Our programs

Our Approach

Steiner early childhood education recognises the early years as a distinctive period of childhood. Young children learn through play, movement, sensory experience, imitation, relationships and direct experience of the world around them.

At Little Sophia, this is expressed through:

Rhythm
A familiar rhythm to the day, week and year gives children security and helps them become deeply engaged in their experiences.

Imaginative play
Children have extended periods of play with simple, open-ended and natural materials, allowing their own ideas and stories to develop.

Meaningful activity
Children participate in the real work of the kindergarten alongside educators — cooking, gardening, cleaning, craft and caring for the environment. These experiences support growing independence, practical skills and cooperation.

Nature and the seasons
Outdoor play, gardening, walks and seasonal activities allow children to experience the natural world directly.

Stories, songs and movement
Stories told by heart, songs, verses, finger games and movement are woven through the daily rhythm.

Relationships and community
Children develop secure relationships with educators and peers and learn to participate in the life of their group and wider community.

Our indoor and outdoor environments support these experiences through natural, open-ended materials and spaces for play, movement, practical activity and quiet.

Why waldorf/steiner Education

Parent and child Playgroup

The early years are a time of wonder, when young children learn through movement, imitation, rhythm and loving relationships. Our Parent & Child Playgroup offers a gentle introduction to Steiner, creating a peaceful space where families can slow down, connect with one another and experience the nourishing rhythm of the seasons together.

Through circle games, seasonal songs, finger plays, storytelling, simple craft, baking and open-ended play with beautiful natural materials, children are immersed in experiences that awaken the senses and inspire the imagination. Just as importantly, the playgroup is a place of community.

Parents and caregivers have the opportunity to meet other families, share the joys and challenges of early parenting, and experience the warmth and support of a welcoming Steiner community. Held in a calm, homelike environment, the playgroup nurtures both children and adults, laying the foundations for a joyful transition into kindergarten and fostering a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and rhythms of childhood.

Our parent and child playgroup takes place every Monday during term times with a Morning or afternoon session available.

Our Kindergarten programs

Each of our kindergarten experiences shares the same Steiner foundation and brings together children aged 3–5 years.

We place particular care in forming each group, recognising that the social group is central to the kindergarten experience. Groups are thoughtfully balanced where possible across ages, genders, developmental needs, interests and temperaments, creating a diverse and harmonious social environment in which children can learn, play and grow together.

Groups can support up to 20 children per day, with Nature Kinder on Fridays accommodating up to 25 children.

Our Kinder Programs

Families attend 2-3 days at one of our Home Kinder programs and/ or Nature kinder program

Kookaburra's
Home kinder program Mondays and Tuesday

Our Home Kinder programs offer a consistent group environment with a strong rhythm of play, practical activity, outdoor time, storytelling and rest. Children participate in everyday kindergarten life through baking, cooking, gardening, handcraft and caring for their shared environment. Through these experiences, children develop independence, practical skills, cooperation and a sense of responsibility, alongside strong relationships and imaginative play.

Dragonflie's
Home kinder program Tuesday, wednesday, Thursday

Kingfisher's
Home kinder program (wanderers)
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Kingfisher begins the day outdoors, first in our Little Sophia garden and then exploring the local environment until early afternoon. The Kingfishers then walk to our daily destination, have morning tea together, and play in a different local natural space each day. After a picnic lunch, the group returns to kindergarten for rest and the afternoon rhythm, which includes indoor and outdoor play. This program offers extended outdoor exploration and movement alongside the familiar rhythm and experiences of the kindergarten.

Nature Kinder
Monday, Friday

Nature Kindergarten extends the principles of Steiner early childhood education into the natural environment. Children spend extended periods outdoors walking, exploring, playing and developing a relationship with nature and place. There is time for imaginative play, movement, practical work, stories and shared meals. On Monday, Our Nature Kinder / Bush Kinder Program spends the day at Bellbird Park and the surrounding Yarra Bend parklands. On Friday, Our Farm kinder Program begins at the Sophia Mundi garden and spends time at Collingwood Children's Farm.

