At Little Gems, we believe that good childcare depends upon consistent caregiving in a home-like atmosphere. Children grow and learn best in a safe environment that provides opportunities to explore, create and communicate with other children and adults. These groups function independently but cooperatively following routines appropriate to individual needs. The program is designed to be inclusive of all children, including those with identified disabilities and special learning and developmental needs.

The Little Gems program is designed to include both planned and spontaneous activities in response to children’s interests. Experiences with music, movement, art, language and building are incorporated into daily plans. Regularly scheduled snacks and meals, rest time, indoor and outdoor play, and routines in physical caregiving promote the child’s health, comfort and ability to care for his/herself.

There is maximum flexibility for the children as a group and as individuals. Children are encouraged to develop a positive self-image, to learn inner controls and to cooperate with peers and caregivers. Clearly defined limits help children recognize and accept their emotions as well as express their feelings as they grow and feel secure in the world around them.

Little Gems of the Sierra is a non-profit early-childhood Waldorf-based program in Truckee, California. At Little Gems, we believe that young children are intrinsically intelligent and that implicit teaching methods will not only draw forth this intelligence but will serve to affirm the young child’s sense of worth.

“Receive the children in reverence,

Education them with love,

Send them forth in freedom.”

- Rudolf Steiner, Founder, Waldorf