“Receive children in reverence, educate them in love, and let them go forth in freedom.” - Rudolf Steiner
OUR STORY
IT ALL STARTED WITH A PROMISE TO HER CHILDREN AND A DREAM...
Meet Alex, the founder of Infused Kinder Cottage. Alex is an educator, yoga instructor, aromatherapist, and most importantly a mother of four. She is a graduate of 2024 Lifeways Early Childhood Certificate Program. She has classroom experience as a Waldorf assistant, and homeschools her children. Alex has always been a lifelong learner and feels passionate about holistic health and wellness, dedicating her life to helping others.
Alex's path to establishing Infused Kinder Cottage is rooted in her deep love for her children and a strong desire to keep her promise to them that they will always be able to learn in freedom while receiving a nourishing Waldorf education. She is grateful to have found this method of learning as its design is to meet the child on a soul level and honor child development through different stages. For 15 years she has wholeheartedly embraced this healing educational philosophy, and has seen first hand how it empowers her children to engage, explore, and thrive in life.
At the Cottage, Alex is dedicated to nurturing and inspiring creativity in children, fostering a space where imagination and self-expression thrive. She has created a program that promotes a deepened sense of calm within each child while providing fun and engaging learning experiences. Each child's daily rhythm is peaceful and enriching; surrounded by the beauty of nature.
"I believe when children engage in child-led play, they practice managing emotions, solving problems, and navigating social interactions - all skills for life and learning."
"As parents we must understand the importance of offering the child an environment where they can do their important work of play. This is the most precious gift that we can offer a child during their tender years. Play strengthens children's bodies, expands their minds, and influences many dimensions of development."
"Together we can honor each child by providing a developmentally appropriate child-centered environment that protects the sanctuary of childhood."
- Alex Lauterio
Founder of Infused Kinder Cottage
INFUSED KINDER COTTAGE
Waldorf-Inspired Multi-Subject & Specialty Educational Enrichment Instruction TK to Grade 8
Supporting the Homeschool Community
Welcome to Infused Kinder Cottage! In today's fast-paced world, we believe it is important to provide a peaceful environment in nature for children to slow down, breathe, reconnect with themselves and find rest for their souls. Here they play in our fragrant and whimsical Certified Wildlife Habitat Garden where they will experience the healing power of nature. Children at the Cottage enjoy discovering their world around them through their senses, engage in social interactions, and learn in freedom without any of the pressures and comparisons typically found in conventional educational settings. With smaller class sizes and emphasis on respectful interactions, our loving educator ensures that every child feels seen, heard, and valued; knowing that their needs will be met. We believe in and practice principles developed by Rudolf Steiner, more commonly known as Waldorf Education.
Nestled in a private sanctuary setting in Tujunga California, we are a Waldorf-Inspired educational hub that supports the homeschool community. We offer enchanting multi-subject and specialty educational enrichment instruction designed to inspire and engage the hearts and minds of the children we are serving. Our programs focus on the practical, visual, fiber, performing, and healing arts, along with opportunities to nurture essential life-affirming principles such as respect for self and others, gratitude, and kindness. Students will also learn about agriculture, essential oils, compassionate animal husbandry, and overall sustainable living practices.
Our mixed age group of students allows for a more complex social structure; the younger children are often inspired by the older children's abilities, and the older children can, in turn, experience a sense of responsibility and leadership. We are devoted to building a judgment-free and inclusive community of families whose focus is on the whole child; head, heart, and hands. We believe in the importance of and take steps towards deepening the relationships between the educator, child, and the child's parents.
As parents, we all want our children to enjoy their childhoods and we do our best to create nurturing environments that enable them to live a balanced life filled with love. This world we live in is not always easy, and being a parent can be challenging at times. Especially for families that homeschool, creating a healthy rhythm and being able to sustain it takes a lot of energy. It sometimes leaves us feeling overwhelmed and isolated. Know that you are not alone! At the Cottage you will find hope and healing. Join our vibrant community of conscious parents. In love we can focus on what is good and what is true. Together we can teach our children how to discover the beauty that is still very much present in our world.
With our peaceful indoor and outdoor spaces children flourish here. The healing connections with nature and farm animals, along with our comforting atmosphere is like a big hug and children joyfully participate in play and learning.
PROGRAM
Infused Kinder Cottage provides multi-subject and specialty educational enrichment instruction designed for children from TK to Grade 8. Our classes are thoughtfully crafted to complement your child's overall development, fostering a love for learning in a nurturing environment. We embrace creativity in all its forms and our offerings include a variety of opportunities for creative movement, music, and singing. Here you will find our current list of enrichment topics offered by Infused Kinder Cottage. While some enrichment services are offered separately to grades or age groups, the content is tailored to the age and grade accordingly. In the case of a combined group, the facilitator will provide appropriate support to the range of ages.
Join us on a journey that celebrates expression and joy through the arts!
Through artistic expression, the hallmark of Waldorf education, children enjoy oral storytelling and puppet plays of fairy tales from around the world, nature tales, and animal stories. Ms. Alex's stories ignite laughter and joy. Stories convey moral messages that promote positive change and emphasize the importance of ethical principals, offering life lessons for the children while stimulating their imaginations.
Literacy continues to develop as Ms. Alex leads the children on a daily journey of verse, seasonal songs, and movement, simultaneously furthering language, vocabulary, and motor skills. Counting games, rhythmic exercises, and activities such as cooking, baking, and even setting the table for meal times, builds the foundation for mathematics, sequencing, and number skills.
Games/spacial dynamics nurture and cultivate active exploration of physical abilities, coordination and movement through space. Age appropriate games of coordination, cooperation, and awareness allow the children to exert themselves in a safe and fun environment. These physical activities help to develop a well-rounded and fulfilled child. Waldorf education places emphasis on the limbs as extensions of our understanding and ability to fully communicate. Spacial dynamics and games provide many benefits, including exercise, confidence, and cooperation.
Our nature walks are a grounding and an educational way to experience our farm with all of its plant and animal life. The children's senses awaken in our lush gardens when they discover our new plants, seasonal blooms, inhaling the refreshing sweet floral and herbaceous scents, along with touching various textures. Children are often greeted by our ladybugs, caterpillars, newly emerging butterflies fresh from their cocoons, wild birds, hummingbirds, squirrels, and the most exciting of all...baby chicks and adult chickens.
The children learn the art of Eurythmy which is beautiful movement that combines speech, rhythm, and dance to express meaning (often accompanying with children holding colored silks). This enrichment helps with sensory-motor development, enhancing coordination while simultaneously stimulating the language centers of the brain.
Infused yoga, sound bath, and meditation (fairy tale, animal, and nature themed), help the children to release over excited energy, relax, and connect their minds to their bodies through the use of their breath. They learn mindfulness and self regulation skills - like impulse control, focused attention, and emotional regulation that empower and help them to connect more deeply to themselves and the world around them. Through movement, they develop confidence in self-expression and feel safe to explore at their developmental level. These therapeutic methods pave the way for healthier relationships, personal growth, and positively enhance the child's overall well-being.
Handwork is practiced because the child's will is such an important thing to nurture. An ability to complete his work is developed and encouraged using skills learned through handwork. This enrichment service focuses on knitting, sewing, and wool felting. Tailored to the age and ability of the students; the "will forces" will be met in a productive and satisfying manner.
The joy of baking flourishes at the Cottage. Our young chefs eagerly wander the gardens selecting edible flowers and herbs for our tasty cookies, breads, crisp afternoon salads, and herbal teas. Their enthusiasm shines as they help create colorful vegetable and fruit smoothies, freshly pressed juices, and chop vegetables for comforting soups and dips. The children enjoy a charming culinary journey!
Nature based art is a time for our children to explore the beauty of creativity through coloring, watercolor painting, beeswax and clay modeling, along with collecting flowers and herbs. Children dive into open-ended projects that inspire their imagination and connect them with our natural ambiance. At the Cottage they are on an artistic journey and nature is their canvas!
Children learn the essential skills of caring for chickens, from gathering fresh eggs to filling feeders. With hands-on experience they gain a deeper understanding of the vital role chickens play in our ecosystem. We are fostering a love for animals and sustainable practices.
Farm and garden gives our children a grounding activity that enables them to connect deeper with nature by tending to our soil, planting and harvesting our fruits and vegetables in our organic, regenerative, biodynamic garden. Working the soil is an important way to connect with our natural world, learn the value of work, and to reap the rewards of perseverance. This enrichment brings fundamentals of bio-dynamic farming and responsible sustainable stewardship of the Earth into practice with the goal of producing value within our community.
On our farm the fragrant world of essential oils comes to life. We explore the art of caring for plants and the fascinating journey they undergo to become precious essential oils. Through engaging in aromatherapy projects, culinary adventures, and caring for our beloved animals, children learn how our ethereal essential oils can enhance both physical and emotional well-being. When the children breathe in nature's plant juice they smile and let out such a joyous exhale!
