Professional Development for Waldorf Early Childhood Teachers

Birth-to-Three Part-Time Program

The first three years of life are the most critical. Children are is totally open towards the world and trust it without filters. They are totally dependent on what and who comes to meet them. Care for these children requires specific training. Research shows that harm done during these foundational years makes a lasting impression. Designing a program that fosters the understanding of these essential needs and develops teachers who are striving to be worthy of this work is our goal. 

Our one-year, part-time certificate program is designed for lead early childhood educators and assistants working with children from birth-to-three. This includes childcare providers in centres or home-based care, childcare supervisors/directors, and educators who facilitate parent and child classes or prenatal classes. Graduates of this program have the option of joining year two of our birth-to-seven certificate program. 

Dates:

Summer: 2027

    Fall:    2027

    Spring: 2028 

Prerequisites for Admission 

  • Currently practising teachers may apply
  • Completion of Foundation Studies in Anthroposophy program is a prerequisite. Contact us for more details.
  • Completion of preparatory reading list
  • Computer skills and Internet access

Program Overview

Summer Term: 16 day intensive, Fall Term: 6 day intensive, Spring Term: 6 day intensive 

This program consists of 305 hours which includes Foundation Studies, five intensive weeks of on-campus classes, assignments and independent projects between terms, guided individual study sessions and group lab demonstrations. In addition, students are required to complete an extensive practicum or internship which takes place in recognized Waldorf nursery, childcare or parent and child classrooms.  

Certification 

On completion of all course requirements, Rudolf Steiner College Canada issues a Certificate of Course Completion in Professional Development for Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Education Birth-to-Three. In the fall of 2019 WECAN (Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America) established criteria for a recognized birth-to-three certificate. We are one of three institutes that are recognized to grant a certificate for Birth to Three.

Program Highlights 

  • Anthroposophical understanding of the development of the human being from birth to adulthood based on the research of Rudolf Steiner and other contemporary sources
  • Emphasis on the developmental needs of the child from pre-birth to three with insights into how these years lay the foundation for later development
  • Development of the inner life of the teacher through biography work, artistic activities, singing, movement, study of the festivals and meditative practice
  • Creating a nurturing environment for the child’s life forces to offset the impact of the modern milieu in such areas as nutrition, lifestyle, and media exposure
  • Domestic, artistic, and practical activities in the classroom
  • Building a strong collaborative community life, working with parents and colleagues
  • Classroom management and working with the will of the child
  • The Pikler Institute’s research and practice in caregiving and healthy attachment
  • Guided independent study, child observation, assigned reading, and individual research

Individual Study Sessions, Lab Workshops, and Check-ins 

Due to the low residency of our program we make sure to connect with our students through individual course sessions and group lab workshops. All students have an experienced teacher to guide them. These additional sessions help the students to deepen their understanding of the essentials and identify ways of applying what is learned into their programs. On-site lab workshops demonstrate living examples of how bodily care of the child, practical activities, and the creation of an environment that supports unhindered movement can be incorporated into their own programs. Our directors meet with each student once a term and offer additional support as needed.

Practicums and Internship

Under the guidance of the director each student creates a plan to meet these requirements.  Currently practising in-service teachers require a total of three weeks observation and practicum. Pre-service students require a total of five weeks observation and practicum. Full details describing how these requirements are met are included under the course content. All students may complete some of their required practicum and observations after completion of the course work. 

The Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2025, does not apply to the program.

Our programs prepare students for working in Waldorf Early Childhood classrooms.
This program does not lead to membership with the College of ECEs or the College of Teachers.

Click the button above to complete the application form. Submit it with $100 CAD non-refundable application fee. Click here for Tuition Fees.

A special thank you to Logan O’Hearn at Mercurius Canada for the generous donation of resources for our Early Childhood Teacher Education Programs. Phone  807.345.9557 www.mercurius-canada.com

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This program does not require approval under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.