Our Philosophy

Waldorf-inspired Care

Lively Children Childcare Center of Louisville is a nurturing environment based on the LifeWays® Child Care philosophy. One of the hallmarks of LifeWays® Child Care is the family-style approach. By caring for children in small groups of varying ages, the child’s daily experience is much more natural and home-like than the institutionalized and program-oriented care that is prevalent today. This approach to child care is ideal for the healthy development of the child, as is confirmed by current research on the importance of bonding in brain development. LifeWays offers an innovative relationship-based vision for childcare, both by parents in the home and by childcare providers in childcare centers, for children from birth to 6 years.

LifeWays practices are inspired by the works of Rudolf Steiner and the experience of Waldorf education and are supported by contemporary early childhood research as well as common sense and the wisdom of many generations of parents. LifeWays is based on the fundamental need for relationship-based care (bonding and continuity), neurological research, and recognition of living arts (domestic, nurturing, creative and social arts) as central to the advancement of children’s social, emotional and intellectual skills.

Well-Rounded

Adult and child activities include practical life skills such as building, gardening, cleaning, cooking, washing, repairing and sewing, among other things.

Child guidance is based on the L.O.V.E. Approach to Discipline: Listening, Laughter, Order, Objectivity, Versatility, Vulnerability, Energy and Enthusiasm.

Inside work and play is both for adults and children. The adults are caring for the children and also caring for the daily rhythm of cooking, crafting, washing, folding laundry – while toddlers are coming and going from adult activities. Imitation of productive adult activities is seen in the children’s play and frees them to so their “work” which is their “play.”

Creative

Movement/play curriculum emphasizes child-initiated activities that promote healthy musculoskeletal development, providing opportunities for unstructured, spontaneous movement in a safe environment.

Foundation for lifelong literacy is fostered through storytelling and puppetry, individual lap time with a book, poetry, verse and music on a daily basis, drama and the daily interactions of play and movement in a healthy, secure environment.

Robust

The children go outside in all but the most inclement weather.  This helps them become more robust and strengthens their bond with the environment in which they live.  A protected area is provided for crawlers and infants.

Movement and play curriculum emphasizes child-initiated activities that promote healthy musculoskeletal development, providing opportunities for unstructured, spontaneous movement in a safe environment. Traditional games and finger-plays provide opportunities for the children to imitate healthy movement, develop proprioception and increase both small and large motor skills.

A Day at Lively

Sample Schedule: 21 months to 3 years 

7:30am-10:00amArrivals, Inside work + play
9:00amClean up + Bathroom
9:20am Ringtime
10:00amClean up + ready for outside
10:30am-11:30amMorning walk
11:30amBathroom Break
11:50amStorytime
12:00pm-1:00pmLunchtime
1:00pmNaptime
3:00pmBathroom Break
3:30pmAfternoon Snack
4:00pmAfternoon Walk, or inside or outside work + play
5:00pmBathroom Break
5:00pm – 6:00pmDepartures, inside work + play 
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