About our School
Open Arms Playgarden is a nurturing space designed to support children through the rhythm of daily life, blending structured activities with the freedom to explore and connect with others. Our experienced teachers, led by Ms. Maayan, guide children through routines that foster confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. Together, we cultivate a community where each child’s individuality is cherished, and their growth is supported in a warm, nature-connected environment that feels like home.
Our Teachers
Ms. Maayan
Ms. Maayan is the guiding force behind Open Arms Playgarden, bringing over 17 years of experience in early childhood education. As our Director and lead teacher, she has fostered a nurturing environment at the playgarden for over 15 years, incorporating Waldorf-inspired teaching methods. Maayan is also a mother of two and completed four years of Waldorf teacher training at the Center for Educational Renewal at Summerfield Waldorf School. Her deep understanding of child development ensures that each child feels supported, loved, and empowered to thrive.
Ms. Juliette
Ms. Juliette brings warmth and nurturing to Open Arms Playgarden with her deep connection to Waldorf principles. Having attended a Waldorf school as a child, Juliette understands the power of a loving, calm environment in fostering emotional and intellectual growth. She supports the children in creating a sense of community, baking with them, and helping them feel heard and valued. Juliette is a preschool teacher currently pursuing a degree in early childhood education, further strengthening her passion for fostering the holistic development of each child.
Ms. Laurie
Ms. Lori brings over 17 years of experience in Waldorf kindergarten and preschool education to Open Arms Playgarden. Her passion for creating a magical, joyful, and nurturing environment has made her a beloved presence in the classroom. Lori’s deep understanding of child development and her warm approach foster a sense of safety and wonder, encouraging children to explore, create, and grow in a supportive and loving environment. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our team.
Ms. Julie
Ms. Annie
Storytelling
Storytelling and songs are an integral part of our days at Open Arms Playgarden. We use stories to bring up difficult subjects in an imaginative and gentle way allowing us as a community to explore themes such as gratitude, bravery, generosity, and overcoming fears.
Using storytelling curatively encourages healthy communication, conflict resolution, and offers opportunity for processing emotional needs. The story is repeated daily for a week giving the children the chance to truly live into the story and the imaginative images that they've created themselves. The following week we invite the children to act out the stories with teacher guidance allowing the children to inhabit different characters and archetypes.
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Developing the imagination through story telling is a precursor to memory and auditory development necessary for literacy. We sing and rhythm throughout the day. Rhyming and singing provides an opportunity for sound, syllabus, words and sentence recognition all in preparation for later academic learning.​
School Community
With a focus on building relationships, Open Arms Playgarden fosters a strong sense of community among children, teachers, and families. The children’s involvement in daily activities like baking and gardening helps them feel connected to the world around them.
OUR GARDEN
Rain or shine, we value time spent outdoors. The children enjoy hands-on experiences with nature, interacting with water, mud, sand, plants, and birds in a way that allows them to explore and appreciate the seasonal changes.
Daily Rhythm
Young children feel best when their world is rhythmic with the activities of the morning unfolding in the same way each day; one activity flowing into the next in such a way that the children know what to expect.
By providing this predictability, we provide comfort and security; eliminating the need for much discipline having removed the uncertainty that can stress young children. Instead of instructing the children as to what's coming next, we find that by singing a familiar song each day, the children take their cue to transition.
Daily Schedule
8:15 Drop off, handwashing, free play inside, baking and snack preparation.
9:30 Pick up toys, bathrooming and hand washing.
9:45 Puppet story, circle time, movement, songs and games 10:00 snack followed by clean up (wash dishes, sweep)
10:20 Free play (inside or out), and a selection of crafts or watercolor painting, followed by setting table for lunch.
11:40 Clean up, handwashing diaper changes.
11:50 Lunch
12:15 Outdoor free play
12:45 Dismissal
1:00 After care begins (After care offered Monday through Thursday)
3:30 Pick up for after care children.