Waldorf Toddler Program

Where the Earliest Foundations of Wonder and Belonging Begin

Our Toddler program offers a warm, homelike environment where young children can explore the world at their own pace through play, movement, and simple, meaningful activities. In these early years, children thrive within a gentle rhythm that nurtures their growing sense of security, confidence, and curiosity.

Guided by caring and experienced teachers, toddlers enjoy circle time, free play, gardening, classroom care, and simple crafts—activities that support healthy motor development, time in nature, and emerging social skills. Within this screen-free, relationship-centered setting, children begin to develop the early capacities that support joyful learning and a strong foundation for the years ahead.

A balanced day

Imaginative Play
Play is the foundation for learning in early childhood. Play is the work of the young child. In our Toddler classroom, simple toys including blocks, dolls, a play kitchen, and moveable play structures create endless opportunities for open-ended play.
Outdoor Experiences
Time in nature is essential for healthy growth and development. Our Toddler program offers one of the greatest amounts of outdoor time for this age group in the Twin Cities through the use of our dedicated outdoor play space and easy access to nearby parks.
Student-Teacher Connection
Our low teacher-student ratio (1:5) allows for careful attention from our caregivers. Each child is lovingly supported in their individual growth and development in a warm, homelike environment.
Sample Daily Rhythm
- Arrival / Outdoor or indoor free play8:20 – 9:30 am
- Toileting / Clean up / Snack9:30 – 10:00 am
- Transition outside for creative free play10:00 – 11:15 am
- Transition inside / Circle / Toileting11:15 – 11:45 am
- Lunch11:30 – 11:50 am
- Transition to nap room / Nap11:50 – 2:00 pm
- Wake up / Snack / Toileting2:00 – 2:30 pm
- Transition outside for play and pickups2:30 – 3:00 pm
- Goodbyes for children who leave at 3:00 pm3:00 – 3:15 pm
- Outdoor play / Indoor play / Goodbyes for extended day children3:15 – 5:30 pm

Additional Information

Admissions into the Toddler Program is on a rolling, space-available basis year-round. Families are encouraged to apply 6-months out from their desired start date.

Want to learn more about our Toddler Program? A virtual conversation with our Admissions Team is a great way to take the first step. Schedule a conversation with admissions

The CLWS Toddler Program is for children ages 18 months through 36 months old. Children may transition into the Preschool program when they turn 36 months. Please see the Tuition and Program Schedule for more information.

The Toddler Program follows our school year calendar from September (after Labor Day) through the first week of June. Childcare is offered during the summer through our Summer Program; more information about our Summer Program is provided below.

We offer a variety of opportunities throughout the school year for current and prospective families to learn more about CLWS and Waldorf Education. View the calendar

The Toddler Summer Program is led by members of our Toddler classroom faculty and is built on the same gentle daily rhythm as the school year program. This program is designed to provide continued care during the summer months, for children ages 18-36 months.

To be eligible for the Summer Program, students must be enrolled during the spring of the prior school year and/or enrolled for the upcoming school year (in either Toddler or Preschool). The Toddler Summer Program is not a stand-alone program for new students.