Growing Together, Gentle Beginnings and Waldorf Family Classes for Babies, Toddlers and Their Caregivers.
2025 Growing Together Offerings
Growing Together welcomes children ages 1 to 3 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 where you will experience nurturing rhythms, purposeful movement and song. A nourishing snack will be provided shared by a supportive community where you feel guided as you grow as a parent/caregiver while remaining connected to the present moment.
Growing Together 2025-2026 Information and Investment.
Payment and the Parent/Child Information Form is due at the time 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.
Please check back for seasonal offerings and sessions.
Questions? Email amccarty@mnwaldorf.org.
Growing Together Newsletter
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Growing Together Lead Teacher
Ashley McCarty
With joy and warmth, I’m so honored to introduce myself to this community of parents and caregivers as your new Growing Together teacher, Ashley McCarty. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Wartburg College and a Master’s in Education from Viterbo University.
My journey began in general music education— teaching in a variety of public school settings, offering private lessons, and directing children’s musical theater. Over time, my focus shifted toward early childhood education, inspired by both personal and professional growth. I went on to co-found a nature-based family childcare and preschool, later joined the preschool team at a local independent school, and eventually found my way to the Minnesota Waldorf School where I have been grateful to serve in a variety of roles.
My own family found Minnesota Waldorf School when my daughter started Kindergarten, and my son and I attended parent-child classes together. MWS holds a very special and wonderful community of people, and I’m excited to welcome you as we begin a new year together! I hope to create a space where families can slow down, connect, and embrace the joyful journey of parenting. We'll enjoy cozy mornings in our brand-new yurt, and, of course, spend lots of time outside exploring our beautiful campus.
A typical morning will include indoor and outdoor free play, circle time with seasonal songs and poems, a nourishing snack, and supportive conversation and connection with other caregivers. We’ll offer simple handwork projects for adults, along with thoughtful insights on child development and Waldorf philosophy to support you on your parenting journey.
* A note about siblings – It is a true gift to spend this special one-on-one time with your enrolled child. However, infants in arms are welcome to attend at no additional cost. Siblings who are not yet crawling by the 1st day of class may attend as lap babies.