LifeWays Early Childhood Fundamentals Course
Inspiration and Support Getting Started on Your Journey with Young Children
“If a child has been able in his play to give up his whole loving being to the world around him, he will be able, in the serious tasks of later life, to devote himself with confidence and power to the service of the world.” -Rudolf Steiner
Caregiving, parenting and teaching has become an increasingly challenging endeavor. Providing the right environment and nourishment for children to thrive requires strong intention and a wellspring of support. In the LifeWays Fundamentals course we offer a balance of intellectual content, hands-on work, spiritual nourishment and community support to get you started in your caregiving or educator’s journey.
Join us for a five-day in-person retreat to fill your tool kit with:
- The basics of early childhood and how to support this critical phase of development
- An introduction to the Living Arts
- How to create sustainable and nourishing rhythms with attention to transitions
- An understanding of the importance of play and how to support it
- How to build effective relationships with partners, parents, colleagues
- Basics in storytelling, as well as an experience of songs and games for children
- Basic skills in handwork, festival craft, watercolor painting, nature table creation
**PLUS enjoy a week of nourishing self-care with delicious, organic meals, time in nature, movement classes, and the camaraderie of an established community to support and inspire you in the future!**
After the in-person retreat:
You have the FREE option of joining a LifeWays lead pedagogue and their cohorts in a five-session (Zoom) book study of Life is the Curriculum as well as time for open Q&A and sharing with your cohort peers. Each session will last 1.5 hours, one hour of discussing the book and 30 minutes of Q&A.
You also have the option of purchasing one-on-one mentoring sessions with a lead pedagogue to further support your unique needs. A one-hour telephone session is available for $100, or three one-hour sessions for $250.
**For early childhood teachers and caregivers, this course qualifies for 35 hours of Continuing Education credits after the retreat, and an additional 10 hours if you participate in and complete the Book Study!
The Fundamentals course runs annually, beginning with an in-person retreat in July or early August.
- July 9- 13, 2025 in Boulder, Colorado — Click to learn more.
- August 6-10, 2025 Limerick, ME — Click to learn more.
Click Here for a sample schedule of a five-day workshop.
The Fundamentals Course gives just a taste of what our Early Childhood Certificate Training has to offer, so if you choose to enroll for the full training, THE ENTIRE TUITION PAID TO THE FUNDAMENTALS COURSE IS APPLIED TO YOUR FULL TRAINING TUITION!
Register for This Course
You must begin the registration process by paying a non refundable registration fee of $100. After payment you will be asked to complete your registration information on the following page.
Complete your registration by turning in your Contract and a Payment Plan). Your place will only be reserved once your payment plan and contract have been approved. (Your spot may be offered to others on the waiting list until we receive and process these forms.)
Financial Aid is Available
Refund Policy
- If a student withdraws 30 or more days prior to the course beginning: Full refund less the $100 application fee
- If a student attends the in person retreat and withdraws from the online portion: 50% tuition refund of the online portion ($325).
- If a student attends the online portion and withdraws from attending the retreat: Full refund of the supply fee ($200) and 50% tuition refund of the retreat ($325).
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