Imaginative Play & Meaningful Work
Offerings
LifeWays Early Childhood Development Programs rooted in a Waldorf Education Philosophy
Track 1: Tuesday/Thursday
TK & Kindergarten
9:00-1:30
Track 2: Wednesday/Friday
Early Childhood Parent Cooperative
Ages 0-4
9:00-1:30 Half Day
9:00-3:00 Full Day
Deepening Connection with the Living World
Rooted in seasonal rhythms, children are invited to discover the wonders of the natural world through cooperative outdoor play, land stewardship, mindful observation, and the joy of being outside.
Practical Arts and Handwork
Through imitation of the adults around them in work such as cleaning and caring for the space, mending, handwork projects, and creating art with natural materials, children are drawn into meaningful, practical work that nurtures creativity, strengthens fine motor skills, and gently prepares the hands for the emerging art of writing.
Storytelling, Song, and Movement
Through the profound art of storytelling and song, children are immersed in experiences that support language development, imagination, and cultivate a deep connection to their emerging understanding of the world. Paired with intentional movement, children are supported with integrating both sides of the developing brain.
Our Weekly Rhythm
Tuesday/ TK & Kinder Pod Placerville
9:00 Arrival + Nature Walk/ Outdoor Play
9:30 Morning Verse + Circle
9:40 Form Drawing/Main Lesson
10:00 Snack Prep Together/ Set the Table / Eat
10:30 Free Play/Animal + Garden Tending
11:30 Handwork/Seasonal Project
11:50 Clean up
12:00 Lunch + Clean up
12:30 Free Play
1:10 P.E. Games/Eurythmy/Yoga
1:30 Goodbye Circle
Wednesday/Parent Co-op Day Placerville
Free Play & Animal Care
Living Arts Day/ Morning Activity
Seasonal Songs & Games
Snack Time/Wash Dishes
Free Play
Handwork, Art & Storytelling
Peaceful Resting/ Quiet Time
Movement through Play
Each day follows a predictable flow of breath—activities that expand and contract to meet the energy of our young learners.
Thursday/TK & Kinder pod Placerville
9:00 Arrival + Nature Walk/ Outdoor Play
9:30 Morning Verse + Circle
9:40 Form Drawing/Main Lesson
10:00 Snack Prep Together/ Set the Table / Eat
10:30 Free Play/Animal + Garden Tending
11:30 Handwork/Seasonal Project
11:50 Clean up
12:00 Lunch + Clean up
12:30 Free Play
1:10 P.E. Games/Eurythmy/Yoga
1:30 Goodbye Circle
Friday/Parent Co-op Day Placerville
Free Play & Animal Care
Baking Day/ Morning Activity
Seasonal Songs & Games
Snack Time/Wash Dishes
Free Play
Handwork, Art & Storytelling
Peaceful Resting/ Quiet Time
Movement through Play
Parent Cooperative Program Details
Parents take turns bi-monthly participating and supporting the group, cultivating a warm, collaborative community for young children under the guidance of a LifeWays-trained early childhood educator.
We keep our group intentionally small and maintain a calm daily rhythm, including time outdoors, shared meals, and creative play.
This is a cooperative model, meaning:
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Parents/guardians take turns participating in the program (bi-monthly participation per family)
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Caregiving responsibilities are shared among family volunteers, a teacher, and an assistant
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This is not a state licensed, drop off childcare program but instead a co-op
Program Details
Operating from September 9, 2026- May 22, 2027
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Days: Wednesdays + Fridays
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Half Day: 9:00 – 1:30 $400/month
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Full Day: 9:00 – 3:00 $550/month
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Aftercare drop-in: 1:30 – 3:00 $25/day
Parent Participation Expectations
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Assist with hand washing
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Cleaning dishes with children after snack
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General clean up throughout the day
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Restroom and diapering support
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Outdoor supervision support
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Following the teacher’s lead
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Support all children equally- not just your own child
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Snack prep
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Art project support
Who It’s For
Tuesdays & Thursadys: Homeschool families with TK–Kindergarten students wanting an intentional approach to early learning focusing on nature‑inspired rhythms, practical and domestic arts, handwork, creative arts, and plenty of time to explore through play. Those wanting to begin Kindergarten in a Waldorf fashion with a loving teacher to guide this process.
Wednesdays & Fridays: Families with children ages 0-4 desiring a community for sharing this work of tending to early childhood development rooted in the philosophy that Life is the Curriculum.
What You’ll Receive
Our holistic curriculum includes seasonal projects, the magic of rhythmic storytelling, mindful handwork and practical arts, and direct mentorship to guide your educational journey with warmth and intentionality.
Ready to learn more? We’d love to hear from you.
Reach out at kymberlee@littlethimbleberries.info to start a conversation about our programs.
Hello, I'm Miss Kymber
With over a decade of experience working with young children, I created Little Thimbleberries as a nature-based sanctuary for local families. Inspired by Waldorf early childhood principles, my work focuses on nurturing the whole child through gentle rhythms, meaningful connection, and exploration of the natural world. I bring a deeply experiential, relationship-centered approach that supports each child in feeling seen, heard, and inspired. My goal is to help foster a deep love of learning while using Life as the Curriculum.
Kymberlee is a LifeWays Certified Early Childhood Educator