Steiner Childcare
Steiner Childcare (often called Waldorf) is a whole-child approach that nurtures imagination, rhythm, and a deep connection to nature through play, practical life, and the arts. In Australian early learning, many services draw on Steiner principles while operating within the National Quality Framework (NQF) and planning with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). If the service is approved, Steiner programs can be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
What is Steiner Childcare?
Steiner Childcare is a play-rich, relationship-centred approach designed to support the healthy development of body, heart, and mind (“head, heart, hands”). Environments are calm, natural, and beautiful; toys are simple and open-ended; and the day follows a predictable rhythm that balances free play with practical and artistic experiences. Educators act as thoughtful role models, using imitation, storytelling, music, movement, and nature-based activity to inspire learning without rushing formal academics.
Daily experiences typically include home-like practical work (baking, gardening, handwork), imaginative play, song and verse, movement games, storytelling and puppetry, watercolour painting, drawing and craft, and generous outdoor time in all seasons.
In Australia, Steiner Childcare aligns with the NQF/NQS and plans learning through the EYLF. Where a service is an approved provider, eligible families may claim the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
Steiner Childcare – A Short History
Steiner Childcare is inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925), whose ideas gave rise to the first Waldorf School in 1919. Early childhood centres emerged soon after, emphasising rhythm, imitation, meaningful work, and imaginative play over early formal instruction. The approach spread across Europe and the world; today, many Australian preschools and long day care centres offer Steiner or Steiner-inspired programs.
Modern Steiner Childcare integrates contemporary child development research, collaborates closely with families, and adapts environments for diverse learners — while keeping a core aim in view: nourish the senses, protect childhood, and kindle a love of learning.
Core Steiner Childcare Principles
Rhythm & routine
Predictable daily/weekly rhythms create security and gradually deepen self-regulation.
Learning through imitation & play
Adults model purposeful work; children internalise habits of attention, care, and cooperation through play.
Nature & the outdoors
Daily outdoor time, seasonal stories/festivals, gardening and nature walks connect children to place and sustainability.
Aesthetic, natural environments
Warm colours, natural materials (wood, wool, silk), and uncluttered spaces invite calm, focused play.
The arts every day
Singing, movement games, drawing, watercolour painting, clay/bee-wax modelling, simple handwork.
Whole-child development
“Head, heart, hands” — physical, social-emotional, and early cognitive growth are integrated, not siloed.
Low/No screens in early years
Hands-on, social, and sensory experiences take priority over digital media.
Educator as model & guide
Gentle authority, warm presence, and intentional language; guidance through example more than instruction.
How this looks by age
- 0–3 (Infant/Toddler): Secure relationships, unhurried care routines, language-rich songs and fingerplays, simple open-ended objects, movement and outdoor time.
- 3–6 (Kindergarten/Preschool): Longer stretches of imaginative play; baking, gardening, and craft; daily songs and movement; storytelling/puppetry; painting and handwork; seasonal projects and outdoor learning.
Steiner Childcare vs other approaches
Steiner vs Reggio Emilia – Which fits your child?
Big idea
- Steiner: Nurture imagination, rhythm, and healthy senses through play, nature, and the arts.
- Reggio Emilia: Co-constructed learning through collaborative projects, documentation, and inquiry.
Role of the educator
- Steiner: Warm model and guide; leads rhythm and practical work, invites imitation and imaginative play.
- Reggio: Co-researcher who listens, provokes questions, and extends project work.
Materials & environment
- Steiner: Natural, simple, open-ended materials; home-like aesthetic; seasonal displays.
- Reggio: “Loose parts,” atelier/art studio, environment as “third teacher” with rich documentation.
Grouping & flow of the day
- Steiner: Predictable rhythm; free play balanced with artistic/practical “in-breath/out-breath” activities.
- Reggio: Flexible small groups and project blocks with frequent reflection.
Documentation & assessment
- Steiner: Narrative observations and learning stories; emphasis on disposition, wellbeing, and social growth.
- Reggio: Documentation panels (photos, transcripts, drawings) making thinking visible.
Tech/screens
- Steiner: Minimal/none in early years.
- Reggio: Typically low-tech; digital tools mainly for documentation.
Best-fit tendencies (every child is unique)
- Steiner: Children who flourish with rhythm, sensory play, and a gentle, nature-centred day.
- Reggio: Children who light up with collaborative inquiry, co-design, and group projects.
Steiner vs Mainstream Play-Based Programs
Teaching style
- Steiner: Adults model purposeful work; children learn through imitation, play, and arts.
- Mainstream play-based: Educators set up learning areas and lead more group experiences linked to specific outcomes.
Environment
- Steiner: Natural, uncluttered, home-like; real tools and seasonal displays.
- Play-based: Varied learning centres (blocks, dramatic play, art, literacy) with frequent rotations.
Grouping
- Steiner: Mixed-age kindergarten groups common; strong community/festival life.
- Play-based: Typically age-based rooms with small-group times.
Assessment & documentation
- Steiner: Narrative observations, learning stories, visible growth in dispositions and practical capability.
