Growing Together, Gentle Beginnings and Waldorf Family Classes for Babies, Toddlers and Their Caregivers.
Growing Together is a thoughtfully designed program welcoming children ages birth to 5 and their caregiver into a non-separating environment. In our spaces, all are welcome from grandparents to godparents, mothers, fathers, parents, and nannies. You will be invited into our beautiful classroom, a sanctuary from the bustle of everyday life, and you will experience nurturing rhythms, purposeful movement and songs, nourishing snacks (for Saplings and Blossoms), and facilitated conversation to guide you as you grow as a parent/caregiver while remaining connected to the present moment.
Please select the class that meets the age of your oldest registered child. Younger siblings are always welcome. Siblings under 16 months are considered lap babies.
Growing Together 2024-2025 Information and Investment
Payment and the Parent/Child Information Form is due at the time of of Registration.
Cancellations made thirty days prior to the start of each session will qualify for a refund minus a $25 administrative fee. Cancellations made less than thirty days prior to the start date of session may be available for a refund minus a $50 administrative fee, provided the space can be filled from a wait list prior to the first day of session. No refunds will be issued once the session has started.
Growing Together Teachers
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Emily Barstad
Emily graduated from UW- Eau Claire with an undergraduate degree in English Technical Writing, and she went on to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to complete her Master’s in Family Education with a license to teach Parent Education. Emily worked in the public school setting as an ECFE Parent Educator. Then, in 2020, she decided to step aside from her teaching position to homeschool her oldest daughter and pursue her art business. After some time painting and “road-schooling,” exploring 9 national parks with her family, she found her way to the Minnesota Waldorf School where she now facilitates the Growing Together program. She is also in the process of completing her Extra Lesson training through Waldorf Learning Support.
In addition to her schooling, Emily has held several positions supporting young children including summer camps, nannying, proctoring, and literacy support work. Emily is also a mother to three young children who all attend the Minnesota Waldorf School. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time outside with her family, especially gardening, hiking, and basking in sunlight. Emily is an avid reader, enjoys traveling and painting, and she loves to connect with other humans.
Questions about Growing Together?
Please contact ebarstad@mnwaldorf.org.
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This class is intended for families who are new to Growing Together or the Minnesota Waldorf School and want to get a peek into our program. We ask that this class remain open for new families and/or families who did not get a place in our regular programming. Ages, 12 months - 4 years old.