Now accepting applications for Morning and Afternoon sessions for the Fall school year of 2024-2025!
AT TARA'S TOTS, we create a home away from home. Each of our locations follow a carefully crafted daily rhythm that allows each student to knows what to expect when they come to school. This encourages our children to come to school happy, relaxed, and ready to experience the wonder that childhood has to offer. Discover the magic of nature-based education at Tara's Tots – where every child's potential finds wings to soar.
NOW ENROLLING FOR SUMMER ART CAMPS!
NOW ENROLLING FOR SUMMER ART CAMPS!
Waldorf Inspired
We are a preschool proudly embracing the principles of Waldorf education, infusing our classrooms with its enriching philosophy. Waldorf education takes a truly holistic approach, recognizing that a child's growth and development encompass far more than just academic learning. Our belief in nurturing a child's social, emotional, and physical development alongside their cognitive abilities is at the core of our teaching approach. We understand that each child is a unique individual, and our curriculum is designed to honor and support their individuality, fostering a love of learning that extends far beyond mere academic achievement.
We seamlessly integrate subjects like letters and numbers into our daily activities, making learning a natural and organic experience for every child. For instance, when we bake bread, we engage the children in counting out cups of flour, transforming the process into a joyful and meaningful learning opportunity. In addition to encouraging cognitive development, we place great importance on imaginative play, artistic expression, and nurturing a connection to the natural world. Our environment is carefully curated to inspire creativity and exploration, inviting children to immerse themselves in stories, music, and art.
Throughout our preschool, you will find a warm and supportive atmosphere that values the individuality of each child, encouraging them to grow with confidence, empathy, and a strong sense of self. Our experienced teachers are dedicated to creating a nurturing and inspiring space where your child can thrive and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Festivals and Community
Mathematic concepts come alive through purposeful and enjoyable activities like baking, folding, sorting, and counting games, ensuring a well-rounded and fun approach to learning. Our dedicated teachers inspire active learning through heartfelt stories and songs, allowing each child to tap into their imagination. By the end of the year, our students are well-versed in dozens of songs, rhymes, and finger plays that they joyously sing during our daily circle times.
To gain further insights into our preschool community, we invite you to explore our most current Parent Handbook. It provides valuable information about what students need to bring to Tara's Tots, our approach to discipline, and other essential school details. You can view it here.
At Tara’s Tots, we cherish the significance of embracing and rejoicing in the wonders of our natural world and the beautiful transitions of each season. Seasonal celebrations form an integral part of our school curriculum, fostering a strong sense of community among our families. You can view our seasonal calendar here.
Through enchanting seasonal celebrations, we create meaningful opportunities for our families to connect, support one another, and build a strong, close-knit parent community. At Tara’s Tots, we believe in cherishing the magic of every season and celebrating the wonders of nature together.
As early October sets in, our children come together to commemorate the new school year with joyous Harvest Festival activities. Alongside this, we venture to a remarkable biodynamic farm, nestled just east of Seattle, where the little ones can experience the wonders of agriculture firsthand.
In November, as the days grow shorter and the darkness embraces us, we embark on a mesmerizing Lantern Walk at Gasworks Park. This cherished tradition honors the changing light and symbolizes the warmth of our close-knit community.
As December approaches, we gather for a captivating Winter Spiral to celebrate the solstice. This magical event reflects the essence of the season and creates cherished memories for our children and their families.
With the arrival of spring, we eagerly welcome the blooming flowers and the joyous spirit of May. During our May Day picnic, adorned with delightful flower crowns, we dance around the maypole and rejoice in the beauty of nature's renewal.
As the school year draws to a close in late May or early June, we come together to celebrate our children who are transitioning to Kindergarten. Jumping the Log is a special occasion that marks a significant milestone in their journey, and we honor their growth and accomplishments with heartfelt admiration and love.
Daily Curriculum
At Tara’s Tots, we cultivate a vibrant daily rhythm that nurtures children's academic and physical growth. Through arts, crafts, stories, rhymes, and engaging movement games, our students develop strong academic skills while enjoying enriching experiences.
Our dedication to fostering healthy social skills is exemplified by providing ample time for play and exploration in the natural world. Children learn to interact with their peers, develop meaningful connections, and deepen their appreciation and knowledge of nature.
FAQs
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Waldorf, or Steiner, Education fosters creativity, practicality, social and somatic intelligence, and a profound connection with the natural world. Our passionate teachers have been drawn to the simplicity and joy expressed through this approach to being with children. While equipping our students with diverse tools and experiences for their future, Waldorf education lies at the core of our work. Check out the links below to discover what makes it distinct and truly special.
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All Tara's Tots preschools are play-based, meaning that children are encouraged to explore and discover the natural world through open play. Read more about the benefits of a play-based education by clicking here and here.
Click the links below to view more published articles regarding outdoor play:
The Benefits of Outdoor Play in Early Childhood Development
How Children's Social Competence Impacts Their Well-Being in Adulthood
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Embark on your journey with a personalized tour of the location that best suits your family. Click here to explore our admissions page and take the first step towards an enriching educational experience.
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Our Songbirds location enjoys a seamless collaboration with our neighboring sister school, Fremont Community School (FCS). This close partnership enables us to provide a unique and convenient full-day care experience from 9 am to 4 pm/5 pm. Children attend one school in the morning and then smoothly transition to the other school in the afternoon. At 1 pm, our dedicated teachers meet at the connecting gate between the locations to facilitate a smooth transfer of students. This harmonious arrangement ensures a seamless and enriching day for your child within our warm and nurturing educational community.
You can visit Fremont Community School’s website here.