Early Childhood
FULL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
The Early Childhood Certificate Program is designed to prepare you with the depth of understanding and skills needed to work successfully in a Waldorf Early Childhood Setting. Our program instructors are leaders in the field of Waldorf early childhood education, with many years of Waldorf classroom experience and as adult educators. Together with visiting faculty they will provide you with a rich and comprehensive education.
Entrance requirements
Child and human development and and how it relates to Waldorf education
Anthroposophical studies, the philosophy behind Waldorf education.
Practices in Waldorf Early Childhood work and the underlying principles.
Artistic and handwork activities of Waldorf early childhood education
Professional and social aspects of Waldorf early childhood education
Inner holistic development of the educator
What will you learn?
To understand the child in depth, through the broader study of human development, and specifically child development pre-birth to age seven.
To develop skills to practice this understanding in a Waldorf Early Childhood setting based on rhythm, arts, storytelling, music, crafts and imagination.
To study together Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy to deepen awareness of the far-reaching effects of a holistic education
To practice tools for self-development and lifelong research.
This program welcomes first time teacher as well as working teachers. All applicants must have earned a high school diploma, have some familiarity with Waldorf education and anthroposophy and be able to satisfy your fieldwork requirements during the course of the program.
Length and Format
A new cohort starts each summer - our Summer 2025 enrollment deadline is July 13th.
The 3 summers are comprised of
2 in person early childhood weeks
1 in person early grades week
1 three day online morning seminar
The 2 school years in between are comprised of
Two in person early childhood intensives per semester
Monthly online Waldorf Essential Seminars
Monthly Anthroposophy studies online.
Monthly online Mentoring Mondays
One in person ‘Art of Speech’ workshop per year
One in person biodynamic farming workshop per year
One Threefold community event
Field work (Observation and practice teaching)
Why join WISC as a full time student?
Full-time students are assigned a mentor who supports and visits in the classroom
WISC helps organizes ‘Field Work’ in the local schools for full time students.
We keep track of the AWSNA course requirements and make sure you stay on track to get certified. Example
Full time WISC students get 50% off on our Practical Arts Training program
90% of WISC students get a job before they graduate from WISC
areas of study and experience
Early Childhood Program Overview
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Summer 1
2025
We offer 2 Early Childhood weeks, 2 Grades weeks, and a Human Dignity/ Diversity online mini week
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School yr 1
2025-26
We offer Monthly in person intensives, online seminars and specialty workshops
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Summer 2
2026
We offer 2 Early Childhood weeks, 2 Grades weeks, and a Human Dignity/ Diversity online mini week
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School yr 2
2026-27
We offer Monthly in person intensives, online seminars and specialty workshops
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Summer 3
2027
We offer 2 Early Childhood weeks, 2 Grades weeks, and a Human Dignity/ Diversity online mini week
The summer weeks can each be taken separately. We recommend enrollment in the full program to get the best experience and the speediest pathway to become a certified Waldorf teacher. It is also the most cost effective option.
Our new full program of 600 course hours (plus Fieldwork) meets and exceeds the 450 minimum hours required by WECAN. We encourage you to watch the film Waldorf 100 Learn to change the world produced in association with the Waldorf 100 International Forum for Steiner/Waldorf Education.