Toddlers Program

WHERE CHILDREN GROW AT THEIR OWN PACE...

Parent Testimonials...

"We found Sun Star Farm School while doing a web search for caring, nurturing and play based environments for small children in the Triangle NC area. Having come from a 'Waldorf' background with two parents who have been lifelong Waldorf educators and consultants to the pedagogical movement worldwide (US, Russia, UK and China) we were naturally intrigued by this new 'Waldorf Inspired' group in Apex. After contacting the very gregarious founder of the program Mrs. Heidi, we went to our first complimentary Morning Garden session with our then 16 month old child in early March 2013. My son was so taken by the atmosphere and environment both indoor and out, that we immediately decided this was the social program for him. Combining outdoor activities, such as an engaging playground, walks in nature and interacting with the wonderful animals hygienically kept on a portion of the property, with indoor craft making, storytelling, homemade snack preparation and an incredibly well thought out and equipped play area with all natural toys, we felt right at home, welcomed and privileged to be a part of this growing group of parents and children. It is just the right mix of rhythmical activity and social interaction for our son, set on a spacious yet very secure rural campus and he immediately lights up when we arrive on our scheduled day each week. Currently our son just completed the one day per week Spring 2013 Morning Garden session appropriate to his age, and we look forward to the next year when he is a bit older and can begin spending more time with the other children his age, learning, growing and budding in this truly supportive, nurturing and enriching environment, set on an idyllic residential-rural/hobby farm. From our time spent thus far onsite, I cannot recommend this place enough and it seems equally appropriate for those who are new and interested in Waldorf inspired childhood development methods, or those who prefer any kind of age appropriate and natural social development for their children, as the founders are very well travelled and knowledgeable caregivers in many areas, both traditional and so-called 'alternative' culturally/humanitarianly sensitive methods."

- M. Young

We could not say enough good things about Sun Star Farm. We absolutely love it! Heidi and her fellow teachers are nurturing, caring, kind and thoughtful and it shows in everything they do with the children. We have had wonderful experiences in both the preschool and the summer camp programs. We feel so loved and cared for, whether it be their daily rhythm, seasonal stories and crafts, or community festivals. The focus on outdoor play and on learning social skills has really helped our 4 year old. She learns kindness through taking care of the animals, and she learns how to respect and work as a team with her peers by playing with them in nature. She has developed a beautiful imagination, a strong sense of self, and her social skills are blossoming. When we pick her up she doesn’t want to leave, and every morning she’s excited to go to school. What more could we ask for? We tried out Montessori preschool before joining the Sun Star family and we have found the Waldorf / Reggio Emilia philosophy to be so much more in line with what we want for our children. We needed more guidance and rhythm than Montessori provided us, and we wanted more creative play to inspire our daughter’s imagination.

- C. Huchan

When my kids come home from Sun Star Farm, boots full of sand, I hear about the great adventures that took place that day. Sliding down mud banks into the creek. Building houses for the fairies and the gnomes. Treks around the Christmas Tree Farm where they rolled down the hill. Last week they even watched a hedgehog take a bath. I think "this is why we go to Sunstar Farm. Of course there are many other reasons...
It is a child's idyllic place, set in beautiful open countryside, with tree forts, swings, and animals to care for. A place of adventure where their young imaginations flourish. Where if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a fairy or at least find a special jewel they left behind.
Miss Heidi and her wonderful teachers support and guide the children as they play. Helping them to cooperate, negotiate and overcome obstacles. All important stuff. The children listen to stories about animals and nature...and play with wild abandon. What magical memories are being made. This is why we go to Sun Star Farm!

- J. Malloy

Creative, imaginative play both indoors and out strengthen social skills and allow lots of opportunities for conflict resolution, problem solving, empathy and collaboration. Come rain, shine, or snow your toddler’s physical development and overall health will be supported by our predominantly outdoor program. Co-ordination, strength, gross and fine motor skills and risk management all happen naturally through our carefully crafted environment and curriculum.

It is our mission to create a truly unique, nurturing and holistic experience for your child’s first steps away from home. We look forward to serving your family and providing the highest quality of care for your precious little one.

Does my child need to be potty trained first?
Children do not need to be potty trained prior to attending the toddler program, however spaces are limited for children still in diapers.

Toddlers on the Farm!

Once your little one is eating independently, is taking only one daily nap in the afternoon, and is socially aware of other children, they will be ready for our sweet toddler program. We call toddlers the "Butterflies Class." They will spend time with other toddlers and enjoy a similar rhythm to the preschoolers. Their day will be anchored by a predictable rhythm of indoor and outdoor play, nature walks, animal interaction, snack time, puppet time and wooly rests.

Our toddler program includes children ages 24 to 36 months (Must be age 2 by 8/31 to be in toddlers / Must be age 3 by 8/31 to advance to the Preschool Class). We have 4-day (Mon-Thur) and 5-day options available. Two wonderful teachers lovingly and respectfully guide the children through the rhythm of their day with verses, songs, finger plays, and stories. Imaginative play now becomes an integral part of the learning experience. Both indoors and out, the focus is on movement, imagination and imitation. Play cooking, gardening activities, building, farm animal care and nature walks are woven into the daily tapestry.

Sun Star Farm School