Parent Testimonials

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 15 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Emily Edmonds 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. At the heart of the Kinder is a commitment to kindness, compassion, and care, that we’ve been deeply moved by. We have witnessed how the teachers guide the children with curiosity, listening, and compassion-centred leadership. They actively foster self-trust, self-efficacy, expression, empathy, and connectedness, and we’ve seen our child blossom under their care. The Kinder’s connection to nature and the seasons is also profound and meaningful - in both the “home” and “farm” kinder programmes. I wholeheartedly recommend this gorgeous Kinder.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gourav Gupta 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We love the rhythm of the Steiner school day and the way learning is woven through story, movement, nature, music and handwork. Our child comes home curious, settled and eager to share what she has made and discovered. The thoughtful, unhurried approach to technology in the early years has allowed her imagination to bloom, and she plays and creates with a depth of focus we rarely see elsewhere.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Holly Gouldthorpe 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Little Sophia Kindergarten is such a special place for children to learn, play and feel a true sense of community. Every day my daughter is greeted with such warmth, it’s clear how deeply the teachers care for the children.

My child talks about her teachers as though they’re her family members. She is always so excited to arrive at kinder to share her stories with her friends and teachers. As a parent, it’s such a comfort to know she is in a place where she feels safe and cared for.

The classrooms are beautiful, full of joy, love and handmade crafts and toys. We love the gentle daily rhythm, the seasonal festivals, calming indoor spaces and beautiful outdoor area (with two sandpits, climbing frames, a garden and chickens!). The children are given the opportunity to learn life long skills, and participate in activities such as cooking, gardening, and are taught to treat not only each other but their environment with respect.

I am incredibly grateful for the Little Sophia community and highly recommend LSK to any prospective parents.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jon-Lee Farrell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have had the absolute pleasure and joy of sending both of our daughters to Little Sophia Kindergarten. For a kindergarten in bustling inner city Melbourne, the atmosphere is world’s away from the busy day to day. It is evident that all staff and educators take incredible pride in their role in nurturing and caring for all the children. Their effort to create connection is so comforting as a parent to watch every day. Our children have grown so much as little humans in their time at Little Sophia and their ability to imagine the world in such a free and magical way is highly attributable to their days at the kindergarten. We couldn’t recommend it more as the most beautiful introduction to education for little ones.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Laurie 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Little Sophia Kindergarten surpassed all our expectations for our child. The kinder embodied everything that you would expect from a Steiner education. We wanted our child to continue to exist in a dreamy, imaginative consciousness with no pressures and she certainly did. Her love of play and imagination was nurtured with love and kindness by her beautiful teachers Catherine and Ali. Our child flourished while at Little Sophia.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Hannah Canham 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Little Sophia has been a wonderful kindergarten experience for our daughter beyond words.

Our daughter had attended another service the previous year and it had been too overwhelming for her, however when we started at Little Sophia it was a completely different experience.

The predictable rhythms, the kind and caring educators and the generally calm and beautiful environment all made a world of difference.

The atmosphere is calm, friendly and welcoming and every day I am amazed to see how my daughter has developed and thrived in this environment and now walks straight into the room with a big smile on her face, so looking forward to her day ahead.

The program included bread making, learning beautiful songs and rhymes in morning circle, imaginative play and vivid storytelling. As well as delightful seasonal festivals.

Little Sophia opened us up to the world of Steiner pedagogy which is evidently perfect for our child and we are so grateful to have discovered that.

Most meaningful to us is seeing that our daughter has developed her social skills  and formed real friendships with the support and scaffolding Little Sophia has provided.

The kindergarten itself has a calm atmosphere both inside in their sweet pink-hued tidy rooms and outside in the lovely garden, complete with chickens, sandpit and wooden playground.

We are so grateful to have found this kindergarten and its community and highly recommend it.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Caro Cabezas 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We chose Little Sophia Kindergarten because we knew that their Steiner approach to early education would provide a nurturing, well-informed, and safe space for our little one to connect, learn, and experience the world beyond their family.