- Play-based: Learning stories, photos, and planning cycles explicitly mapped to EYLF outcomes.
Bottom line: Both can be excellent. Focus on NQS quality and your child’s temperament.
Steiner vs Montessori – At a glance
Big idea
- Steiner: Nurtures imagination, rhythm, nature connection and the arts; protects childhood with gentle, play-rich days.
- Montessori: Builds independence, concentration and real-world skills through self-chosen, hands-on activities in a prepared environment.
Role of the educator
- Steiner: Warm model and guide; leads rhythm, practical work, arts and stories that children imitate.
- Montessori: Guide/observer; gives brief lessons, then steps back so children can practise and self-correct.
Materials & environment
- Steiner: Natural, simple, open-ended materials; home-like spaces; seasonal rhythm.
- Montessori: Specific, self-correcting materials; ordered shelves; minimalist, child-sized spaces.
Day structure
- Steiner: Predictable rhythm (circle → artistic/practical work → free play → outdoor time → story).
- Montessori: Long, uninterrupted work cycle (typically 2–3 hours) with deep, self-directed concentration.
Documentation & assessment
- Steiner: Narrative observations and learning stories focused on dispositions, wellbeing and social growth.
- Montessori: Observation notes and progress through materials; emphasis on mastery and independence.
Technology
- Steiner: Low/no screens in early years; hands-on, sensory experiences first.
- Montessori: Also low-tech; real tools and concrete materials over devices.
Best-fit tendencies (every child is unique)
- Steiner: Children who flourish with steady rhythm, imaginative play and nature-based learning.
- Montessori: Children who enjoy order, repetition, practical life tasks and focused solo work.
Quality Note: Both approaches can be excellent. Look for strong NQS practice, trained lead educators, and relationships that feel right for your child.
What a Day Looks Like in Steiner Childcare
Arrival & unhurried play: Indoors with open-ended materials or outdoors in nature.
Morning circle: Songs, verses, movement games, seasonal poems.
Practical/artistic activity: Baking bread, painting, gardening, handwork, woodwork (age-appropriate).
Outdoor learning: Nature walks, sand/water play, gross-motor exploration.
Story & puppetry: Oral storytelling or simple puppet shows develop language, memory, and imagination.
Meals & rest: Mindful mealtimes, care routines, and quiet rest/relaxation.
How to Choose a Steiner Childcare Service
What to look for (quick checklist)
- Trained Steiner/Waldorf lead educators with ongoing mentoring.
- Natural, uncluttered environment with open-ended materials in good repair.
- Consistent rhythm (circle, activity, free play, outdoor time, story).
- Strong relationships and warm, respectful tone.
- Arts every day (song, movement, painting, craft) and practical life.
- Low/No screens in early childhood.
- Observation culture and narrative documentation shared with families.
Questions to ask on a tour
- “What does your daily/weekly rhythm look like?”
- “How do you balance free play with artistic/practical activities?”
- “How do you observe and document learning?”
- “How do you support additional needs or sensory differences?”
- “How is Steiner practice aligned with the EYLF and demonstrated in NQS areas (QA1, QA3, QA5, QA7)?”
- “What qualifications do lead educators hold, and how do you mentor new staff?”
Quality & compliance (Australia)
All approved services — Steiner Childcare included — operate under the NQF/NQS and plan learning with the EYLF (or MTOP for school-age care). Check published ratings and ask to see the service’s Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).
Read more: National Quality Framework and National Quality Standard
Fees & CCS
If the service is an approved provider, eligible families can claim the Child Care Subsidy. Use the calculator to estimate costs before enrolling.
Start here: Child Care Subsidy Calculator
Common Myths (and the Reality)
“Steiner avoids academics.”
In the early years, literacy/numeracy foundations grow through language, story, movement, and practical/artistic experiences — building memory, vocabulary, fine motor control, and number sense.
“It’s too unstructured.”
A Steiner day follows a clear rhythm that alternates free play with guided artistic/practical activity — calm, predictable, and purposeful.
“It’s anti-modern.”
Steiner prioritises hands-on, social learning in early childhood; services still meet modern health, safety, and quality standards under the NQF/NQS.
Is Steiner Childcare a Good Fit for Your Family?
Often a great fit when your child…
- Responds well to predictable rhythm and calm spaces.
- Loves imaginative play, nature, and making things with their hands.
- Benefits from story, song, and movement woven through the day.
Might prefer a different approach when your child…
- Thrives on collaborative projects and visible documentation (consider Reggio Emilia).
- Loves individual, self-chosen tasks with concrete learning materials (consider Montessori).
- Enjoys a wide variety of rotating play centres (mainstream Play-Based).
Explore other Early Learning Approaches
Steiner Childcare – FAQs
Next Steps
- Compare Steiner services near you via the Find Childcare directory.
- Learn how to read ratings: National Quality Framework and National Quality Standard.
- Estimate your costs with our Childcare Fees Calculator.
- Explore other Approaches to Early Learning.
- Read Steiner Childcare resources here [opens in a new window].
