Early Child In-Service Program, Rudolf Steiner College

Rudolf Steiner College is pleased to announce a professional development course for practicing Waldorf early childhood teachers and assistants.

This two year part-time certificate program consists of three 3-week summer sessions and five-day intensives in the fall (November) and spring (March or April) of each year. The program offers a solid philosophical, artistic and practical foundation for those wishing to work with children in Waldorf early childhood programs.

The full course includes foundation studies in Anthroposophy, early childhood development, Waldorf early childhood pedagogy and practical activities, and the arts. In addition each student will be assigned a master teacher as a mentor, who will visit the student in her/his early childhood setting twice each year and provide consultation and support in child development and on-going teacher development questions. A nourishing component of the program is the relationship which develops among the classmates who are also engaged in teaching. Successful completion of the program leads to an Waldorf Early Childhood Specialization Certificate. The certificate of completion can be applied toward a full diploma in Waldorf Teacher Education.

This course is designed for those having familiarity with Waldorf education and have worked at least one year in a Waldorf early childhood setting. It is necessary that, during the course, the student be working as a teacher, assistant, or volunteer in an early childhood setting.

Program Topics

Early Childhood Development
Child Observation
Rudolf Steiner's Foundations Human Experience
Medical Aspects
Biography and Life Cycles
Philosophy of Freedom
Outline of Esoteric Science and Spiritual Hierarchies
Anthroposophical Home Care
Inner Life of the Teacher
Storytelling and Fairy Tales

Puppetry and Marionettes
Circle Activities
Domestic Activities
Handwork
Creative Play
Festivals and the Cycle of the Year
Music for the Young Child
Gardening
Eurythmy
Painting and Drawing
Speech

Admissions

For information about becoming a student and our admissions process please contact the RSC office or go to the Admissions Page

This course is designed for those having familiarity with Waldorf education and have worked at least one year in a Waldorf early childhood setting. It is necessary that, during the course, the student be working as a teacher, assistant, or volunteer in an early childhood setting.

Students must enter the program at the beginning summer session and must attend all sessions of the program; partial enrollment is not an option. Enrollment is limited. Application packets with information about an RSC loan may be obtained from the Admissions Office. The application fee is $70. Registration papers will be mailed after the application has been approved.