Rosebud Parent-Child Classes
Rosebud is our weekly early childhood class for children from birth to three years and the parents, grandparents, guardians, and other caring adults who share their lives.
Cedarwood’s Rosebud classes provide a haven for parents and caregivers who seek the support of a small class community and wish to deepen their understanding of the spirit consciousness of the young child in their care.
In our weekly gatherings, we focus on gentle observation, meaningful conversation, and cultivating our perception of the needs of the young child. Children engage in self-initiated play and movement which lay the foundation for healthy attachment, self-regulation, and attention.
Led by early childhood teacher Avery Gerhardt, children will experience a simple rhythm, which includes snack and age-appropriate circle/story time, while parents engage in gentle observation sitting on the periphery of the child's play space.
Each week, we aim to support the class community with articles, contemplations, and discussions about intentional parenting topics and how the children inspire us and the world.
Questions? Reach out to Antonella Focarino at afocarino@cedarwoodschool.org.
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Rosebud Parent-Child Class: Birth to One
Saturdays, 11am-12pm
September 26-November 21, no class 10/17
8 sessionsOur Birth to One class offers parents and caregivers a gentle, supportive space to explore the earliest months of their child's life. Together, families gather in a warm, nurturing environment to connect with one another, share in meaningful conversations about infant and child development, and explore the foundations of Waldorf Early Childhood Education.Each class includes songs, movement, simple sensory experiences, and opportunities for caregivers to engage intentionally with their babies while observing the wonder of their unfolding development. Guided discussions and thoughtful resources provide encouragement and support as families navigate the joys and challenges of the first year together. -
Rosebud Parent-Child Class: One to Three
Saturdays, 9:00-10:30am
September 26-November 21, no class 10/17
8 sessionsDesigned for children ages one to three and their caregivers, this class offers a peaceful morning rooted in rhythm, connection, and joyful discovery. Families experience a morning that includes free play with natural materials, baking or a seasonal craft, shared snack, circle time, and a simple story.Alongside these shared experiences, parents and caregivers have the opportunity to build meaningful connections with other families while participating in conversations about child development and parenting through a Waldorf lens. Whether you are new to Waldorf education or already familiar, this class offers a welcoming community where both children and grown-ups can grow and learn together.
About Teacher Avery
Avery was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area by a family of educators, and from an early age knew she wanted to become a teacher herself. Her journey into early childhood education began in high school through babysitting and continued with full-time nannying while attending college.
She earned her B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development, with an emphasis in Early Childhood, from San Francisco State University. Throughout her studies, she worked in a variety of early childhood settings, deepening her understanding of child development and nurturing relationships with young children and their families.
After graduating, Avery joined the Early Childhood faculty at East Bay Waldorf School, where she discovered a deep connection to Waldorf pedagogy. Inspired by its holistic approach to child development, she immediately enrolled in a Waldorf teacher training program. After three years of study, she earned her Waldorf Teacher Training Certificate from Antioch University New England and is currently completing her Master's Degree in Waldorf Education. She is also pursuing her Lifeways Early Childhood Certificate, further deepening her work with young children and families.
In 2020, Avery and her partner moved to Portland, where she found Cedarwood and has happily called it home ever since. She has taught in both the Early Childhood and Grades programs and feels grateful to be part of such a vibrant school community. Since then, she and her partner have welcomed two children of their own, and becoming a parent has brought new depth and perspective to her work with families. Avery is delighted to share this season of childhood with parents and children, cultivating a warm, supportive space for connection, wonder, and joyful discovery together.
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