Choosing to become a childminder or nanny was once rare among Steiner Waldorf practitioners. Now it has become an increasingly popular choice, particularly since the introduction of the Holistic Baby and Childcare Course (EYE) in 2015. When I started as a Steiner-trained childminder in 2003, I quickly built up a waiting list, and demand from parents for home-based Steiner Waldorf provision still dramatically outstrips supply.
Many aspects of the Steiner Waldorf approach are easily incorporated into home-based childcare, and models of provision are emerging, offering inspiration to a new generation of practitioners (see case studies below).
Influencing current practice is New Zealand practitioner Bernadette Raichle (because of her focus on the social, emotional and spiritual needs of the young child); Hungarian paediatrician Emmi Pikler (because of her commitment to respectful adult-child relationships, free movement and play); and Helle Heckmann, a Steiner practitioner based in Copenhagen and pioneer of outdoor childcare settings (see More information).
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