Young children thrive on a simple rhythm that carries them through their day

Our day's activities are always with an understanding of what brings the child a happy and steady daily rhythm that helps them feel secure and in sync with friends and teachers. Through a daily schedule that involves outdoor play, indoor play, storytelling, family-style meals and calm rest, the child can feel safe and connected to a day and time in their community.

Spending time outdoors is a fundamental part of our curriculum. We dedicate a good part of our day to outdoor play. We believe the young child needs fresh air and space for free movement. Time outdoors provides opportunities to strengthen their senses of balance and movement, as well as inviting self-initiated creative play. Our Waldorf-certified lead teacher recognizes that every child is different and develops in a unique way. The teacher supports the children in their play and movement, giving each the liberty to explore their abilities in a safe environment. We understand abilities are different in each child, and we honor this as an important part of their development.

Our teacher and caregivers are also attentive to the social dynamics that play brings to the class. Teachers and caregivers are present but give children the space to meet each other in moments of conflict. If it is observed that there are emotional difficulties or that children are not resolving their differences, the adults will guide the children to a better understanding.

We believe it is important for children to have an opportunity to resolve their differences on their own but with watchful supervision. In this way children learn how to move through conflict, which builds individual character and community.

We provide open-ended natural material (wood and metal) equipment outdoors. This is provided to invite the children to use their imagination freely. We bring enough materials to allow each child use them independently or in group play.

   8:00 - 10:45 am                        Free play outdoors, morning activity and Spanish circle

                                                        Breakfast will be provided from 8:00-9:00am 

10:45 - 11:00 am                         Clean up and prepare to walk to our indoor space (Late drop-off)

11:00 - 11:45 am                         Lunch

11:45 - 12:00 pm                        Clean up and prepare for quiet rest time (Early pick-up)

  12:00 - 2:30 pm                         Quiet rest time 

    2:30 - 2:45 pm                         Quiet wake up from rest

    2:45 - 3:45 pm                         Free play indoors

    3:45 - 4:00 pm                         Clean up and prepare for snack

    4:00 - 4:20 pm                         Snack

    4:20 - 4:30 pm                         Clean up and prepare to go outdoors

    4:30 - 4:40 pm                         Walk to the garden

    4:40 - 5:30 pm                         Outdoor free play (Early pick-up)

    5:30 - 5:40 pm                         Story time and finger games in Spanish  

    5:40 - 5:45 pm                         We say goodbye 

         This is a sample of our daily schedule. Our rhythm varies depending on the needs of our children.

         We try to keep the children’s day harmonious and in tune to our daily rhythm. If your child has an    

         appointment or needs to be picked up early, we encourage you to plan on picking them up during 

         time slots that have been assigned for early pick-up or late drop-off.

A healthy, nourishing diet is essential to the growth and development of the young child. Healthy food is what gives the child energy, and a balanced diet supports a healthy state of body and mind.

We use organic and locally grown ingredients to prepare our meals. We filter water for drinking and cooking. We prepare foods with the awareness of our different needs throughout the seasons of the year, providing what our bodies need to be nourished and protected during the winter or summer months. 

We use seeds and herbs to complement our food. In the winter we provide warm cereals and hearty vegetable soups. In the summer we provide fresh herbs, fruits and lean proteins. We provide children with a variety of fruits and vegetables to help them enjoy the food they will help prepare and later eat. We honor the diversity in cultures that lives in New York City. Culture and diversity inspire our menus.

Our Waldorf lead teacher has taught children’s cooking classes for many years. She understands that children benefit from being an important part of food preparation. The children will wash vegetables, pick leafy greens, scrub potatoes, make broccoli florets and chop vegetables for soup. Taking part in the process of meal preparation gives children a sense of delight for the meal they will eat and inspires gratitude for the food we are given.

Milk is the fundamental food for the young infant. We support and understand the art of breastfeeding. We know how to manage stored breast milk, formula or any other supplemental substitute for milk. We understand the needs and the importance of the young infant’s nourishment and feeding, and we approach this with consciousness and care.

We are here to support the feeding and nurturing of every child. We will listen to each family and make every effort to honor and meet the needs of each child and family.