Music is a gift and it's fun to hear, play and sing! Led by our facilitator, this enrichment service embraces the Waldorf pedagogy to bring an un-pressured love of music and skill development of a drum circle and various instruments.
We incorporate seasonal festivals that encourage students to appreciate the changes in seasons, promoting cultural diversity and community development. For example, we celebrate the Harvest Season by participating in the popular Waldorf tradition of lantern making and a reverent lantern walk. This activity leads students to celebrate their own light within and share their light with others.
DAILY RHYTHM OF OUR PROGRAM
With a steady daily rhythm, our children find comfort and security in knowing what to expect. Our seamless approach blends focused engagement with the freedom of socialization and exploratory play. However, unlike a rigid routine, our day is imbued with flexibility.
Children who participate in our Full or Partial Bundle Programs begin their mornings in our Certified Wildlife Habitat Play Garden. Ms. Alex warmly welcomes the children, and they begin to explore their natural surroundings. Morning activities include circle time, engaging in movement, verses, seasonal songs, and games/spacial dynamics. We also enjoy a nature walk on our farm, giving the children more opportunities to learn and connect with our environment. For children who stay until 3 o’clock, they also receive the benefit of sound bath every day as well as additional opportunities for music.
Monday
Infused Yoga | Sound Bath | Meditation | Eurythmy
TK - Grade 8
Tuesday
Handwork | Baking
TK - Grade 8
Wednesday
Nature Based Open Ended Art Projects
TK - Grade 8
Thursday
Farm Animal Care | Gardening
TK - Grade 8
Friday
Drum Circle | Creative Movement | Meditation
TK - Grade 8
" The most important thing to do is to establish an education through which humans beings learn how to live with one another. "
- Rudolf Steiner
NOW ENROLLING
We are currently accepting new families throughout the year for our TK to Grade 8 instructor lead classes. Infused Kinder Cottage's calendar year is September through June. We also offer a Saturday Parent-Child Class and a Summer Program (Charter Funds not applicable). Book a free tour today!
HOMESCHOOL BUNDLE SERVICES
Waldorf-Inspired Multi-Subject & Specialty Educational Enrichment Instruction TK to Grade 8
Supporting the Homeschool Community
Our enrollment process is simple, transparent, and created to provide a stress-free experience for parents and children. We are currently accepting new families throughout the year for our TK to Grade 8 instructor lead classes. Infused Kinder Cottage’s calendar year is September through June. We also offer a Summer Program (Charter Funds not applicable).
PROGRAM OPTIONS:
YOU CHOOSE THE DAYS MONDAY TO FRIDAY:
1. TK TO GRADE 8 FULL BUNDLE PROGRAM (9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.):
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3-Day Full Bundle: $660.00 per month
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2-Day Full Bundle: $440.00 per month
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1-Day Full Bundle: $220.00 per month
2. TK TO GRADE 8 PARTIAL BUNDLE PROGRAM (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.):
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3-Day Partial Bundle: $600.00 per month
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2-Day Partial Bundle: $400.00 per month
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1-Day Partial Bundle: $200.00 per month
3. TK TO GRADE 8 ONE TIME DROP IN DAY (9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.):
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1-Day One Time Drop In: $55.00 per day
4. TK TO GRADE 8 DROP IN CLASS ONLY (10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.):
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6 Classes: $210.00 | $35.00 each
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1 Class: $40.00 each
Our mission is to nourish Infused Kinder Cottage children with fresh, organic produce harvested year-round from our farm. To that end children who are in our Full Bundle Program during the week receive two nourishing homemade organic vegetarian snacks daily. You may also choose our optional Fresh Food Program for $5.00 per day:
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3-Day Lunch: $60.00 per month
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2-Day Lunch: $40.00 per month
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1-Day Lunch: $20.00 per month
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Charter Funds not applicable
HOMESCHOOL SERVICES ENROLLMENT | FEES & AND PAYMENT TERMS:
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To secure your child's place with us:
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Please make sure to contact your Charter HST, or Facilitator to confirm your student's access to Infused Kinder Cottage as an approved Vendor for your Charter School, and for support with ordering.
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Please fill out our online Enrollment Questionnaire and we will contact you.
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We will send you the Enrollment Packet. Please return it via email to infusedkindercottage@gmail.com along with payment as follows:
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One Time Enrollment Fee $75.00.
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Annual Materials Fee $150.00 for 3-Day Bundle or $75.00 for 1 to 2 Day Bundle.
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If your Charter School will not pay Enrollment and Materials Fee please submit payment via Zelle to 818-422-7382 prior to 1st day of Program.
