{"id":893,"date":"2015-10-08T16:29:06","date_gmt":"2015-10-08T20:29:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.asc.wdtest.info\/?page_id=893"},"modified":"2025-10-01T13:41:42","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T17:41:42","slug":"waldorf-early-childhood-education","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/anthroposophy.ca\/en\/initiatives\/waldorf-early-childhood-education\/","title":{"rendered":"Waldorf Early Childhood Education"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Waldorf<\/a>The task of caring for and educating young children is based on the indications of human development, given by Rudolf Steiner to protect the forces of childhood in a supportive environment, where children are involved in free imaginative play and the educators are providing meaningful life and artistic activities, which the children can imitate.<\/p>\n

With the rapid increase in the use of technology, media and its impact on young children,\u00a0the importance of caring for the young child in a healthy way is a challenge. There is an increasing push with young children for intellectual learning, which destroys the natural and unfolding abilities of the child. Unstructured creative play both inside and outside, a rhythmical life, surrounded by simple natural materials that nurture the senses, and the experience of real life work taking place are essential for the developing child. Artistic activities of music, folk tales and fairy tales. puppetry, and movement games also\u00a0support the awakening individuality in a healthy way.<\/p>\n

The awareness of this approach to the education of young children is at this time\u00a0becoming more widely recognised by child professionals and parents. Thus, there is an\u00a0increasing demand for Waldorf\/Steiner programs world wide.<\/p>\n

Such programs are provided in kindergartens, nursery and preschool programs in Waldorf\u00a0schools, home based programs, child care programs, parent child and infant child classes\u00a0within schools in many different cultures and economic backgrounds. There are also\u00a0extended care programs and adult classes to meet the growing needs.<\/p>\n

Waldorf kindergartens and preschool groups began in the 1960s and 1970s in Ontario,\u00a0British Columbia, Quebec and Alberta. In 1983 the Waldorf Kindergarten Association\u00a0was founded. To meet the changing needs, it later became the Waldorf Early Childhood\u00a0Association of North America (WECAN). The WECAN Board, whose members are\u00a0experienced Waldorf Educators and trainers, oversee and work with a network of\u00a0mentors and regional representatives to support the programs and teacher trainings\u00a0throughout North America and Mexico. There is always a Canadian representative\u00a0member of the board. WECAN is also a member of IWASECE (International Association\u00a0of Steiner\/ Waldorf Early Childhood Education).<\/p>\n

There are Waldorf Early Childhood programs in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta,\u00a0Quebec and Nova Scotia. Waldorf Early Childhood Educator trainings in Canada are\u00a0available at the West Coast Institute for Studies in Anthroposophy in British Columbia,\u00a0the Rudolf Steiner Centre in Toronto and in Nova Scotia.<\/p>\n

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