday - Chickadee II) 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Chickadee III Tuesday - Thursday from 9:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m and Friday 9:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m. For prices and additional information please see the Admissions section. |
The Riverwood Community Experience
Our RCE is an environment where the children spend their time solely outdoors. As Alfred Wainwright wrote, "There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing," we know that the child's most valuable tools are their gear and how they are dressed. We attend school in all weather conditions, however, winter is the most difficult to prepare for. Upon enrollment, a gear suggestions list is given to help in acquiring what is needed. Below is a guide to help:
Our RCE is an environment where the children spend their time solely outdoors. As Alfred Wainwright wrote, "There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing," we know that the child's most valuable tools are their gear and how they are dressed. We attend school in all weather conditions, however, winter is the most difficult to prepare for. Upon enrollment, a gear suggestions list is given to help in acquiring what is needed. Below is a guide to help:
