The Salmonberry School has started the new school year with several changes including a new curriculum focus, a new teacher and extended hours, according to early childhood director and school administrator Jesica Dehart.

“We have transformed the early childhood program to be a Waldorf inspired program,” Dehart says.

Waldorf education (also known as Steiner or Steiner-Waldorf education) is based upon the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner where learning integrates interdisciplinary practical, artistic, and intellectual approaches to learning coordinated with “natural rhythms of everyday life.”

“The curriculum works with mind, heart and hands teaching and rhythm is an important part of it,” Dehart says.

“The children know what to expect. They know the rhythm and that makes an easier transition from one activity to the next. We also stress the imitative arts and creating a home-like atmosphere,” Dehart says.

Salmonberry has added a new teacher to the school this year. Kristen Gustafson from Colorado has joined the staff. According to Dehart she comes from a family of Waldorf early childhood teachers and studied with Rahima Baldwin who wrote the book, “You Are Your Child’s First Teacher.”

Now on a traditional school year calendar, the school has added extended hours. Early drop-off is at 8:30 a.m. and pick-up is at 3 p.m.

Currently the school is at capacity for students and has a waiting list.