What is a Waldorf-based Approach?

"Based on a 2007 study of [Waldorf] graduates, future success in life is almost a guarantee: Nearly 94% of graduates attended university and 50% of students went on to receive a Masters or Doctorate degree." (Source)

The Waldorf approach to education provides us with over a century's worth of data to prove the success of this educational enrichment approach to child development. Over 100 years ago, founder Rudolph Steiner, a scientist and philosopher, stated that the “Waldorf school education is ... an art - the art of awakening what is actually there within the human being."

Steiner believed that the innate abilities of children are omnipresent, and are simply in need of nurturing to awaken the talents, gifts, and abilities that are present from birth.

Chickadee Daycare and Learning Center is a Waldorf-inspired school, modeling our mission, vision, and care around a carefully curated curriculum for ages 6 weeks to 4 years. The Waldorf model focuses on a play-based approach with emphasis on nature, the arts, creativity, and independence.

We have adapted this European model and brought it into our modern American era. While traditional Waldorf schools do not introduce reading or mathematics until approximately age 7 (unless the child wishes to pursue this before hand), we use our creativity to allow the child to direct their interest while interweaving these important elements for thriving in American society and schools. The American education system demands much from our youngest of Kindergarteners to our High School seniors. Chickadee prepares children with developmentally appropriate stimuli and activities to gently guide them toward a strong head start by following the footsteps of Steiner's Waldorf schools.

Hollie McLachlan, M.Ed. has been caring for and educating children in the private and public sectors since 2002. She is the founder and co-owner of Chickadee Infant and Toddler Care.