“Receive children in reverence, educate them in love, and let them go forth in freedom.” - Rudolf Steiner.

WELCOME TO INFUSED KINDER COTTAGE

A Waldorf-Inspired Early Childhood Healing Arts Farm Program

Childcare ~ Preschool ~ Kindergarten

Parent & Child ~ Pod for older children through grade 8

OUR MISSION AND VISION

Infused Kinder Cottage is an early childhood program and a place of hope and healing. Our small farm surroundings are peaceful and offer plenty of opportunities for children to play and find rest for their souls. Children can discover at their own pace, have opportunities to learn, grow, connect with nature, and play communally. The children experience respectful interactions with their teacher that is rooted in love, ensuring the child feels seen, heard, and valued. The curriculum supports the holistic development of the whole child, addressing all the needs of the child's life. We encourage growth in areas such as emotional, social, physical, and intellectual realms, so that our children have a solid foundation to discover who they are in this world and have the strength to grow into their fullest expression of their purpose in life. We also understand that every child is unique and deserves an education that meets their individual needs. To that end, we hold to our vision of having an intimate class size of no more than 5 to 7 children. In this fast-paced life that we live, our program is a chance to slow down and exhale, knowing that what we offer is what many young children need and certainly deserve. Simply put, our children live and learn in freedom.

We are a Waldorf-inspired educational program influenced by the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, the creator of Waldorf Education. We integrate the arts, somatic healing, creative movement, and music to foster creativity, imagination, and personal self- expression.

Our program is unique in that our focus is to foster a deepened relationship between the teacher, child, and the child's parents. The mixed age group 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.

At Infused Kinder Cottage, we understand the importance of nurturing the whole child. Our unique approach to early childhood education ensures that every aspect of your child's development is supported and encouraged. Choosing our program means investing in a holistic, enriching, and memorable experience for your child, setting them on a path towards a love of lifelong learning.

ABOUT US

Up Close & Personal

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 an Early Childhood assistant at a Waldorf program and is a homeschooling mother. Alex has always been a lifelong learner and passionate about holistic health and wellness, dedicating her life to helping others.

Alex's journey to founding Infused Kinder Cottage began with her passion for Waldorf education, which emphasizes engaging head, heart, and hands—or thinking, feeling, and doing—in the learning process. Alex firmly believes in an educational approach that fosters inspiration, engagement, and exploration for children. She sees this as the most effective means of learning for young minds, and she and her children have embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly.

With Alex's leadership, you can feel confident that your child will receive a wide variety of experiences to help them recognize their capabilities and interests while learning at their own pace. Her commitment to providing a holistic and engaging educational hands on experience is evident in every aspect of Infused Kinder Cottage. Alex is dedicated to promoting healing, balance, and harmony in the lives of others and is passionate about helping others.

Alex Lynne Moore Early Childhood Waldorf Teacher

"Early Childhood Education is not about filling a bucket; instead, caregivers and teachers can offer the child an environment where they can do their important "work" of play. This is one of the most precious gifts that we can offer a child during these tender years.

What we offer at Infused Kinder Cottage, is what many young children need and certainly deserve. Simply put, our children live and learn in freedom."

- Alex Lauterio
Founder of Infused Kinder Cottage

CURRENT PROGRAMMING

From our farm in Tujunga, we offer a year-round early learning supplemental program for in school and home educated children. Our current mixed age Buttercups class is taught by Ms. Alex. We also have a Parent & Child offering along with a Pod for older children up to grade 8. Depending on the age of your child, the curricular elements expand to meet their developmental needs.

Infused Kinder Cottage seeks to create a natural educational environment suited to the developmental needs of our children. We are committed to promoting the cultivation of life-affirming principals in the areas of physical health, emotional well-being, spirituality, education, art, and care for the natural world. Additionally, we emphasize the healing arts and creative movement as a platform from which children can connect deeper to themselves and explore personal self- expression.

OUR CURRICULUM

Where Education Meets Innovation

At Infused Kinder Cottage, our daily rhythm is a blend of outdoor and indoor play to ensure a balanced experience for all. Through artistic expression, and the hallmark of Waldorf education - the art of storytelling, Ms. Alex's stories ignite laughter and joy in the children while stimulating their imaginations. Literacy begins to develop as Ms. Alex leads the children on a daily journey of verse, song, and movement, simultaneously building language, vocabulary, and motor skills. Counting games, rhythmic exercises, and activities such as drumming, creative movement, baking, and even setting the table for our meal times, builds the foundation for mathematics, sequencing, and number skills. Our curriculum is expansive and includes farm animal care, gardening and biodynamic agriculture, the gentle beginnings of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, yoga, sound healing, aromatherapy, and nurturing care retreat days.

The Healing Arts are emphasized at Infused Kinder Cottage and we offer various forms of creative movement and music. The children learn the art of Eurythmy which is a beautiful combination of synchronized movement and voice (often accompanying with children holding colored silks), that helps with sensory-motor development, enhancing coordination while simultaneously stimulating the language centers of the brain.

We also offer Somatic Healing, a form of movement teaching children how to connect deeper to themselves, better understand their emotions and develop confidence in practicing self expression. This therapeutic method builds strong social and emotional skills in children.

In addition, the Waldorf Method places a high importance on giving the children an abundance of free play helping children explore their environment with all their senses. This important "work" of play encourages communication, socialization, and collaboration among the children. The group consciousness builds upon these interactions, allowing for increased growth and development of their senses, emotions, socialization, and ultimately, the beginnings of academic growth for the children.

Finally, 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.

OUR APPROACH

A Holistic Approach to Education

Our approach to early childhood education is grounded in the belief that children learn best through play and hands-on exploration. We offer opportunities to cultivate social, emotional, and intellectual development by providing a fun and engaging curriculum that lays a strong foundation for future academic success. We value the partnership between parent and educator and strive to create an inclusive community where families feel confident their child has freedom to grow, learn, and discover their beautiful, safe and loving environment. At Infused Kinder Cottage, we are committed to providing an exceptional slower paced, learning experience that nurtures every child's soul and helps them grow into their happiest selves.

OUR DAILY RHYTHM

Buttercups Mixed Age class

At Infused Kinder Cottage Ms. Alex, provides our students with a daily rhythm that is appropriate to the child's developmental stage in life. This carefully crafted framework alternates between periods of concentration and expansion, striking a balance between focused engagement and exploratory play.

For the child under two-years-old, they will enjoy joining in our daily rhythm. They may not yet be able to do all that the older children can do, but they can still participate. For example, when the older children collect the eggs, the younger child can be holding an egg basket while bouncing on Ms. Alex's knee. There are always ways to include every child in our activities. The children really enjoy being in a wholesome, happy environment where they are well taken care of, feel rested, and given nourishing foods. They have freedom to play, develop and grow, feeling secure and connected to their teacher, friends, and surroundings.

With a steady rhythm each day, students find comfort and security, knowing what to expect. However, unlike a rigid routine, our daily rhythm is imbued with flexibility. We respond to the unique needs of our students, allowing the day's activities to flow seamlessly and peacefully. This intentional approach of a daily rhythm nurtures a sense of stability, creativity, and purpose within our student, creating an enriching environment where students thrive.

Daily Rhythm:

Morning Arrivals, Teacher/Child greeting
Outside Play
Guided Nature Walk
Farm Experience
Outdoor Mindfulness & Movement
Blessings & Morning Organic Snack
Circletime
Gentle Academics
Outside Play
Blessings & Organic Vegetarian Lunch
Story and Puppetry
Aromatherapy Sound Healing and Nurturing Care
Rest Time
Organic Afternoon Snack
Outside Play
Goodbyes promptly at 3:00 pm.

The mornings begin with arrivals in our sensory play garden. Our children are warmly welcomed by Ms. Alex and encouraged to explore and connect with their friends in their natural surroundings.

We start our day by gathering as a group for a welcome song. This connecting time includes movement and an obstacle course which will help children to feel at ease, develop balance and coordination. Then we begin our outdoor nature walk on our farm. The children will touch and experience our plants and enjoy discovering new blooms, the refreshing sweet fragrances, floral scents, or herbaceous scents along with various textures.

Every day we explore our farm and say good morning to our farm animals.

Outdoor mindfulness and movement

Blessings and Organic Snack: After focused activities, children receive a healthy plant based organic snack.

Circletime

Gentle Academics: On Monday's we re-establish connection by offering the children extra nurturing care. This retreat day will focus on mindful movement and self care such as fairy tale, nature, or animal inspired yoga, sound bath, somatic healing, eurythmy (dance with silks), meditation, essential oil foot baths, hair brushing, gathering of flowers and essential oils to make a personalized aromatherapy roller or craft. We also incorporate the gentle beginnings of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The rest of the week's activities include handwork, wool felting, knitting, mixing and kneading dough, picking edible flowers for cookie and bread baking, collecting herbs for afternoon salads and smoothies, as well as chopping fruits and vegetables for meals together. The week continues with art ~ coloring, drawing, painting, and nature based crafting. Continuing on to farm animal care day when children learn how to take care of our chickens, gather eggs, fill feeders, and connect with nature through working in our biodynamic garden. We round the week out with our drumming circle, various instruments, and child-led creative movement.

