{"id":39,"date":"2026-08-12T10:25:20","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T10:25:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/littlesophia.wpenginepowered.com\/?page_id=39"},"modified":"2026-10-28T05:00:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T05:00:10","slug":"our-services","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/littlesophiakindergarten.org.au\/?page_id=39","title":{"rendered":"Our Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Our programs<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Our Approach<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Steiner early childhood education recognises the early years as a distinctive period of childhood. Young children learn through\u00a0play, movement, sensory experience, imitation, relationships and direct experience of the world around them.<\/span><\/p>

At Little Sophia, this is expressed through:<\/span><\/p>

Rhythm<\/strong>
<\/span>A familiar rhythm to the day, week and year gives children security and helps them become deeply engaged in their experiences.<\/span><\/p>

Imaginative play<\/strong>
<\/span>Children have extended periods of play with simple, open-ended and natural materials, allowing their own ideas and stories to develop.<\/span><\/p>

Meaningful activity<\/strong>
<\/span>Children participate in the real work of the kindergarten alongside educators \u2014 cooking, gardening, cleaning, craft and caring for the environment. These experiences support growing independence, practical skills and cooperation.<\/span><\/p>

Nature and the seasons
<\/strong>Outdoor play, gardening, walks and seasonal activities allow children to experience the natural world directly.<\/span><\/p>

Stories, songs and movement<\/strong>
<\/span>Stories told by heart, songs, verses, finger games and movement are woven through the daily rhythm.<\/span><\/p>

Relationships and community<\/strong>
<\/span>Children develop secure relationships with educators and peers and learn to participate in the life of their group and wider community.<\/span><\/p>

Our indoor and outdoor environments support these experiences through natural, open-ended materials and spaces for play, movement, practical activity and quiet.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Why waldorf\/steiner Education<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Parent and child Playgroup<\/h2>\n\t\t
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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.
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Our Kindergarten programs<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Each of our kindergarten experiences shares the same Steiner foundation and brings together children aged 3\u20135 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.
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Our Kinder Programs<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Families attend 2-3 days at one of our Home Kinder programs and\/ or Nature kinder program<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Kookaburra's
Home kinder program Mondays and Tuesday<\/a><\/h4>

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.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Dragonflie's
Home kinder program Tuesday, wednesday, Thursday<\/a><\/h4>

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.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Kingfisher's
Home kinder program (wanderers)
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday<\/a><\/h4>

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.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Nature Kinder
Monday, Friday<\/a><\/h4>

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.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n

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Parent Testimonials<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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