Nature-Based, Waldorf Inspired, Parent-Child Classes
For Families with Children Ages 1-5
Come with your child and play, bake, sing, and socialize with other families in my beautiful Play Garden. Chat with other parents as you watch the children play in the sprinklers, dig in the sandbox, and water the flowers. These are the activities that warm childhood memories are made of.
A Waldorf-Inspired Curriculum Includes:
- Seasonal songs, ring games, and puppet shows
- Eating a healthy snack together
- A trained early childhood teacher to lead activities & support children’s play
- Space for children to be immersed in nature
- Support for your early childhood parenting
- A copy of my book, Joyful Toddlers & Preschoolers: Create A Life that You and Your Child Both Love
Dates for 2023:
2023 will have one Spring Session (April-May), two Summer Sessions (June-July), and two Autumn Sessions (Sept-Oct). Scroll below the photos for dates and times.
Cost for each session is $360/one child, $195/sibling over 12 months, $95/second sibling over 12 months. Financial aid available. Scroll below the pictures for more details and FAQs.
Registration will open in early February; please check back.
What Each Day is Like
Registration Opens in Early February; Please Check Back
Dates for 2023:
Spring Session:
- Thursdays, April 6th – May 25th
Summer Session (choose one or register for both):
- Tuesdays, June 6th – August 1st (no class July 4th)
- Thursdays, June 8th – August 3rd (no class July 6th)
Autumn Session (choose one or register for both):
- Tuesdays, September 5th – October 24th
- Thursdays, September 7th – October 26th
All classes run 9:00am-11:30am (families are welcome to arrive early or stay late if they wish)
COST:
One Child: $360
First Sibling: $195. (babies under age 1 are always welcome for free)
Second Sibling: $95
*Non-enrolled siblings over 12 months, grandparents, and visiting relatives are welcome to visit once or twice per session, with prior notice.
*I can offer 30% off (or more if needed) to several families, in exchange for help with set-up/clean-up, or snack preparation. If you are interested in this, please contact me at faith@joyfultoddlers.com.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where is it located? The Play Garden is a half-acre garden behind my home in north-west Arvada, near 80th and Quaker (it’s on W. 79th Place in Arvada, CO 80007 if you want to map search). I’ll send you the exact street address once you’re registered.
Do we go inside at all? Nope! This is an outdoor playgroup: rain, shine or snow. There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. Put on your sun hat, sunscreen, and jump in the sprinklers with the children. I have a bathroom and changing table close by for families to use.
Who is Miss Faith? I am a parenting coach with years of experience in the classroom, as well as two young children of my own. Before starting Play Garden in 2017, I taught at Boulder Waldorf Kindergarten, Rainbow Bridge LifeWays Program, and Shepherd Valley Waldorf School (now Boulder Valley Waldorf School). My book, Joyful Toddlers & Preschoolers: Create a Life that You and Your Child Both Love, was published in autumn 2017 by Hohm Press. Click here or go to the Joyful Toddlers homepage to learn more about me. I have a 9 year-old daughter Sophie, and a 3 year-old son Leo, who often join Play Garden during the summers.
Can I come visit to meet you and see the space? Yes, I’d be happy to arrange a time to chat and show you around! Send me an email at faith@joyfultoddlers.com and give me your phone number. I’ll give you a call and we can set up a time for you to come over.
What is the space like? The Play Garden takes place on a fully fenced half-acre behind my home in rural Arvada, with horse properties behind. A dry creek runs through the middle with a flagstone bridge, stepping stones, and a log bridge to cross. On one side is a big play hill with two slides and a tunnel running through it, and on the other side is a sand/gravel pit with lots of buckets, scoops, wheelbarrows, and other toys. There is a play-house with a sturdy three-rung ladder leading up to it, and a large veggie garden of raised beds with arches running between. There are flowers blooming all around. It is a place with lots of nooks and crannies to explore, and parts are well-cultivated, while others are left a bit “wild.”
How big will the classes be? Most classes have 8-10 families.
I have an older child I’d like to bring. Can they come too? Older children can be enrolled on a case-by-case basis. Please contact me and let’s chat. Older siblings who are not enrolled are welcome to join once or twice, with advance notice.
My child isn’t one yet, but I really want to join! Can we enroll? Sure! Just enroll at the one-child price.
My child’s grandparents are visiting from out of town. Can they come too? Sure! Visiting relatives and un-enrolled siblings are welcome to come once or twice per session. Just be sure to give me some advance notice, so I can make enough snack for everyone! Pets, however, should always stay home.
Who is responsible for my child while we’re there? I am here to run the class and I have lots of experience helping children navigate the social realm, but you are completely responsible for your child’s safety while you are here. There are hills, boulders and short bridges over the dry creek; if your child is a wobbly toddler or a reckless preschooler, you may need to stick pretty close. Regardless, please always make sure that your child stays within your view.
Questions not answered here? Email me at faith@joyfultoddlers.com with the subject “Play Garden Question”
Ready to enroll? Registration will open in early February; please check back.