Free play

Blessings and Organic Vegetarian Lunch: Children enjoy a nutritious and balanced organic meal with their teacher and friends.

Story and puppetry: The stories and puppetry will bring the children joy, awaken their imaginations, support the development of language, and cognitive skills.

Rest Time: Children will snuggle up on their sheepskin rugs in our sanctuary. We love this nourishing part of our day. The soothing affects of aromatherapy, crystal singing bowls, along with nurturing foot rubs, help the children to relax, release anxiety, self regulate, and fall asleep.

After rest, children receive an organic afternoon snack.

We conclude our day with a farewell and outside play until being picked up promptly at 3:00 pm.

Infused Kinder Cottage strives to nurture, support, and develop a vibrant Waldorf Community in Crescenta Valley and the surrounding areas of LA County. We hope this overview provides you with a clear understanding of our daily rhythm.

"The most important thing to do is establish an education through which human beings learn how to live with one another."

~Rudolf Steiner, founder of Waldorf Education

NOW ENROLLING

We are currently accepting applications for new students for the 2024/2025 Program Year. Book a tour and interview today as limited spots are available.

ADMISSIONS

Serving Childcare ~ Preschool ~ Kindergarten

Parent & Child ~ Pod for older children through grade 8

The admission process at Infused Kinder Cottage is simple, transparent, and designed to provide a stress-free experience for parents and children. We are currently accepting applications throughout the year for our year-round mixed age Buttercups class, Parent & Child session, and Pod for older children through grade 8, as an early learning and supplemental program for home-educated children.

Our 2024/2025 year-round program is from September 2024 – August 2025.

CHILDCARE ~ PRESCHOOL ~ KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM OPTIONS AND TUITION FEES:

1. Full Day Program (9:00 am to 3:00 pm):

5-Full Day Program: Monday to Friday, $1,700.00 per month (under 24 months, $2,300.00 per month, includes diapering)
3-Full Day Program: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, $1,020.00 per month (under 24 months, $1,500.00 per month, includes diapering)
If your child is two years old and not yet toilet trained, there is an additional diapering cost of $200.00 per month

2. Half Day Program (9:00 am to 12:45 pm):

5-Half Day Program: Monday to Friday, $1,300.00 per month (under 24 months, $1,900.00 per month, includes diapering)
3-Half Day Program: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, $800.00 per month (under 24 months, $1,300.00 per month, includes diapering)
If your child is two years old and not yet toilet trained, there is an additional diapering cost of $100.00 per month

3. PARENT & CHILD PROGRAM OPTIONS AND TUITION FEES (10:00 am to 11:30 am):

Parent & Child Playgroup Classes: As the children discover the joy of playing with friends on our forested campus and in our beautiful Waldorf classrooms, parents enjoy getting to know each other while engaged in productive and nourishing work. Principles of Waldorf Education and parenting practices that support family life and child development are experienced directly and explored through conversation.

6 Once a week sessions: $270 for 6 sessions.
You may purchase a single session for $50.00 each.
If you desire drop off: $360 for 6 sessions.
You may purchase a single session for $65.00 each.
If you cannot attend 6 consecutive sessions you may skip and make it up later.
You choose the day/theme you prefer:
- Monday-Nurturing Care Retreat Day (Yoga, Sound Healing, Massage)
- Tuesday-Handwork & Baking
- Wednesday-Fun Nature Based Art
- Thursday-Fun Farm Experience and Gardening
- Friday-Drum Circle and Creative Movement (bring your drum)
- Saturday-Drum Circle (bring your drum) and Restorative Yoga

4. HOMESCHOOL POD (9:00 am to 3:00 pm or 10:00 am to 11:30 am):

Drop in rate available for older children through grade 8
Monday through Friday
$85 a day or $65 for an hour 1/2
Non academic enrichment program

OPTIONAL MEAL PROGRAM:

5-Day Lunch Program: $5.00 per day/$100.00 per month
3-Day Lunch Program: $5.00 per day/$60.00 per month

CHILDCARE ~ PRESCHOOL ~ KINDERGARTEN PAYMENT AND WITHDRAWAL POLICY:

Upon enrollment a deposit equalling one month's tuition is due (payment arrangements available).
Tuition is due by the first of every month for the entire month. Tuition is a monthly flat rate.
Our program is a one-year commitment. There are no discounts or refunds for holidays, vacations, illness, etc.
Annual Registration and Supplies Fee: $185.00. Tuition, Registration, and Supplies Fees are non-refundable.
Sibling discount: 20%
We ask that you please notify us one month in advance if you plan to withdraw your child from the program.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Full-Day includes the Rest Program.
Snacks and materials are included in the Tuition and Registration Fee, while the Meal Programs are optional and available at an extra cost.