Steiner Approach to Early Learning
Our Steiner early childhood program nurtures a child’s natural curiosity and desire for connection through structured rhythms, sensory experiences, and the true work of childhood: play. Inspired by Steiner Waldorf education, our kindergarten embraces a relaxed pace, allowing children to fully engage with the present moment. We focus on supporting holistic child development—physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and creative growth. Our Early Childhood Program includes:
- A three-year Kindergarten program including Prep (for children turning 6), Pre-Prep (for children turning 5), and Pippi (for children turning 4)
- Play-based learning that fosters creativity, social skills, and problem-solving.
- Outdoor learning and nature connection through exploration and seasonal rhythms.
- A warm, home-like kindergarten environment that nurtures emotional security and social growth.
- An approved Kindergarten Program under the Queensland Kindergarten Funding Scheme, with our Prep Program meeting Non-State Schools accreditation criteria.
A day in our early childhood program
Children thrive in a world guided by natural rhythms, where a thoughtful balance of activity and rest, movement, play, purposeful work, and artistic expression nurtures their development. Daily Rhythm highlights:
- Creative free play is at the heart of kindergarten, recognised as the true ‘work’ of early childhood. It nurtures imagination, memory, and critical thinking, helping children connect experiences, explore ideas, and express emotions.
- Storytelling is a purposeful tool for learning, with carefully chosen tales that enrich understanding and spark curiosity.
- Artistic experiences—including painting, drawing, beeswax modelling, and handcraft—foster creativity and self-expression.
- Morning Circle develops clear speech and tuneful singing through stories and movement. These activities reflect everyday life, bridging age and cultural differences while supporting social growth and connection.
Our Standard of Excellence
Samford Valley Steiner Early Childhood Centre is an approved kindergarten program provider under the Queensland Kindergarten Funding Scheme and our Prep program is compliant with Non-State Schools accreditation criteria. Please see the statement-of-fees-kindergarten-services-qkfs 2021 and the QKFS subsidy.
Our Kindergarten has received an overall rating of Exceeding the National Standard.
OUR EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
We draw from Steiner’s educational philosophy, which emphasises wonder and imagination in early childhood learning. This approach shapes our classroom and informs how we engage with children.
Guided by the principles of Steiner/Waldorf education, our program nurtures children’s development through imitation, imagination, and rhythm.
PHILOSOPHICAL HIGHLIGHTS
“The preschool years, the kindergarten years, are the most important of all in the education of the child … It is absolutely essential that before we begin to think, before we so much as begin to set our thinking in motion, we experience the condition of wonder.” — Rudolf Steiner
- Imitation-Based Learning: Teachers model intentional actions for children to emulate, encouraging self-initiated learning.
- Natural Environments: Our Steiner-inspired classrooms mirror a home-like environment, filled with natural materials that nurture sensory development and deepen children’s connection to the world around them.
- Seasonal Awareness: Celebrating festivals and nature’s cycles connects children to the rhythms of the world around them.
- Foundations for Learning: Rich oral language experiences, hands-on engagement with nature, and activities provide a solid foundation for future literacy, numeracy, and science learning.
Start your Journey with Us
Gift your child the Steiner experience.