Physical, emotional and cognitive development are subtly and inextricably linked. This view informs the Early Years curriculum which is tailored to meet the child’s changing needs during each phase. This is the very basis of a child centred education.

The young child’s primary mode of learning is through doing and experiencing – he or she ‘thinks’ with the entire physical being. The nature of this early learning is self-motivated, through active feeling, touching, exploring and imitating. This immersive experience prepares students for formal instruction once they move to Class 1. Through experiential, self motivated physical activity the small child ‘grasps’ the world in order to understand it – an essential prerequisite for the later activity of grasping the world through concepts. Children are encouraged to master physical skills before abstract intellectual ones.

The Nelson Waldorf School Kindergarten program qualifies for the BC Ministry of Education Independent School certification for children turning five years old by December 31st. Two Kindergarten programs are offered as full-day programs; both programs run Monday through Thursday, with additional Fridays for half the year. The teachers have met BC Independent School Teacher certification as trained Waldorf educators and have current First Aid certificates.