Welcome to Heartsong
A Waldorf-inspired, Nature Preschool at
Heartsong Nature Preschool
We believe childhood is a precious, full phase of life — not simply a preparation for what comes next. Our curriculum is rooted in Waldorf philosophy, adapted for the earliest years, with a strong emphasis on rhythm, nature, imagination, and the development of the whole child: head, heart, and hands.

Waldorf - a developmentally appropriate program
At Heartsong, we understand that early childhood experiences have a profound impact on a person’s lifelong development, which is why we use teaching methods that honor each stage of a child’s growth.
Our program is inspired by the work of Austrian philosopher and scientist Rudolf Steiner, whose understanding of human development aligns with findings from modern neuroscience. Thought leaders such as Jane Healy, David Elkind, and Joseph Chilton Pearce have also emphasized the vital role of play in supporting the healthy, holistic development of young children. We offer age-appropriate learning experiences that meet children where they are, engaging their evolving abilities and nurturing their growth.
The Wonder of Childhood
We honor the innocence, wonder, and playful creativity of early childhood.
Rather than rushing children into academic tasks, we view play as the work of childhood. Through imaginative play, storytelling, handicraft, and free movement, children develop inner strength, confidence, and a foundation for cognitive development.
Connecting with our Natural World
At Heartsong, the outdoors is a classroom.
We invite children to engage in daily nature experiences: exploring our Muir Woods, tending our Children’s Garden, observing wildlife, and immersing themselves in the cycles of seasons. These encounters awaken their senses, foster respect for the natural world, and build an intrinsic sense of stewardship for the earth.
"Receive the children in reverence, educate them in love, and send them forth in freedom."
– Rudolf Steiner
Engaging head, hearts and hands
In a Waldorf-inspired environment, every day we weave together artistic activity, music, movement, and practical handwork.
Before children are ready to read and write, they first need to build focus, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. These foundational abilities are nurtured through hands-on activities like baking, braiding, finger crocheting, sewing, beeswax modeling, crayon drawing, watercolor painting, and more. These expressive experiences nourish not only their hands and bodies, but also their inner life.
A Loving, Supportive Community
Heartsong is more than a school — it is part of a larger welcoming community.
We strive to build beloved community, which includes our preschool families, our congregations, and the community at large. Seasonal celebrations, community projects, and collaborative projects help to create this vision.
Inspiration through Storytelling
Storytelling plays a key role in nurturing language development in our program.
Through rich oral narratives, children strengthen their memory while developing an appreciation for the beauty, rhythm, and expressiveness of language. Some stories come to life through simple puppet plays, sparking imagination and wonder. We draw from traditional fairy tales and cultural stories from around the world, offering a diverse tapestry of voices and themes. Our daily circle time includes poems, songs, and movement games that not only support language growth but also lay the foundation for early math skills through playful counting and rhythmic patterns.
