Open Arms Playgarden

Open Arms Playgarden offers a daily rhythm that includes self-directed free-play, running, digging, climbing, swinging, pulling, pushing, carrying, gardening, caring for animals, baking, storytelling, songs, acting out stories, rhyming, singing, watercolor painting, puppet stories, circle time, movement, games, handwashing, snack preparation, washing dishes, and sweeping. Children spend time both indoors and outdoors in a home-like setting with a multi-aged group, with much of the time outdoors at play and work, including interacting with water, mud, sand, plants, and birds, and using garden produce in meals. Storytelling, songs, and puppet stories are an integral part of the day, with stories repeated daily for a week and then acted out by the children with teacher guidance.

• Ages: 2–6 years old
• Schedule: Core day runs from 8:15am drop-off to 12:45pm dismissal, with after care offered Monday through Thursday from 1:00pm to 3:30pm

The program is inspired by the teachings of Rudolf Steiner and Waldorf Education and offers 3-, 4-, and 5-day programs for children 2 years up to and including Kindergarten. The mission states that Open Arms Playgarden offers an early childhood program that is loving, safe, and gentle, allowing each child to unfold and reach developmental milestones at an individual pace. The mission also states that the priority is to provide an environment for children to process the world around them through self-directed play, to empower and teach children to use language for communication and conflict resolution, and to extend the child’s family and home life through constant communication and collaboration between teachers and parents in a warm, nature-connected environment that feels like home. The program emphasizes a rhythmic daily schedule to provide comfort and security and focuses on building relationships and a strong sense of community among children, teachers, and families, with children’s involvement in daily activities like baking and gardening connecting them to the world around them. Storytelling is also used curatively for communication, conflict resolution, and processing emotional needs.

The leadership team includes Ms. Maayan as Director and lead teacher, Ms. Juliette as preschool teacher, and Ms. Lori as a teacher in Waldorf kindergarten and preschool education. According to the provided facts, Ms. Maayan brings over 17 years of experience in early childhood education, has fostered a nurturing environment at the playgarden for over 15 years, incorporates Waldorf-inspired teaching methods, is a mother of two, and completed four years of Waldorf teacher training at the Center for Educational Renewal at Summerfield Waldorf School. Ms. Juliette attended a Waldorf school as a child and is a preschool teacher currently pursuing a degree in early childhood education. Ms. Lori brings over 17 years of experience in Waldorf kindergarten and preschool education.

Last updated June 26, 2026.