Program
Melody's Pond Childcare embraces a play-based education inspired by the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, a German philosopher and educator. Our holistic approach emphasizes imagination, freedom, and experiential learning, aligning with the principles of Waldorf education. Unlike traditional methods, we reject grades and tests, focusing instead on nurturing each child's unique development.
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At Melody's Pond Childcare, we believe that children naturally learn through play, which serves as their primary way of engaging with the world. Our play-based activities are integrated into a structured weekly routine, ensuring a balanced and enriching experience. Consistent with the Waldorf philosophy, we promote "active learning" and limit the use of technology like computers and tablets, as we believe these devices encourage passivity.
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Our commitment to fostering a creative, engaging, and technology-free environment ensures that children at Melody's Pond Childcare can thrive and develop their full potential.
Typical Activities include...​
Group Play: Engaging children in singing, dancing, imaginative play, games, reading, and listening to stories and music.
Free Play: Providing a variety of choices, including blocks, kitchen toys, dolls and accessories, Duplos/Legos, play sets, household toys, pull/push toys, art materials, and limited television or video time.
Language Development: Using nursery rhymes, finger plays, stimulating pictures or objects to encourage verbalization, reading to the children, and flannel boards.
Dramatic Play: Encouraging dress-up, role-playing, puppetry, and other imaginative activities.
Outdoor Play: Weather permitting, children can enjoy climbing, riding toys, running, ball playing, gardening toys, trucks, and strolling dolls. (Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather; if unsure, dress in layers or bring extra clothes.)
Special Days: Celebrating birthdays and holiday parties.
​Daily Routines
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· Arrival and Greeting
· Drop off and pick up other children to and/from their schools
· Breakfast and clean up
· Bathroom and/or diaper change and hand washing
· Infants usually nap in the morning as well as the afternoon
· Free Play
· Bathroom and/or diaper change and hand washing
· Outdoor play (weather permitting) or other large muscle activity
· Hand washing
· Lunch and clean up
· Nap time
· Bathroom and/or diaper change and hand washing
· Snack and clean up
· Free play
· Parents arrive to pick up children