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At Growing Wildflowers, we prioritize a small, intimate environment to ensure every child receives the care they need. Our overall ratio is 1:6, but we specifically limit our group to only two infants (under 24 months) and four older children. This intentional balance allows for nearly 1:1 focused care for our littlest ones and a 1:4 ratio for our 'big kids,' ensuring a calm, safe, and engaging rhythm for everyone.
We embrace the outdoors in every season. Following the philosophy that 'there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing,' our children are outside daily for at least 2 hours. Whether we are gardening in the spring or exploring the frost in winter, this dedicated time allows for the active movement and sensory exploration that young children need to thrive.
We believe that fresh air is essential for a healthy immune system. We head outside every day unless conditions are truly hazardous (such as extreme wind, cold or lightning). We ask that parents provide "weather-ready" gear—including waterproof layers and sturdy boots—so children can explore comfortably in rain, snow, or shine.
Protecting the Developing Senses: In the early years, a child’s neurological system is rapidly forming. High-speed digital images can be overstimulating, while the real world—the scent of beeswax, the texture of a wooden block, or the sound of a teacher’s voice—provides the balanced "sensory nourishment" children need to feel calm and secure.
Active vs. Passive Imagination: When a child watches a screen, the images are given to them. In our classroom, the child must create their own mental pictures while listening to a story or playing. This active use of the "Head" builds the foundation for deep focus, flexible thinking, and true creativity later in life.
The Power of Human Connection: Language and social skills are best learned through face-to-face interaction. By removing digital distractions, we ensure that every song, story, and conversation is a meaningful connection between the teacher and the child.
Fostering Physical Will: Waldorf education emphasizes the "Hands"—the child's need to be physically active. A screen-free environment encourages children to be "doers" rather than "spectators," strengthening their willpower and physical coordination through real-world play.
While both approaches value natural materials and independence, Waldorf education focuses deeply on imagination, storytelling, and rhythmic movement led by the teacher. We prioritize the "Heart" and "Hands" in the early years, believing that a child’s academic "Head" foundation is best built through creative play rather than early formal instruction.
Absolutely. By focusing on social-emotional intelligence, physical coordination, and deep concentration, our students develop the "soft skills" that teachers value most. A child who has spent years problem-solving in a playgarden and listening to complex oral stories enters grade school with a high capacity for learning and resilience.
We are open Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To support a stable social rhythm for the children, we offer 2- day, 3-day and 5-day enrollment programs. We follow a seasonal calendar with breaks in the winter and summer.