Play-based programs to protect the wonder of childhood
Our Early Childhood programs provide a nurturing and imaginative beginning to life and school for children from 18 months to age 6. Rooted in the principles of Waldorf education, these years are centred on play, rhythm, and connection to the natural world – laying the foundation for healthy physical, emotional, and social development.
At Vancouver Waldorf School, our Early Childhood educators create a secure and home-like environment where the young child’s need for movement, imitation, and sensory experience is met with care and intention. Our small class sizes support peer learning, connection, and continuity. Through simple routines and joyful seasonal celebrations, children experience the rhythm of life and the nourishment of belonging.
From weekly Parent & Tot classes to full-day Kindergarten, each program is designed to meet the child exactly where they are. Our Early Childhood Centre and Deer Fern Daycare are fully licensed, and our educators meet all licensing requirements. They are experienced teachers and childcare providers with Waldorf training who bring deep intention and care to their work with young children. VWS is a full member of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN), affirming our commitment to the highest standards in Waldorf early childhood education.
“Play is serious business for children, as important for them as work is for adults.”
“Play is serious business for children, as important for them as work is for adults.”
Jack Petrash, Author and Educator
Parent & Tot
A gentle welcome to Waldorf education
The Parent & Tot program offers a nurturing introduction to Waldorf education for children 18 months to 3½ years old and their parent or caregiver. Held in a calm, homelike environment, our classes provide a warm, predictable rhythm where the very youngest children can explore and play while adults connect, observe, and learn together. This program honours the child’s early development while supporting parents in their role as caregivers through conversation, shared meals, and seasonal activities.
What to expect
- Play and craft with natural toys and materials
- Seasonal songs, verses, and circle games
- Shared snack preparation and mealtime
- Parent discussion on child development and family life from a Waldorf perspective
Program details
Age: 18 months – 3½ years, with one parent or caregiver
Schedule:
Weekly 2-hour sessions
Thu or Sat, 9:00 – 11:00 am
Location: Early Childhood Centre, Lynn Valley campus
Deer Fern Daycare
Nurturing care in a Waldorf-inspired home setting
Deer Fern Daycare offers a gentle and nurturing environment for children ages 3 to 5. With a focus on unhurried development, the program meets children where they are – supporting emerging independence, imagination, and social interaction in a setting designed to echo the warmth and steadiness of home life.
What to expect
- Free play with open-ended, natural toys
- Meaningful practical activities like baking, sweeping, and crafts
- Outdoor play and nature walks in all seasons
- Songs, verses, storytelling, and puppet plays
- Shared meals, snacks, and rest time
Program details
Age: 3 years to school age
Schedule:
Mon – Fri, until 5:00 pm
Location: Central Moodyville, North Vancouver
Preschool
Gentle beginnings and purposeful play
Our Preschool program offers gentle care and meaningful activity in a warm, peaceful setting at our Early Childhood Centre on the Lynn Valley campus. With a focus on imitation and play, each day unfolds in a familiar rhythm that nurtures the young child’s growing sense of independence and trust. Children must be 3 years old and fully toilet independent prior to their first day.
What to expect
- Indoor and outdoor free play with natural materials
- Circle time with seasonal songs and movement games
- Simple artistic activities such as watercolour painting, beeswax modelling, and finger knitting
- Daily practical work such as baking, gardening, or handwork
- Shared snack and rest time
- Ample time outdoors in all weather
Program details
Age: 3 to 5 years, fully toilet independent
Schedule:
Five-Day: Mon – Fri, 8:30 am–12:00 pm
Three-Day: Mon – Wed, 8:30 am–12:00 pm
Two-Day: Thur – Fri, 8:30 am–12:00 pm
Aftercare: Five, Three & Two-Day optional add-on, 12:00–3:00 pm
Location: Early Childhood Centre, Lynn Valley campus
Kindergarten
Deepening play and growing independence
In Kindergarten, the child’s world of play deepens and expands. Our classes for children turning 5 by December 31 support rich social learning and offer a full program grounded in rhythm, repetition, and meaningful activity. Storytelling and puppet plays provide rich language experiences, while group work and shared tasks support cooperation and resilience.
What to expect
- Imaginative play indoors and out
- Circle time with seasonal verses, movement, and storytelling
- Artistic work (painting, drawing, seasonal crafts)
- Baking, snack preparation, and handwork
- Outdoor exploration and gardening
- Weekly nature walks and time in the forest
Program details
Age: 5 years until Grade 1 readiness (turning 5 by December 31)
Schedule:
Full-Day: Mon – Fri, 8:15 am–3:00 pm
Half-Day: Mon – Fri, 8:15 am–12:30 pm
Out of School Care: optional K-6 program
Location: Early Childhood Centre, Lynn Valley campus
“Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings who are able, of themselves, to impart purpose and direction to their lives.”
“Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings who are able, of themselves, to impart purpose and direction to their lives.”
~Rudolf Steiner
