Our Program
“Our task must be to free ourselves... by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” - Einstein
The Garden School Neighborhood Play Garden is in a home environment, surrounded by trees and nature in a friendly and quiet neighborhood. We are a Waldorf inspired program in a mixed age setting serving preschool and kindergarten aged children, located in San Rafael near the San Anselmo border.
We are a certified LifeWays Program with a small ratio of teachers to children, where individual attention and connectivity are valued. We are licensed and have over 20 years experience working with families and children. (License #214005276)
In a LifeWays certified program, life is the curriculum for young children, including the social, domestic and nurturing arts. Creativity is fostered through play and artistic activities. A strong connection with natural materials and whole foods is fostered and the philosophy is based on the works of developmental specialists. A sense of rhythm to the days is central and a mixed age, family style home setting is offered with a focus on what supports connectivity with the children, family and care givers. We offer parent education and resources to support you in your parenting!
Tracey's article about nature days with children, A Sense of Place, was recently featured in the LifeWays newsletter.
The Garden School Neighborhood Play Garden is in a home environment, surrounded by trees and nature in a friendly and quiet neighborhood. We are a Waldorf inspired program in a mixed age setting serving preschool and kindergarten aged children, located in San Rafael near the San Anselmo border.
We are a certified LifeWays Program with a small ratio of teachers to children, where individual attention and connectivity are valued. We are licensed and have over 20 years experience working with families and children. (License #214005276)
In a LifeWays certified program, life is the curriculum for young children, including the social, domestic and nurturing arts. Creativity is fostered through play and artistic activities. A strong connection with natural materials and whole foods is fostered and the philosophy is based on the works of developmental specialists. A sense of rhythm to the days is central and a mixed age, family style home setting is offered with a focus on what supports connectivity with the children, family and care givers. We offer parent education and resources to support you in your parenting!
Tracey's article about nature days with children, A Sense of Place, was recently featured in the LifeWays newsletter.
Rhythm of the Day
Morning Program 9-1pm, Monday through Thursday
9:00 Morning Activity
Followed by Creative Play
10:15 Circle Time
10:30 Snack
11:00 Outdoor Play/Garden
12:00 Story time
12:30 Lunch
1:00 Pick up
(Extended care option for rest time from 1 to 2 pm)
Morning Program 9-1pm, Monday through Thursday
9:00 Morning Activity
Followed by Creative Play
10:15 Circle Time
10:30 Snack
11:00 Outdoor Play/Garden
12:00 Story time
12:30 Lunch
1:00 Pick up
(Extended care option for rest time from 1 to 2 pm)
"We feel so blessed to have our two kids at the Garden School. Tracey and Rob are gifted teachers guided by their deep love of children and they have so much of experience to share. Our kids are excited to go to school in the morning and come home nourished, singing reverently with full and shining hearts."
- Parents of a 3 and 5 year old
- Parents of a 3 and 5 year old
Rhythm of the Week
Monday - Milling grains and Woodcraft;
Tuesday - Baking/Craft
Wednesday - Painting
Thursday - Nature Day
Friday - Office hours 11 to 1 pm by phone.
Snack Schedule
Monday - Oatmeal with organic fruit and coconut or almond milk
Tuesday - Muffin Day, gluten free option, *We use freshly milled and organic grains
Wednesday - Homemade breads with hand ground grains or Corncakes with nut butters.
Thursday - Rice day in the Fall. Soup day in the winter and Fruit Salad with plain yogurt sweetened with honey in the Spring.
Festivals
Throughout the year, Festivals are celebrated to honor and connect us with the cycles
of nature and to strengthen our community. Through sharing of seasonal stories, food and songs,
we are linked to the seasons, celebrating our relationships to nature and each other.
Harvest Gathering - October
Fall - Lantern walk - November
Winter - Illumination Circle - December
MidWinter - Earth Candle Making - February
Spring - May Celebration - May
Monday - Milling grains and Woodcraft;
Tuesday - Baking/Craft
Wednesday - Painting
Thursday - Nature Day
Friday - Office hours 11 to 1 pm by phone.
Snack Schedule
Monday - Oatmeal with organic fruit and coconut or almond milk
Tuesday - Muffin Day, gluten free option, *We use freshly milled and organic grains
Wednesday - Homemade breads with hand ground grains or Corncakes with nut butters.
Thursday - Rice day in the Fall. Soup day in the winter and Fruit Salad with plain yogurt sweetened with honey in the Spring.
Festivals
Throughout the year, Festivals are celebrated to honor and connect us with the cycles
of nature and to strengthen our community. Through sharing of seasonal stories, food and songs,
we are linked to the seasons, celebrating our relationships to nature and each other.
Harvest Gathering - October
Fall - Lantern walk - November
Winter - Illumination Circle - December
MidWinter - Earth Candle Making - February
Spring - May Celebration - May
"What a joy it has been to watch both of our children blossom at The Garden School. They are rooted by the rituals & rhythms of the day and week, brightened by their growing sense of the goodness & spirit of nature, and guided so very thoughtfully & compassionately by their teachers. The Garden School is a family; the children and teachers care deeply for each other in a warm home environment. We feel fortunate every day to have our children’s early years influenced in such an intentional and heartfelt way."
- Mother of two children, 4 1/2 daughter and 3 year son at Garden School
- Mother of two children, 4 1/2 daughter and 3 year son at Garden School
