Seeds of Joy Village

My daughter began at Seeds of Joy Village this school year, and I’ve become more and more impressed with it, and feel that it is our dream school. It follows the Waldorf philosophy of education, and it is the only preschool nearby that I know of, that follows it. I don’t think many people know what Waldorf is, but as I learned more about different parenting and educational philosophies, this became the one that resonated the most with me. It’s based a lot in simplicity, nature, and play, with lots of respect and protection of a child’s natural developmental stages.
The setting is beautiful, it’s located in Hopkins Wilderness Park in Redondo Beach. There is a pond, and hills and trees to climb everyday. Healthy lunches are served, and the children participate in meal preparation, cutting vegetables for soup and making bread every week! My daughter knows what day it is by what will be served for lunch… «It’s soup day!» etc…
When we experienced my daughter’s birthday celebration/​ceremony at preschool was when the deal was sealed. I had to hold back tears, it was so beautiful. One teacher told a beautiful birthday story, while my daughter was helped by another teacher to go through parts of the story in action, crossing a rainbow bridge, etc. and I was asked to tell precious memories of each year of my daughter’s life.
Many things are very different than the norm here, but in such a good, good way. It’s a total respite from the go, go, go world that seems to have become the default situation.
Preschool/​Kindergarten Program serves 2 ½ — 6 year olds
Mon. — Thurs. 9am-​1pm, with after care also available (1:00 — 5:00pm)
Parent Toddler Classes serves 18 mos. — 3 year olds
Fridays (2 classes): 9−11am /​11:30am-1:00pm

I found this place through Unilocal.I was impressed with the 5-​star ratings and reviews. I now know that at least 2 of these reviews are written by people who are either part of the management or closely associated with the management.
This is a review for the Japanese version of the parent-​toddler program they offer. It is a two hour program structured as follows:
30 minutes — outdoor play
20 minutes — circle time with songs
20 minutes — snack time
40 minutes — free play
10 minutes — story time and goodbye song
We attended two 8-​week sessions — my son was 2 ½ when we started. Here is my opinion:
1. Program caters to parents more than toddlers.
2. Teacher organizes craft activities during free play for parents. (I loved these craft projects, but I could hardly do much since I also needed to take care of my son. But the teacher was kind to let me take the material home so I could finish my projects in my own time.)
3. Parents have to supervise the children throughout with seldom any help from the teacher — not because the teacher was unhelpful, simply because it was planned that way.
4. Rigid rules — children are expected to sit in one place and be silent during circle time and story time.
5. Healthy and nutritious food provided at snack time. (Cookies were personally baked by the teacher with healthy ingredients and no sugar.)
At the first class, during outdoor play time, it began raining — hailing. Of course, it was completely unexpected — it hardly even drizzles in this part usually. But we were not allowed indoors, though I asked if we could go in. There was a covered area, but that didn’t give us any shelter from the cold and dampness. We couldn’t go to the car because it would have been foolish to walk in the hail. None of us was appropriately dressed either.
My son loved the teacher, Miss Miho. He would talk about her and the other children in class at home and he enjoyed going here.
Overall, it was OK.

My daughter has attended this lovely little school for almost a year. We were actively seeking a Waldorf school and it is the only one in the South Bay. We love it for so many reasons — the warm, nurturing space, the way the teacher speaks to the children and in turn, how the children speak/​interact with each other. I feel like Seeds of Joy is like a breath of fresh air. Mostly, though I love that our daughter eats spectacularly there! Lunch is always organic with veggies and grains — millet, quinoa, brown rice, kale, broccoli, bok choy all seasonal veggies! Love it!

I am so happy to have found Seeds of Joy. My 3 yr old absolutely loves her teachers and her classmates. I appreciate the calm and nurturing environment the teachers create which my daughter absolutely thrives in. I really feel the teachers truly love each child that attends this school which creates a very special environment.
I am also impressed by the family involvement in the school… you can feel that the families are just as committed to making this school a warm and welcoming school for all kids. and yes, organic veggies for meals!

My son has been going here for several months now and loves it! We couldn’t be any happier with a preschool for our son. All of the teachers are amazing, from the respectful way they treat the children to their abilities and knowlege of child development and Waldorf education. Seeds of Joy Village is a calm, healthy, fun and natural place for our children in this fast paced world. It’s nice to know how well cared for my son is and that he is learning many valuable lessons at the same time. This is a preschool to enjoy communtiy and watch your child bloom.

After researching and visiting numerous preschools, we found our son’s home at Seeds of Joy. The Teachers, curriculum, setting, and community of parents are amazing. The school has helped our son develop confidence, creativity, cooperation and empathy. It has also helped us to better understand child development and become better parents. AND… our son at some broccoli! (The snacks and lunch served are organic and healthy).

Can I give 10 stars!?! My almost 3 year old has been attending Seeds of Joy this last year. We were so glad to find a Waldorf school in the South Bay. The parents and teachers are extremely supportive of one another and my child is already developing a great love for learning while also learning to respect all things in her world. There has never been a day I’ve regretted enrolling my daughter at Seeds of Joy and I recommend it to everyone!

If there were a «magical school» it would have to be Seeds of Joy.
The teachers, classroom, and Redondo wilderness park (their huge «playground») offer a very stimulating yet nurturing environment for children to learn through play.
Our son loves coming here every day and gets ready in the morning without a fight (as opposed to the other preschool we took him to previously).
I sense a feeling of peace every time I drop him off and pick him up, and I see that same tranquility in the kids there as well. For this I give credit to their amazing 2 teachers, who are the most kind, gentle and loving teachers I’ve ever met. They really understand the needs and developmental stages of each child and strive to meet every students’ needs.
I was convinced this was the school for our son when the teacher came over to our home for some tea and to get to know eachother. How many preschools do you know that do that?!