About our Preschool Program

Experience the joy of home-like, mixed-age childcare. We offer a unique, relationship- based childcare. Children thrive in the warm, “home away from home” atmosphere of A Child's Garden of Thyme. Mixed-age, family-style groupings support the relationship-based care children need — with one another, with family and community, and with the same care providers year after year. Life is the curriculum for young children, including the social, domestic and nurturing arts. Creativity is fostered through imaginative play, music, movement, games, and artistic activities. A strong connection with nature, natural toys and whole foods rounds out the experiences that rhythmically support children’s optimal development.

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Why Mixed Ages?

Childcare “family suites” consist of groups of children who stay together with the same caregivers over a several-year period. Bonding to adults who provide consistent, nurturing care during the years of early childhood is tantamount to the development of healthy relationships in youth and adulthood. Brain research indicates that “the architecture of the brain depends on a series of critical but subtle emotional transactions between an infant and a devoted caregiver...clearly formulating the elusive building blocks of creative and analytic thinking, and the sense of self” (Dr. Stanley Greenspan).

Childcare homes can easily provide a “family” grouping with children of various ages. An emphasis can be placed on the learning that is cultivated through mixed-age groupings. The younger ones learn basic self-care and social skills from observing the older children, and the older ones learn basic nurturing skills by observing the caregivers tend to the little ones. Another benefit of having mixed ages is that the ratio of children to care providers enables more of a family feeling. The caregiver/teacher is able to meet the special needs of each age group.

About our Infant/Toddler Daycare Program

Infants, especially, need a loving connection to another primary caregiver when they are away from their parents. The infant-parent bond is unique and is not diminished by the bonds a child forms with other caregivers. The time infants spend away from their parents serves them best when a knowledgeable and loving caregiver is responsive to their many nuances of communication and can interact with them with genuine warmth and enthusiasm. Continuity of caregivers provides the best foundation for children’s healthy emotional and intellectual development.

• Infant care has an emphasis on promoting healthy sensory integration, thus encouraging natural developmental phases. Based upon the research of Hungarian physician Emmi Pikler, the movement of infants and toddlers needs to be as unrestricted as possible. To encourage rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and pulling up through their own capacity, infants are not placed in walkers, bouncers or mechanical devices. Before mobility, they are frequently placed on natural-fiber blankets or rugs in a protected space with a few simple toys to allow freedom of exploration. When they begin rolling and crawling, they are allowed to explore the larger environment. The youngest infants are also carefully wrapped for sleeping to provide a healthy sense of security and warmth, and caps are provided to protect their sensitive heads and ears.
• Nursing mothers are encouraged to come anytime they wish to nurse and/or to leave expressed milk with the child’s caregiver. Bottle-fed babies are held while feeding.
• Rocking and cuddling will be encouraged to develop a healthy sense of touch and movement and to promote security and comfort. They may be sung to while going to sleep. Depending upon the nature of the infant, some may be rocked to sleep, while others may fall asleep in the crib or pram.
• Toddlers are given ample opportunity for explorative movement and developing their sense of balance. The environment provides a variety of gradations and safe climbing opportunities.
• Diaper-changing will be considered a special time for connecting with the caregiver and may include a special name song created for each baby or a simple nursery rhyme, and a gentle massage. Through the interaction with the caregiver, the baby will be encouraged to be active in clothing herself or himself; for example, by learning to lift its own bottom for diapering or pulling on its own socks when capable.
• Toilet training is paced according to the individual child, but generally begins around two years old. Parents and caregivers work out a compatible routine.
• Music and basic finger and foot games are a daily experience.
• Clear, articulate speech is expected of the caregivers who are also encouraged to speak frequently to the infants throughout the day. This is the time in the child’s life when the development of speech capacities is at the forefront.
• Outdoor time is a daily experience except in the most inclement weather. A protected area is provided for crawlers and infants. Infants who fall asleep outside can remain outside, snuggly wrapped and covered in a buggy, until time to go in. Fresh air provides a deep, more restful sleep.

About our Parent-Tot Program

Our intention for this program is to create a home-like, safe, and nurturing environment, with some of the qualities that are difficult to provide in many homes today. For the children we want to provide: playthings from the natural world, or simply made toys that allow and encourage the use of fantasy; an extended family or community environment as children gradually become ready to interact more with their peers; nursery rhymes, finger plays, simple songs, and the opportunity to imitate adults engaged in meaningful activity.

For the parents we want to offer: a rare peek into their own child’s interactions in a group setting, as well as observation of other children in the same age range; a model of a rhythmic, structured morning, along with songs and finger plays that they may wish to incorporate into home life in some way; examples of simple toys that they can make for their children, as well as stories and activities appropriate to the age and the season; and an introduction to the Waldorf philosophy through articles and opportunities for adult education through the school. Please feel free to spread the word about these wonderful classes!

About our Programs for Adults

Parents and ACGT caregivers are partners in trying to provide what is best for each child. The caregiver can be instrumental in helping parents to recognize the developmental needs of the child and how to practice domestic and nurturing arts, while also learning from and respecting the parents’ insights into the specific needs of their child. An initial or annual visit to a child’s home can provide valuable insights into each child’s unique needs and forge invaluable links between home and the care provider.

• Parent education is an integral part of the LifeWays approach, supporting mothers and fathers in their parenting. It occurs both formally and informally and strives to be sensitive to the diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds of the families being served.
• ACGT caregivers and programs are resources for parents and can help build community, bridging the isolation of so many parents today.

Saturday Parent Tot Classes Inspired by Waldorf Education

First four Saturdays of every month beginning January from 9 to 11am. Due to limited space, we are only able to accept six guardian & child couples per day. Four sessions for $80 or $22 per drop in.

Saturday Adult Craft Classes Inspired by Waldorf Education

First four Saturdays of every month beginning January from 1 to 3pm. Crafting for Adults, $35 per drop in or $125 for four sessions (includes basic supplies). Treat yourself & your children to some lovely seasonal crafts while building your crafting skill set. Cookies, tea and sympathy will be warmly offered each session!