Parent-Child Program

The first three years of a child's life are a time of profound growth. A supportive community for parents and caregivers of young children awaits you in our seasonal classes. Through quiet observation of the children at play, a weekly discussion on topics such as creating a family rhythm and child development, families can explore Waldorf philosophy in a nurturing setting where all are welcome and valued. For parents or caregivers and their child up to age 3.

Indoor classes will have windows and doors left open for ventilation and air filters will be running for ample air circulation. Participants must be fever, cough, and symptom free to attend class.

We are often able to prorate course cost with late registration. Please email Alyson Dinsmore with any questions or to register after the course start date.

Spring Session | April - June 2023

Toddler Exploration (Mondays) FULL

Toddler Exploration (Mondays) FULL

FULL ~~Toddler Exploration w/Diane David~~ FULL
~~Age: 12 to 36 months~~
Location: Swedenborgian Church
Date: April 24; May 1, 8, 15, 22; June 5
Time: 9:30 - 11:00 AM
Cost: $270 (6 weeks)

Description: Each week we will enjoy a seasonal circle time with joyful songs and rhymes, free play and exploration by the children, and a period of quiet observation during which the adults bring their calm and focused attention to the children. Occasional puppet shows nourish the children's developing senses and budding imaginations. Together we will create a warm sense of community as we explore Waldorf early childhood education and child development. Each class includes a guided discussion on a weekly reading such as rhythm, warmth, sleep, loving boundaries, and the senses.

Summer Session | June - July 2023

Exploring Nature Together (Wednesdays)

Exploring Nature Together (Wednesdays)

Exploring Nature Together w/Karmin Guzder
Age: Babies to 36 months
Location: Corona Heights Park
Date: June 7, 14, 21, 28; July 5, July 12
Time: 9:30 - 11:00 am
Fee: $270 (6 weeks)

Description: San Francisco is blessed with many beautiful forests, parks, and beaches. Come explore nature in the city with us as we experience the benefits of quiet observation and free play in nature. We will share simple finger games and rhymes and a guided discussion about readings related to nature, raising children, Waldorf education, and snack time together (brought from home). Note: We meet rain or shine! Rain gear and boots may be needed at times.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE: At the heart of Waldorf education is the belief that each being has the wisdom to transform itself and the world. To that end, we work as a community to make an SFWS education accessible to those who seek it. As a social imperative in line with our school values, SFWS offers scholarships to BIPOC families interested in our Parent-Child Program. Our commitment to racial, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity is founded on the belief that a healthy school community reflects the richly diverse Bay Area in which we are rooted. We see the value in welcoming diverse families and deeply appreciate all our families, from full pay to full scholarships. Please email Alyson Dinsmore to inquire about registering for a Parent-Child Class with a BIPOC scholarship.

Meet our Teachers

Diane David taught our youngest students, first in the original Elves Corner home daycare, and then in the Kindergarten for nearly 40 years. She is recognized as a master teacher, and is the Director of Early Childhood at the Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training (BACWTT) where she loves to guide the next generation of teachers. She is also the co-representative for Northern California, along with Dagmar Eisele, for the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN) and serves on the Teacher Education Committee of its Board. Diane is a regular attendee at international Waldorf early childhood conferences and is a member of the Magic Lantern Marionette Troupe. She raised six children here in San Francisco and in Wales, her husband's home, and is now the happy grandmother of 14 grandchildren.

Karmin Guzder brings over 15 years of teaching experience to her work at SF Waldorf School. In addition to completing 8 years as a class teacher, she has a breadth of teaching experience from Early Childhood through high school. She previously ran our Gardening program for Kindergarten through Grade 3. Ms. Guzder graduated summa cum laude from New York University with a B.A. and a B.S. in Anthropology and Studio Art. She earned her Waldorf teaching certificate from Rudolf Steiner College. She is the parent of a current SFWS Kindergarten student.

Andrea Alphonso-Gibbs is a mother of two and has previously worked in our Parent-Child Program. She started Waldorf teacher training when her oldest was in kindergarten at the SF Waldorf school. Subsequently, she has worked in the Lifeways program and has been a Simplicity Parenting coach. As a life-long learner, Andrea has
recently earned a master’s in Counseling Psychology, from Dominican University. Over the years, she has worked in a number of Waldorf-Inspired preschool programs and brings a wealth of experience to working with parents and toddlers.

Enrollment Policies

Please review before registering for a class.

Class fees are non-refundable unless the entire class is canceled by the instructor.
Make-up class will be offered if the instructor must cancel a class.
Children and parents must be fever, cough, and symptom free to attend classes. If these or other symptoms arise in the child or family member, parents should inform the school and their doctor immediately and get tested for COVID-19.
Enrollment fees are for one adult and one child. Please register all 2nd adults and siblings who will attend. There is no fee for them in outdoor classes and a $50 fee in indoor classes. If a family of 4+ wishes to register, please contact Aly Dinsmore to discuss a family rate.
Participants may withdraw from a class up to 10 days before session starts. A credit towards a future class will be granted, minus a $50 administrative fee.
All guests to class require advance permission from instructor (such as a partner or a visiting relative).
We warmly welcome all families, including prospective, adoptive, foster, single-parent, and LGBTQ families.