Little Sophia Kindergarten met and exceeded all of our expectations.

During the three years we have attended (playgroup to kinder), we have always found a calm, wondrous, and grounding learning space that nurtures childhood, children, and families. The teachers and educators have offered our little one the gift of belonging, the magic of positive relationships, and a sense of connection to the Land and the world around them. The admin staff have kindly guided and supported our family through this journey.

The learning days at Little Sophia are held with intention, curiosity, and a rhythm that gently allows children to find themselves as individuals as well as active members of their community. The program, routine, and rituals are beautifully crafted to create these learning opportunities. Our little one has blossomed in this lovingly contained and curated pedagogical space. The Nature and Farm kindergarten programs have been an wonderfully expansive experience as well.

We are grateful for what this kindergarten and community have given us, and will always cherish the wisdom, knowledge, and passion of the wonderful women who make this place a reality.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shaun Luzan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Little Sophia is a fabulous kindergarten that provides an amazingly calm and nurturing environment for children. The nature program is amazing, allowing children to be outside all day, either in the bush by the Yarra or at Collingwood Children's Farm. While the Steiner approach is not for everyone, you certainly don't need to be a devotee to benefit from this delightful kinder.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sanne Dijkema 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A beautiful, warm and nurturing kindergarten. The gentle rhythms support the children to grow and develop in their own time, while the connection to nature and imaginative play create a space where they can explore, feel connected and held.

We’re incredibly grateful for the warmth, thoughtfulness and deep care the educators bring to the children. The sense of community they foster is is wonderful and so important.

I couldn’t recommend this beautiful kindergarten more highly. A truly special place.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michelle Morgan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’ve spent two and a half amazing years at Little Sophia Kinder, and it’s hard to put into words how much it has meant to our family.

The educators have been far more than teachers to our daughter. They’ve been steady, loving people in her life - truely invested in her experience and development and she has formed deep, trusting bonds with them, which is so special.

We’ve loved the Steiner approach, too. The daily rhythm, the time spent outdoors (with chickens!), the seasonal festivals and the beautiful indoor space has been such a great environment for my daughter to learn and grow.

Beyond the kinder itself, we’ve found a real community here and I would encourage anyone looking for a warm, nurturing, community minded and very well administered/ organised early education program for their kids to consider Little Sophia.
  
 
  
  
 
 Showing only 4-5 star reviews

FAQ

How does the free Kinder and Child Care Subsidy work?

Eligible children can access the Victorian Government’s Free Kinder funding.

As Little Sophia operates within a long day care model, Free Kinder is provided as an annual offset of $2,101 and applied to eligible families’ fees over a 40 week period.

Families may also be eligible for the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS) through Services Australia. For families eligible for both, CCS is applied first, followed by the Free Kinder offset.

Current fees and government support information are provided during enrolment.

Does Little Sophia provide the children with meals?

Each Kindergarten program is different:

For families attending the Dragonfly, Kookaburra and Nature kinder programs, meals are provided, with families bringing in two pieces of fruit to share and a meal-appropriate vegetable.

For Families attending the Kingfisher Wonderer program, families are asked to bring in a Sandwich for their child, with all other meals provided.

Are their other costs or fees I need to know about?

All children will be fitted for slippers, a hat and a backpack at the start of the year.

*Children only attending Nature Kinder will only receive the backpack.

Doe little Sophia Offer a before and after care program?

Over the years, we have refined our kindergarten programs to meet the needs of the young child. It it becouse of this that we run our programs from 8.30-4.30. Outside of these hours, we believe that children need more one-to-one care with family and friends rather than a large group setting.

Does Little Sophia Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten Run a Holiday program?

Yes, we do! Little Sophia Ruldolf Steiner Kindergarten runs a ‘Holiday program’. This is often run by our amazing educators who step up while our Kindergarten teachers are on term break. Please let us know if you are interested in attending during the holiday periods and if you have any questions or concerns.

Whats the difference between 'waldorf' and 'Steiner"?

Nothing, both of these names have been used to identify schools and Kindergartens that apply Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy of education and understanding of child development.