A magical garden.  A child's place.  A home away from home.

At A Child's Garden of Thyme (ACGT), we strive to provide an ideal Waldorf-based Early Childhood experience for pre-school aged children newborn to five years, in San Diego County. Our unique, garden-based program is founded on Waldorf Education principles by teachers with 35 years collective experience, and features a natural, home-like environment for children to experience the world at their own pace and learn through their senses.

We offer:

• A LifeWays Pre-School Program (age 0-5)
• Parent-Tot Program (age 0-2.5)
• Adult Waldorf Art & Craft Classes

We are committed to:

• Support and continuity of care for children of working parents, students, and others interested in an early Waldorf Education.
• Excellence and aid in all areas, including parent education, Waldorf Education resources, and other Anthroposophical endeavors.
• Enhancing our local communities and the Waldorf Education community in San Diego County.

Our Lifeways Program Includes :

• A truly mixed-age pre-school experience for children from birth to five years. Monday through Friday program with a one-, two- or three-, four-, or five-day option. A three to six and a half hour program, beginning at 9am with an 8:45am courtesy drop-off time.
• Our daycare program utilizes a Waldorf Early Childhood Curriculum with two teachers (rather than a teacher and an assistant) with Waldorf and LifeWays training and experience.
• A very small teacher-to-child ratio of 1-to-5 maximum.
• Continuity of care for several years and a cozy “extended family” feeling. A program designed around being outdoors in our wonderfully mild climate. Healthy, organic, freshly prepared sit-down meals and snacks served family style to promote healthy, adventurous eating.
• Our “green pre-school” features a garden setting landscaped in largely edible, scented, and drought-tolerant plants and trees. Plenty of opportunities for creative sand, dirt, and water play in an established garden, which is home to many birds and bugs.
• A food-centric approach, which includes organic gardening, cooking from scratch, composting, vermiculture, baking, and eating consciously.
• Fun, laughter, poetry, puppetry, song, seasonal activities and surprises!

View our Slide Show

Download Full Program Information (PDF)

Download ACGT Contract (PDF)

Download ACGT Rate Sheet (PDF)

You need Adobe Acrobat to view our Program Schedule.

About our Parent-Tot Program

Our intention for this program is to create a home-like, safe, and nurturing environment, with some of the qualities that are difficult to provide in many homes today. For the children we want to provide: playthings from the natural world, or simply made toys that allow and encourage the use of fantasy; an extended family or community environment as children gradually become ready to interact more with their peers; nursery rhymes, finger plays, simple songs, and the opportunity to imitate adults engaged in meaningful activity.

For the parents we want to offer: a rare peek into their own child’s interactions in a group setting, as well as observation of other children in the same age range; a model of a rhythmic, structured morning, along with songs and finger plays that they may wish to incorporate into home life in some way; examples of simple toys that they can make for their children, as well as stories and activities appropriate to the age and the season; and an introduction to the Waldorf philosophy through articles and opportunities for adult education through the school. Please feel free to spread the word about these wonderful classes!

View our Slide Show

Download Full Program Information (PDF)

Download ACGT Contract (PDF)

Download ACGT Rate Sheet (PDF)

You need Adobe Acrobat to view our Program Schedule.