Maples Bridge Program
Two-Year Old Caregiver/Child Bridge Class
This class is designed as a joyful introduction to a Waldorf Early Childhood education, or a progression from our Seedlings class.
Children and Caregivers begin the school year together, taking part in activities like free play, bread-baking, snack preparation and exploring art materials. Relationship building is a cornerstone of the Maples program, as children are introduced to being part of a group, with their teachers as guides and caregivers.
* Please Note: This is not a drop-off program *
Stepping Into the World with Wonder
Our hallmark Maples program is tailored to meet the nuanced development of the growing toddler and has been certified by WECAN. In our busy city, we recognize the enormous value of creating a beautiful, child-centered environment with natural play materials and an emphasis on kindness. Led by an experienced Waldorf teacher, the rhythm of the day is balanced between lively and quiet activities that reflect the child’s need for active play and meaningful social interaction.
Caregivers are invited to join in enriching activities and work, such as simple crafts, and the study of child development.
As children become more accustomed to the classroom environment, usually within 2-8 weeks, their grown-up is invited to begin a process of gradual and gentle separation, and can take a couple of hours for themselves outside the classroom with other caregivers or in our community spaces. Typically the Caregivers then spend the last hour with the class again for outdoor play.
* This program is a full year enrollment, not a drop-in program. *
Program Offerings
3-Day Maples
For Ages 1.8 - 3 Years Old
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
9:00am to 12:00pm
The three day schedule is particularly suited to the slightly older two year old, Maples students joining for a second year, or those with a greater readiness for separation and independence.
2-Day Maples
For Ages 1.8 - 3 Years Old
Thursday & Friday
9:00am to 12:00pm
The two day a week schedule is best suited for the not quite twos or younger twos, and those more tentative or wishing to take separation a little more slowly.
Our Daily Rhythm
9:00am - Welcome & Free Play
9:30am - Morning Domestic Work/Artistic Activity
10:00am - Circle Time
10:15am - Group Snack
10:30am - Free Play
11:00am - Storytime/Puppet Show
11:15am - Walk to Garden for outside play
12:00pm - Goodbye
Meet our Maples Lead Teacher
Jane Higgins grew up near Sydney, Australia in sun, mud, and weeds with rich opportunities to play freely. After an early career in the field of human rights and development, working for various international and Australian non-profit organizations, parenthood brought about a great shift. The rights, needs, and magical qualities of the youngest human beings really caught her attention. She has been a devoted early childhood educator in NYC for the past decade. Starting with the education of her own two sons she then became an organizer of local Brooklyn playgroups for 2-year-olds. Drawn towards Waldorf education she joined a beloved Waldorf-inspired playgroup run as a parent cooperative; first as a parent, then as an aftercare & an assistant teacher, and finally as a lead teacher (2017 - 2021).
Jane received her Waldorf training in Early Childhood from Sunbridge Institute in 2014. She also has a CELTA certification in teaching English Language Learning, a B.A (Literature and Film) from the University of New South Wales, Australia and M.A (International Relations) from the City College of NY. Jane finds time with young human beings fascinating, instructive, life-affirming, and at times very entertaining. She also enjoys travel, nature walks (especially with dogs), puppet shows, and mud pie cooking.
Meet our Maples Co-Lead Teacher
Marco Antoima is a native speaker from Venezuela, artist, chef, and a working photographer who lives in the East Village. He will share his traditional arts and culture with the students. We are delighted to welcome Marco as a Spanish teacher to the New Amsterdam School!