Early Childhood at Bright Water Waldorf School
At Bright Water, we create a warm, home-like environment where young children feel safe, seen, and free to explore their natural creativity. Guided by gentle, predictable rhythms, each day invites children into meaningful play, artistic expression, storytelling, baking, handwork, and outdoor exploration—rain or shine.
Our Early Childhood classrooms nurture the whole child—head, heart, and hands—through rich sensory experiences and imaginative play. The steady daily rhythm fosters confidence, comfort, and joyful discovery, helping children transition from home to school with ease.
These early years are also a time of connection for families. Our program invites parents into a supportive community, with opportunities to learn about child development and form lasting relationships with other families.
Bright Water’s Early Childhood program lays a strong, nurturing foundation for lifelong learning and belonging.
Early Childhood Program: Ages 1-6
Our mixed-age Early Childhood Program cultivates in children curiosity, creative thinking, self-confidence, compassion, and an enthusiasm for learning.
Each child’s unique developmental path is supported by the relationships they form with their teachers and the other children and parents in the group. The mixed-age setting allows children to develop confidence and social skills through purposeful activities and imaginative play, and the program lays a solid foundation for the academic work awaiting them in grade school.
Scroll down to learn more about our Early Childhood offerings.
Roots & Shoots
for Children Ages 1-3 & Caregivers
Thursdays 9am-11am on Bright Water’s Early Childhood campus
Fridays 9am-10:30am at Seward Park*
Rooted in Waldorf principles, our parent-child program blends seasonal rhythms, songs, and stories with time in nature—both on Bright Water’s campus and in nearby Seward Park.
Together, children and caregivers explore, play, and grow in a nurturing environment that supports the whole child—body, mind, and spirit.
With small class sizes (up to 10 families), Roots & Shoots offers a close-knit community where deep connections can blossom. Parents and caregivers join the daily rhythm, finding joy and grounding alongside their little ones.
Come grow with us—where learning begins with wonder and connection.
2025 Fall Session: September 11- November 21 (no school October 2, 10)
2026 Winter Session: December 11- March 6 (no school December 25, 26, January 1, 2, February 19, 20)
2026 Spring Session: March 26- June 5 (no school April 16, 17)
*Seward Park: This outdoor classroom provides a perfect setting for fostering a deep, lifelong bond with the natural world, as children observe the changing seasons and engage with the elements.
Sunflower Preschool
For (fully potty-trained) children ages 2.5 - 4
M-W 8:30am-12:30pm OR 8:30am-2:45pm
Aftercare available from 2:45pm-5:30pm
In the early years, children learn through imitation and play. The Sunflower Class provides ample space and time for freedom of movement, fine and gross motor development, self-initiated play, meaningful practical work, and healthy social relationships. Children connect with stories about the seasons and animals.
Daily circle and story provide rhythm, community, and reverence. A warm snack prepared together centers our time together and brings inner and outer warmth. Year-long projects include life processes; wool to yarn, seed to bread, tree to toy, and more. The pace of the day prioritizes an unhurried childhood and a gentle entry into a school experience. Imagination, reverence, wonder, humor, and warmth wrap the preschool classroom in a home-like environment. The early childhood classes get to come together for time outside and enjoy the benefits of mixed-age groups.
Salmonberry Kindergarten
For children ages 4-6
M-W 8:30am-2:45pm OR M-F 8:30am-2:45pm
Aftercare available from 2:45pm-5:30pm
In the kindergarten, children are nourished through fairytales and stories of morality. The foundation for literacy is laid through circle and story time which includes; movement journeys, rich vocabulary, phonological awareness, word concept, comprehension, eye tracking, and bi-lateral brain development.
Numeracy is developed through counting stories and songs, sorting and matching games, jump rope counting, curiosity, and wonder. Children develop fine motor skills through painting, drawing, beeswax molding, braiding, sewing, weaving, and cooking. Gross motor movement opportunities are found through obstacle courses, building, and climbing. Care for the environment is nurtured through raking, sweeping, gardening, and connection to the seasons through festival life.
enjoy our BWWS Early Childhood Blog
