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/caregivers and their child up to age 3.

Registration for our Winter 2025 classes is now open on Ravenna Hub. Prorated and late registration is available. To sign up for classes, first create an account and student profile. Then, simply click "Upcoming Events" on our school page to view and sign up for classes. Please email gsadmissions@sfwaldorf.org with any questions about Ravenna.

Winter Session | January - April 2025

Toddler Exploration (Mondays)

Toddler Exploration w/ Diane David
Age: 12 to 36 months
Location: Swedenborgian Church
Date: Mondays, January 27 - April 7 (no class February 17)
Time: 9:30 - 11:00 AM
Cost: $450 (10 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.

Babies Observation (Wednesdays)

Babies Observation Class w/ Rhian David
Age: newborn - 12 months
Location: Swedenborgian Church
Date: Wednesdays, January 29 - March 19 (no class February 19)
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Cost: $315 (7 weeks)

Description: Explore themes related to the growth, development and parenting of the very young child. Babies lie on a soft blanket where they watch what interests them or move around to reach the objects in the room. Special attention is given to supporting the natural unfolding of children’s interests, movement abilities, social interactions, and problem-solving skills. A nurturing atmosphere welcomes and surrounds adults and babies alike. We will learn seasonal songs, lullabies, and games to play with babies. Parents also develop their ability to quietly observe and interpret babies’ movements, gestures and vocalizations. Through quiet observation, parents deepen their own intuitive knowledge and discover new ways of being with their children. Weekly readings are explored in a spirit of mutual learning, and classes, based on Waldorf early childhood education, also include opportunities for informal conversation.

Toddler Exploration (Thursdays)

Toddler Exploration w/ Diane David
Age: 12 to 36 months
Location: Swedenborgian Church
Date: Thursdays, January 30 - April 10 (no class February 20)
Time: 9:30 - 11:00 AM
Cost: $450 (10 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.

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 SF Waldorf education accessible to those who seek it. As a social imperative in line with our school values, we offer a limited amount of 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. Email Jennifer Rossi 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 Williams studied studio art and anthropology at NYU where she earned a B.A. summa cum laude. She was introduced to Waldorf Education in 2004 through her work in biodynamic agriculture and, shortly after, enrolled in the Waldorf teacher training program. Upon completion, she took a class 1-8th grade at the SFWS and then continued on as an upper grades block teacher and our gardening teacher. As a parent of two children, she values the depth and insight of Waldorf Education in supporting her in creating a joyful family life, and the perspective needed to be the best parent she can be. She brings this enthusiasm and experience to her work with parents and young children in our Parent Child Program. When she’s not at school, you can find her swimming in the bay or making art in her studio.

Andrea Alfonso-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 our Parent-Child Coordinator 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.

To sign up for classes or join our list, please create an account with Ravenna Hub. You can view open classes in "Upcoming Events" or be added to our mailing list by clicking "Explore."

Have questions about our Parent-Child program?

Email us at:
parentchild@sfwaldorf.org

Toddler Nature Class