Are there any kindergarten programs like this????

[Anonymous]

23:18 here.

Waldorf and Montessori are very, very different and are linked only because both are considered "alternative." Yes, Waldorf uses a lot of group learning approaches in both the early childhood (through kindergarten) and in the grade school, but how much support teachers provide to students who need help with social integration really depends on the teacher.

When my daughter enrolled in a Waldorf EC classroom four years ago, she was pathologically shy and awkward, had no ability to talk to other children, and only wanted to be left alone. The "free play" time in her classroom was hard at first - she observed more than she engaged - but with patient care on the part of her the teacher in her second year, she slowly began to integrate. She is now a bubbling, vivacious, totally comfortable rising first grader who has loads of friends and is very sought-after for playdates. You literally would not believe the transformation in this child, and I really credit her teacher and the wonderful supportive environment of her Waldorf classroom.

As I wrote in an earlier response, I did not think my son - who has apraxia, developmental delays, and some social anxiety - would be able to handle a Waldorf classroom, but I changed my mind when I met one of the mixed-age kindergarten teachers at Washington Waldorf School. I met her when she was evaluating my typically developing daughter for their first grade (we are moving to the Washington area in July so my daughter will be transferring between Waldorf schools), but I liked this teacher so much I considered applying for my son. I was VERY VERY honest with the teachers on his application about all of his learning challenges and issues, and this one teacher agreed to have him visit, so she could observe him. It was supposed to be a two day visit, but she accepted him at the end of the first day, because she thought she could reach him and work with him.

I really think it all comes down to the teacher and whether there is one who believes that she (or he!) will be able to reach and educate your child without taking away too much from the rest of the class. If you're interested, you may want to call and schedule an informational meeting with them and just ask. This way, you can find out for yourself if it feels right for you and your child.

Good luck with your decision, whatever it may be!