Wildcat Canyon Community Preschool

We had a marvelous experience at the East Bay Waldorf school last year. They're closed this year due to COVID-related expenses and income loss proving too burdensome, but if you're open to a little bit of ambiguity going forward you might keep an eye on their website to see what their plans are for the 2021-2022 year. If they're able to reopen, it sounds like they'd be EXACTLY what you're looking for for your daughter. You might also check out Berkeley Rose, the other Waldorf school in the East Bay, which I believe is open now in some capacity.

Our preschooler attends the East Bay Waldorf School. The older children are getting some in-person Zoom instruction from their teachers, but the early childhood teachers have basically transitioned to being parenting coaches -- they provide rhymes, recipes, articles, etc., as well as what has so far been a very responsive presence via text/email, regular evening conferences with parents, and an occasional brief one-on-one video call with students. This works OK for us as I'm home full-time with our younger child, and the preschool/kindergarten routine at EBWS isn't something that would transition very well to a virtual setting.

I think your point about assignments is definitely worth considering -- even setting the wackiness of my own kid's school aside (no academics in Waldorf until 1st grade, which I acknowledge is unorthodox by mainstream standards), I've seen dozens and dozens of educational professionals from all corners of the field talking about how these are not normal times, and homeschool is different from group instruction even under normal circumstances. The most important thing for your kid right now is to feel supported, loved, and like she's in a safe, predictable environment; the most important thing for you her parents right now is to do what you have to do to protect your own mental and emotional health so that you can be there for her through this challenging time. If that means your daughter doesn't do some, or most, or all of her EB assignments for a little while, I don't think that's crazy. I've also seen the point made many times that you shouldn't worry about your kid falling "behind" right now; everyone's school year is disrupted, everyone will be a little off when they start school again in the fall. They will figure it out together.

As far as the other part of your question, which I read as (at least in part) "am I still getting my money's worth out of my school?" -- I think the real answer is no, none of us are getting what we're paying for right now. I see it as much the same kind of thing as buying gift certificates from your favorite restaurant and continuing to pay your babysitter even if they can't watch your kids -- if you want your school to be there when this is all over, paying tuition, even for less-than-ideal offerings, is a hugely important piece of making it more likely that that happens.

Hi there,

I also explored both settings when I was preparing to send my son to preschool a few years ago and we landed at East Bay Waldorf School. I also feel that this time in a child's development is a sacred time to learn about themselves and how to be with others. My son's experiences at East Bay has been sweet, nurturing and a whole lot of fun for both him and myself. The curriculum is play, art, and nature based. There are key elements of story telling, movement, outdoor play and music that enhance his friendships and inspire him to be a loving, self sufficient and cooperative person. I believe that because he is in a setting that is so grounding for him and his peers, when it is time for true academics they will be confident and prepared to think. 

I hope you check them out https://eastbaywaldorf.org/early-childhood/

All my best for you and your daughter!

Check out the East Bay Waldorf in El Sobrante.  The kids work on social skills and spend a ton of time outdoors.  It was a good fit for my high energy little ones.  

We live in Pt. Richmond and attend East Bay Waldorf School (my son is 3). It's a bit of a drive (20 min), but it's the most beautiful, amazing place and so worth it! Welcome to the area!

Not sure where you're located, but East Bay Waldorf in El Sobrante offers morning preschool with aftercare for kids ages 3 to 5, and parent-child classes for young toddlers (no dropoff for toddlers unfortunately). We have been attending the parent-child classes for a year and a half and are very happy with them, and have several friends enrolled in the preschool who are very happy there (especially with the 3-day classes). I know that both preschool classes are pretty small, so it's entirely possible they would accept a child for enrollment even though the school year has started. Give them a call or check out the website: ebws.com/early-childhood