Parent – Child Program

Our Philosophy

The first 3 years of life are a wonder-filled time when the child’s greatest desire is to experience the world through his or her own efforts.

The Peach Blossom Parent-Child class offers an opportunity to share an educational experience for both children and parents in a supportive and peaceful environment.

Skill Development For Parents

Once a week, you and your child will spend the morning with other parents and an experienced Waldorf early childhood teacher.
You will have the opportunity to learn new parenting skills and to share questions, observations, and insights. Your child will have the opportunity to explore the world and meet other children in a safe, homelike setting with Mom or Dad nearby.

How It Works

Our Parent-Child classes meet one morning per week in 8 or 9-week sessions throughout the school year. Class begins at 9:00 am and concludes at 11:30 am.

Three separate parenting workshops are also offered as part of the class, each exploring common themes of child development more deeply.

In the Parent-Child Program you will experience a morning of play, crafts and conversation with other parents and their young children. Together we will:

• Guide the children towards social play.
• Prepare a delicious apple crisp snack.
• Work with music and language development through songs, finger games, rhymes, and small puppet shows.
• Create simple seasonal crafts.
• Enjoy outdoor play and walks to the farm to see the animals, gardens, and greenhouses.

About The Instructor

Mrs. Ward has been teaching in the Hawthorne Valley School Early Childhood Program for 28 years. She holds a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from the Teachers College at Columbia University.

Registration Information

The Parent-Child Classes are designed for all children ages 1-1/2 to 3 years and their parents. For registration information on current or upcoming classes, please call the Hawthorne Valley School Admissions office at (518) 672-7092, ext. 111. Ask for a current calender, fee schedule, and application. You may also request a visit to meet with the teacher and tour the classroom.