Early Childhood & Kindergarten Programs
Tidewater School offers early childhood programs for children ages 18 months to 6 years.
Tidewater Programs | Our Approach | Extended Day Program
Lighthouse Parent/Child Programs
For parents and children ages 18 months to four years, this 6 –
10 week parent/child playgroup meets one morning each week. This is a gentle
introduction to the Waldorf preschool environment and a supportive atmosphere
for parents.
Admissions Info |
Lighthouse Application
Interested in learning more about any early childhood Program? Schedule a tour for an Early Childhood sessions.
Beach Pea Nursery
For children ages 2.6 – 4, this classroom serves children in a
caring, rhythmical environment adhering to the Waldorf curriculum for early
childhood with materials and furnishings classically Waldorf. Beach Pea
offers two options: a 3-day program (Tues. – Thurs.) and a 4-day program
(Tues. – Fri.). Children need not be toilet trained. All days are
8:30 — noon. An extended day, after care program is
available for those students who are toilet trained.
Admissions Info
Sandpiper Nursery
For children between the ages of 2 and 3, this classroom introduces
the child to their first school experience and follows the nursery curriculum
but at a slower pace. Children need not be toilet trained. Sandpipers meet
Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 – noon. An extended day, after care
program is available for those students who are toilet trained.
Admissions Info
Sea Star Mixed-age Kindergarten
For children ages 4 – 6 years, Sea Star is a 4 or 5 day program meeting 8:30 – noon. We also offer a 5-day, full day program that extends Mon–Wed until 3pm.
Both mixed-age kindergartens serve children in a caring,
rhythmical, play-based environment that is pre-academic, adhering to the
Waldorf curriculum for early childhood. The lead teachers are Waldorf
trained; materials and furnishings are classically Waldorf. An
extended day, after care program is available for both
mixed-age kindergartens.
Admissions Info
Waldorf Approach to Early Childhood Education
The following three statements can sum up the Waldorf approach to early childhood education:
Extended Day Program
Snug Harbor Extended Day Program is for students in Kindergartens and Nursery from 12:00 – 3:00 pm. Contact us for a fee schedule.
Extended Day may be free to parents who are engaged in volunteer work at the school at that specific time, such as committee meetings, preparation for school festivals, etc.
This program is licensed through the State of Maine under childcare regulations. It is open only to children of Tidewater School.
1. Adult Activities
Imitation of adult role models, who are engaged in wholesome activities and work, develops gross and fine motor skills and provides a sound basis for confidence in self and trust in the world.
2. Activities in Nature
A sense of wonder is cultivated through activities in nature. Celebration of seasonal festivals fosters enthusiasm for learning and life-long moral strength.
3. Imagination and Drama
Imagination in play, dramatization and artistic work provides the first step of a cognitive process that is furthered through the academic work of the elementary school. Much genius originally springs from the fantasy and imagination of individuals whose creative thinking enables them to visualize how things are also how they might be.
While the Waldorf nursery-kindergarten curriculum does not emphasize cognitive learning, it does prepare children for elementary school in many important ways:
Foundation for Language Arts
Broad fundamental work in listening and speaking skills, including singing,
proper pronunciation, rhymes that form the later basis of word families,
poems, listening to and comprehending stories, which also provide vocabulary
enrichment.
Foundation for Mathematics
Broad work in developing gross motor skills, graceful movement, balance,
coordination, and dexterity in fingers and limbs; Imaginative play with simple
objects provides the basis for abstract manipulation of symbols in school.
Artistic Training
Beeswax modeling, watercolor painting, music, singing and Eurythmy and simple
dramatizations.
Social Skills
Learning to live, work and play in a group, sharing and taking turns;
practicing common courtesy and politeness.
Work Habits
Learning to complete tasks, helping to clean up after themselves and working
within the gentle structure provided by the daily rhythms of similar
activities.
