Play is the child’s work and the way that they learn about life and the world around them.
In a City of Lakes Waldorf Preschool classroom, imagination is nurtured, movement is encouraged, and the arts are integrated throughout the day. Our Preschool program is designed as a sensory-rich environment for children to discover what lies in the world and to grow all the capacities within themselves.
In the Preschool program there is an emphasis on bodily care – dressing, hand washing, self-advocation – and care for the things in our room – folding, sweeping, dusting, polishing. We use redirection and empathy to model healthy community and positive relationships for our students. Our schedule makes room for generous outdoor time, and lays the foundation for exploratory learning.
Our Preschool program is the the perfect introduction for the young child. The small size of the class allows for daily and weekly rhythms that meet developmental needs while keeping their first school experience intimate and comfortable. Children are welcome to join the City of Lakes Waldorf School Preschool program when they are 3 years old, potty-trained, and comfortable enough socially to be in a larger group environment.
Sample Weekly Meal Schedule |
Sample Daily Schedule |
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Anna RidgewayCLWS ’93Ms. Anna joined City of Lakes Waldorf School in 2000 and is the first City of Lakes Waldorf School alumna to join the faculty. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in child psychology from the University of Minnesota and a Waldorf early childhood teaching certificate from Micha-el Institute. She is proud to be a second generation Waldorf teacher. |
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Anette SafverbladMs. Anette joined City of Lakes Waldorf School in 2007. She was born in Sweden, and has a background in drama and theatre. She has worked as an artist in residence with Stages Theatre, Stepping Stone Theatre and The Arc Greater Twin Cities. She brings 20 years of teaching experience, with children and adults, to our school. She completed her Waldorf Early Childhood teaching certification at Sunbridge Institute. |
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Sue IversMs. Sue joined City of Lakes Waldorf School in 2005 and has been caring for children since 1990. Her background in healthcare and her love of caring for others evolved to focus on children over the years. She has taught many after-school classes for children including bread baking and Red Cross babysitting courses. As a teacher, she likes how Waldorf education encourages the appreciation of nature, and imagination and play in children. |
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Sarah Rose MillerCLWS ’00Ms. Sarah Rose joined our early childhood staff in 2014. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Religious Studies from the University of Minnesota and has previous experience as a Childcare Assistant at Learning Tree Development Center and was a Volunteer Coworker at The Bridge Camphill Community in Ireland. She is a proud City of Lakes Waldorf School alum, and daughter of Waldorf educators. She is currently enrolled in a 3-year advanced therapy education program in Denver, CO. |
“As they master their world, play helps children develop new competencies that lead to enhanced confidence and the resiliency they will need to face future challenges. Undirected play allows children to learn how to work in groups, to share, to negotiate, to resolve conflicts, and to learn self-advocacy skills.”
Committee on Communications and the Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health, Pediatrics Magazine
See the Preschool program for yourself. Contact us today to schedule an adults-only tour while classes are in session.