Fundamentals Retreat
Caregiving, parenting and teaching has become an increasingly challenging endeavor. Providing the right environment and nourishment for children to thrive requires strong intention and a wellspring of support. In the LifeWays Fundamentals course we offer a balance of intellectual content, hands-on work, spiritual nourishment and community support to get you started in your caregiving or educator’s journey.
Upcoming Retreats
Learn more about hosting a training in your area here.
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“If a child has been able in his play to give up his whole loving being to the world around him, he will be able, in the serious tasks of later life, to devote himself with confidence and power to the service of the world.” -Rudolf Steiner
Join us for a five day in-person retreat to fill your tool kit with:
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The basics of early childhood and how to support this critical phase of development
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An introduction to the Living Arts
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How to create sustainable and nourishing rhythms with attention to transitions
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An understanding of the importance of play and how to support it
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How to build effective relationships with partners, parents, colleagues
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Basics in storytelling, as well as an experience of songs and games for children
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Basic skills in handwork, festival craft, watercolor painting, nature table creation
**PLUS enjoy a week of nourishing self-care with delicious, organic meals, time in nature, movement classes, and the camaraderie of an established community to support and inspire you in the future!**
After the in-person retreat:
You have the FREE option of joining a LifeWays lead pedagogue and their cohorts in a five-session (Zoom) book study of Life is the Curriculum as well as time for open Q&A and sharing with your cohort peers. Each session will last 1.5 hours, one hour of discussing the book and 30 minutes of Q&A. (to be eligible for credit hours only one session may be missed and requires watching the video and writing a personal reflection on the study session).
You also have the option of purchasing one-on-one mentoring sessions with a lead pedagogue to further support your unique needs. A one-hour telephone session is available for $100, or three one-hour sessions for $250.
**For early childhood teachers and caregivers, this course qualifies for 35 hours of Continuing Education credits after the retreat, and an additional 10 hours if you participate in and complete the Book Study!
Tuition: $1500
The Fundamentals Retreat gives just a taste of what our Early Childhood Certificate Training has to offer, so if you choose to enroll for the full training, THE TUITION PAID TO THE FUNDAMENTALS RETREAT MINUS $140 SUPPLY FEE IS APPLIED TO YOUR FULL TRAINING TUITION!
Fundamentals Retreat Admissions and Fees
How to Apply
The following steps must be completed before considering yourself fully accepted to and ready to attend our in person retreat:
1. Fill out the online application and pay the $100 Application fee
2. Complete the Payment Plan Form and Contract
3. After application, fill out a Financial Assistance form if tuition support is needed (provided after application).
4. Reach out to the Student Services Coordinator of your location to let them know you have enrolled, or are in the process of enrolling, and they can assist you with any questions that arise.
If you are in need of downloadable forms to mail into LifeWays, please email Julie at administrator@lifewaysnorthamerica.net
**Please see the Discounts section for guidelines and requirements for receiving the Early Enrollment discount, Representative Sites discount or Fundamentals Retreat discount.
Our goal is to do all we can to make it possible for you to take this training, while at the same time being respectful and responsible to the needs of our organization. We want more children and families to experience the simplicity, grace and joy in life that the LifeWays training encourages. We look forward to working with you!