Parent & Child Classes
Welcoming your child into this world is a profound and exciting journey as a parent or caregiver, and we’re here to partner with you from the near beginning because Waldorf education meets children at every age, including the earliest months.
Parent-Child classes are a wonderful opportunity to meet other families and children, while gaining support and insight from an expert Waldorf early educator. In these weekly seasonal sessions, you’ll have an opportunity to discuss child development and parenting topics, and learn how to bring the magic of a Waldorf early childhood classroom into your own home.
In these sweet and gentle classes, you’ll participate in circle and story time with your child, prepare and share a snack, create simple crafts, sing, play games and move.
Sessions consist of 8-10 once-per-week classes and are offered in the fall, winter and spring.
Please note that we recommend registering soon as these wonderful classes fill quickly.
Meet Your Teacher, Ms. Fanding Xu
Fanding’s Waldorf journey began in China in 2016, where she taught English in a Waldorf school.
Since then, her path has taken her through teaching, study, and volunteer work in China, Nepal, India, Europe, and the United States. Along the way, she discovered that while every culture has its own stories, songs, and traditions, children everywhere are nurtured by the same gifts—love, rhythm, beauty, meaningful work, and a true sense of belonging.
After moving to the United States in 2019, Fanding completed her Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Training through Waldorf Teacher Education Eugene, studied Special Education at the University of Oregon, and taught at Cedarwood Waldorf School.
Becoming a mother has deepened her appreciation for the quiet beauty of the early years and the meaningful connections found in everyday family life. Fanding believes the early years are a time of wonder, connection, and belonging. She hopes every family feels welcomed, supported, and inspired, leaving each gathering with a deeper connection to one another, to nature, and to the simple beauty of everyday life.
2026-27 Class Dates and Registration
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FALL 2026 CLASSES
Mondays: 9/14/26 – 11/16/26
Tuesdays: 9/8/26 – 11/10/26
Wednesdays: 9/9/26 – 11/11/26
Saturdays: 9/12/26 – 11/21/26 (no class 10/3)
10 weeks = $600
6 parent/child pairs
8:45–10:45am
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WINTER 2027 CLASSES
Mondays: 1/4/27 – 3/15/27 (no class 2/15)
Tuesdays: 1/5/27 – 3/16/27 (no class 2/16)
Wednesdays: 1/6/27 – 3/17/27 (no class 2/17)
Saturdays: 1/2/27 – 3/20/27 (no class 1/23, 2/13)
10 weeks = $600
6 parent/child pairs
8:45–10:45am
email admissions@portlandwaldorf.org for registration information
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SPRING 2027 CLASSES
Mondays: 4/5/27 – 5/24/27
Tuesdays: 4/6/27 – 5/25/27
Wednesdays: 4/7/27 – 5/26/27
Saturdays: 4/3/27 – 6/5/27 (no class 5/1, 5/29)
8 weeks = $480
6 parent/child pairs
8:45–10:45am
email admissions@portlandwaldorf.org for registration information
These popular classes are open to caregivers and children ages 0 to 3. Each class is limited to 6 adult-child pairs. They fill up quickly, so register soon or join a Waitlist. Follow the links above to set up a Popsicle account and register for class. We encourage you to click through to Popsicle for the most up-to-date information on availability.
Families Learning Together
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MEETING FAMILIES | Share in the experience of parenting in these first few months with other families.
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MORNING SNACK | A light nutrious snack and tea are enjoyed together.
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SCARF PLAY | A Waldorf favorite, soft silk scarf play awakens senses and wonder in small children. Our scarves are always naturally dyed.
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CIRCLE TIME | Gather together to sing songs, and learn more about the Waldorf approach to play and development.
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IMAGINATIVE PLAY | Enjoy playful moments together in our gentle and nurturing enviroment.
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BAKE BREAD | A cornerstone Waldorf activity for small children, breadmaking awakens senses and is enjoyed together with honey and butter.
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GATHERING AT THE TABLE | An important part of the day is preparing and enjoying mealtime together.
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STORYTIME | Enjoy books and stories together. Storytelling is an integral part of Waldorf education.
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Waldorf education is rooted in the spiritual and developmental philosophy of Rudolf Steiner’s Anthroposophy, which emphasizes the profound inter-connectedness of human beings with both the natural world and the spiritual realm. Learn More
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PWS is the most established Waldorf School in the Portland Metro Region, and the only Nursery through High School Program in the Pacific Northwest. Our strong roots allow for innovation in the classroom, while our steadfast commitment to Eurythmy underscores our dedication to Anthroposophy. Learn More
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At Portland Waldorf School, we seek to create an inclusive community where our differences are both valued and acknowledged. Celebrating our shared humanity and striving to be our best selves is a priority. Learn More
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Our entire school campus is a cell-phone free zone. Technology, like daily access to laptops and instructional presentations, is used only in the high school as a tool to help adolescence achieve their specific goals purposefully. Read more
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Educational Support at Portland Waldorf School is thoughtfully interwoven into the curriculum, honoring each child’s unique developmental journey. From early childhood through sixth grade, our Educational Support Teacher and Administrator works closely with students using a holistic blend of integrative movement, artistic exercises, and academic guidance - methods that nurture both the will and the capacity to learn with purpose and joy.
In middle school, students are supported by an Educational Support Teacher and curriculum geared toward the growing capacities of early adolescence, while high school students are supported by a robust Life Skills curriculum and program aimed at addressing the needs of the growing adolescent. Both programs build confidence, and help with making informed decisions, problem-solving, communicating effectively, and developing coping and self – management skills that will help them lead a healthy and productive life.
