Willow Class
For Children 2 - 3 Years Old
Reverence for Nature, Reverence for Childhood
Our Willow Class centers on creating an open environment with hands-on activities that transform a child’s sensory experiences into a knowledge of themselves, and the world around them. Building on growth from the Dogwood Nursery and Maples Bridge class, children are invited to participate in creative play and practical work, developing fine and gross motor skills, social-emotional skills, and the executive functioning and concentration skills necessary for academic and social success in life.
In the Willow Class, there is a focus on learning practical life skills through imitation. These practical skills support children in many of the daily activities that they observe adults doing, such as chopping vegetables, stirring, sweeping the floor, folding laundry, scrubbing and polishing, and setting the table. Through imitation the children also learn to become deeply involved in their own self-care, such as dressing themselves, learning to zip, button, and snap, putting on shoes, washing their hands, and using the bathroom.
The curriculum for the year also focuses on creating a rich classroom environment full of music, with many of the transitions and changes in the day being sung, building language familiarity and knowledge. Artistic activities include painting, sensory exploration, and textile work throughout the year.
*Children in this class are expected to be moving towards potty training by the beginning of the school year*
Program Offerings
Full Week Willow Class
For Ages 2 - 3 Years Old
Monday - Friday
8:30am to 3:15pm // *Early Dismissal* option 8:30am - 1:00pm
3-Day Willow Class
For Ages 2 - 3 Years Old
Monday - Wednesday
8:30am to 3:15pm // *Early Dismissal* option 8:30am - 1:00pm
Daily Rhythm
8:30 - 9:00- Welcome & free play
9:15- Morning activity (could be baking, painting, or any number of activities)
9:45 - Morning Circle time
10:00 - Morning snack (made with teacher in classroom)
10:30- Outdoor play in the courtyard, a neighborhood walk, or play in the garden
12:00 - Lunch
12:30 - Nap Time Begins (end times are staggered based on individual children's needs)
1:00 - Early Dismissal
2:00 - Indoor free play (with sensory activity)
2:45 - Afternoon snack
3:00 - Goodbye circle
3:15 - Dismissal
Meet Our Teachers
Jane Higgins
Jane Higgins grew up near Sydney, Australia in sun, mud, and weeds with rich opportunities to play freely. After an early career in the field of human rights and development, working for various international and Australian non-profit organizations, parenthood brought about a great shift. The rights, needs, and magical qualities of the youngest human beings really caught her attention. She has been a devoted early childhood educator in NYC for the past decade. Starting with the education of her own two sons she then became an organizer of local Brooklyn playgroups for 2-year-olds. Drawn towards Waldorf education she joined a beloved Waldorf-inspired playgroup run as a parent cooperative; first as a parent, then as an aftercare & an assistant teacher, and finally as a lead teacher (2017 - 2021).
Jane received her Waldorf training in Early Childhood from Sunbridge Institute in 2014. She also has a CELTA certification in teaching English Language Learning, a B.A (Literature and Film) from the University of New South Wales, Australia and M.A (International Relations) from the City College of NY. Jane finds time with young human beings fascinating, instructive, life-affirming, and at times very entertaining. She also enjoys travel, nature walks (especially with dogs), puppet shows, and mud pie cooking.
