Waldorf Early Childhood Courses at WCI

Waldorf Early Childhood Educator Training Auditing

Weekends January 3 to February 1
& the week of February 16 to 21

We are opening some of our Waldorf Early Childhood Educator Training courses to auditors. Courses are open to Waldorf educators and those interested in anthroposophy. Course participants will join our teacher training program and are asked to pay an auditing fee of $25 per class and in some cases a materials fee. Auditors must commit to, and pay for, all classes within a course.
(Please note that auditors are asked to be quiet participants—present as observers only—unless asked by instructors to contribute.)

All courses are online via Zoom | All prices are Canadian dollars

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Weekends January 3 to February 1

January 3 to February 1 Weekends Schedule

An Outline of Esoteric Science

with Laurie Clark
(10 classes; $250)

A study of Rudolf Steiner’s book An Outline of Esoteric Science (aka An Outline of Occult Science) with particular emphasis on how this relates to cosmic evolution and early childhood. The premise for these descriptions is the fact that the visible world points to an invisible, spiritual world that is active behind it, and that with common sense and good will it is possible to ponder these descriptions. Understandings can then arise about how one can find, in the experience of all that surrounds us, keys to this invisible world and its evolution.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

with Debbie Laurin
(4 classes; $100)

Rudolf Steiner said “Being clever is not enough in our modern times; free will and deep feeling must accompany clear thought.” To change issues we have to ‘feel’ it differently right through our Being. Through examining our beliefs and recognizing the role of implicit bias we begin to understand what do I actually embody? How do I work with Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality? Thinking, Feeling, and Willing merge together to inform our practices with the children. Working with empathy is the foundation of imagination for holistic learning and a true understanding of self.

Working with Colleagues

with Karen Fjestad
(2 classes; $50)

The heart of a Waldorf school is found not only in its classrooms, but in the relationships between its teachers. When colleagues meet with respect, understanding, and shared purpose, the whole community flourishes. This two-session course invites participants to explore the art of working together with awareness, empathy, and care. We will reflect on professionalism, boundaries, and communication, while also delving into the delicate, rhythmic partnership between teacher and assistant. Guided by Rudolf Steiner’s view of the human being, this course encourages educators to approach their work with both mindfulness and warmth, strengthening the connections that make a school a place of growth, inspiration, and harmony.

Working with Parents

with Karen Fjestad
(3 classes; $75)

The acceptance of a child into the Waldorf classroom also means, for the teacher, a willingness to work into deepening relationships with the child’s family. We will explore key areas to foster positive relationships with parents and caregivers, including welcoming parents with warmth and openness, acknowledging the changing nature of parenting, cultivating inner development for effective communication, navigating conflict and challenges, embracing Anthroposophy as a path to social renewal, promoting mutual understanding and empathy, and fostering collaboration and partnership.

Registration Form

January 3 to February 1 Weekends Schedule

Course Refund Policy (pdf)

Week of February 16 to 21

February 16 to 21 Schedule

Ethics in Teaching

with Astrid Lackner
(2 classes; $50)

This course explores what it means to be a professional and how we develop inner accountability to our tasks; health and safety issues in the workplace and in our personal routines; community resources—working in partnership with colleagues and other service providers; child abuse—recognition of this and our responsibility and how we give support to the child and the family.

Health & Wellbeing of the Educator

with Debbie Laurin
(2 classes; $50)

Caring about the wellbeing of educators is a moral issue. This course focuses on the joy of working with young children with mindfulness and heartfulness. These qualities are nurtured and nourished when educators build capacity for equilibrium and can ‘empty their teacup’. We will explore playfulness, inner stillness, and practices to support health and wellbeing.