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Bundle Services Fees are a monthly flat rate. There are no refunds or discounts for holidays, vacations, or illnesses.
Note: If you are enrolling in a One Time Drop in Day or a Class only, no need to pay Enrollment or Materials Fees. Please just return Enrollment Packet.
SATURDAY PARENT-CHILD CLASS | SUMMER PROGRAM
If you are seeking a nurturing and fun environment for your child to learn and connect with others in nature, rest assured you have found a safe place where their needs will be met in a meaningful way. Our approach is thoughtfully designed to enrich your child's growth and development throughout their learning journey.
Our enrollment process is simple, transparent, and created to provide a stress-free experience for parents and children. We are currently accepting new families throughout the year September through June and offer a Summer Program.
(Charter Funds not applicable).
PROGRAM OPTIONS:
1. SATURDAY PARENT-CHILD CLASS (10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.):
As children discover the joy of playing with new friends in our certified wildlife habitat play garden and caring for our chickens, parents are invited to sip tea and connect with one another while engaged in purposeful, nourishing work. Principles of Waldorf Education and family-centered parenting practices are experienced naturally and explored through conversation.
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Fun Farm Experience: Child-led, nature-based play
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Gentle farm chores including chicken care
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Six -class series: $210.00 | $35.00 each
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Single class drop-in: $40.00 each
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To secure your child's place with us, please ensure full payment is submitted via Zelle to 818-422-7382. Please note that there are no make-up days for no shows. However, if you are aware in advance that your child will need to skip a class, kindly provide us with notice, and we will add that missed class to the end of your series.
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Please have your child arrive wearing boots, a hat, and bring a water bottle.
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Sibling discount: 20%
YOU CHOOSE THE DAYS MONDAY TO FRIDAY:
2. SUMMER FULL BUNDLE PROGRAM (9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.):
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3-Day Full Bundle: $210.00 per week
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2-Day Full Bundle: $140.00 per week
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1-Day Full Bundle: $70.00 per week
3. SUMMER PARTIAL BUNDLE PROGRAM (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.):
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3-Day Partial Bundle: $165.00 per week
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2-Day Partial Bundle: $110.00 per week
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1-Day Partial Bundle: $55.00 per week
4. SUMMER ONE TIME DROP IN DAY (9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.):
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1-Day Drop In: $70.00 each
5. SUMMER DROP IN CLASS ONLY (10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.):
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6 Classes: $210.00 | $35.00 each
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1 Class: $40.00 each
Our mission is to nourish Infused Kinder Cottage children with fresh, organic produce harvested year-round from our farm. To that end children who are in our Full Bundle Program during the week receive two nourishing homemade organic vegetarian snacks daily. You may also choose our optional Fresh Food Program for $5.00 per day:
-
3-Day Lunch: $15.00 per week
-
2-Day Lunch: $10.00 per week
-
1-Day Lunch: $5.00 per week
SUMMER PROGRAM ENROLLMENT | FEES AND PAYMENT TERMS:
-
To secure your child's place with us:
-
Please fill out our online Enrollment Questionnaire and we will contact you.
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We will send you the Enrollment Packet. Please return it via email to infusedkindercottage@gmail.com along with payment as follows:
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Full Program Fee.
-
One time Enrollment Fee $75.00.
-
Annual Materials Fee $150.00 for 3-Day Bundle or $75.00 for 1 to 2-Day Bundle.
-
Please ensure full payment is submitted prior to 1st day via Zelle to 818-422-7382.
-
-
-
Bundle Services Fees are a monthly or weekly flat rate. There are no refunds or discounts for holidays, vacations, or illnesses.
-
Sibling discount 20%
Note: If you are enrolling in a One Time Drop in Day or a Class only no need to pay Enrollment or Material Fees. Please just return completed Enrollment Packet.
REGISTRATION QUESTIONNAIRE
We are truly delighted that you are considering Infused Kinder Cottage for your child. Whether your child is just beginning their early learning journey or already growing into their school years, we're honored to welcome them into a nurturing environment rooted in nature, curiosity, and connection. Here, children of all ages are invited to grow, explore, and thrive in a space where they're deeply seen, supported, and inspired every day.
Thank you for filling out our Registration Questionnaire below. This helps us get to know you and your child. Please indicate if you are ready to enroll immediately so we can send you the Enrollment Packet via email. If you want a tour first please let us know when you and your child are available. All tours are by appointment only and done outside of program hours after 3:00 p.m. during the week or on Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.
We are excited at the prospect of welcoming you into our community! If you have any questions contact Alex at 818-422-7382.