Parent & Child Programs
Respectful caregiving, self-initiated movement, building trust and self-confidence in the very young child and ample time for uninterrupted play are at the core of this class. Come learn with us in this imaginative, purposeful and loving environment.
Little Ferns
Parent & Child Program Session
Ages: Birth – 3 years (approximately)
The Parent & Child program provides a supportive environment to parents and caregivers as they delve into the joys and challenges of parenting. Morning classes offer a time for play, songs, verses, a snack, and crafts. Through weekly group conversations, parents and caregivers are offered a time for focused attention on their children as they explore the world.
Days, Times, Teacher
Thursdays, 8:45 – 10:45 am – with Miss Becky
Fridays, 8:45 – 10:45 am – with Miss Kat
Saturdays, 9:00 – 11:00 am – with Miss Valerie
Inclement Weather Policy: In the event of a two-hour delay, the Little Ferns Class will begin at 10:15 am and run until Noon.
For questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Admissions. Call 717.426.4506 or email admissions@susquehanna.org.
Fall 2025
2025 Fall Sessions:
Thursday: September 18 – November 13 (8 weeks)
Saturday: September 13 – October 4 (4 weeks)
Winter 2025-26
2025-26 Winter Sessions:
Thursday: December 4 – February 19 (8 weeks)
Friday: January 23 – March 27 (8 weeks)
Spring 2026
2026 Spring Sessions:
Thursday: March 19 – May 21 (8 weeks)
Friday: April 17 – May 29 (5 weeks)
Saturday: April 18 – May 23 (6 weeks)
Meet The Teachers
Ms. Becky (Becky Rudowsky)
Becky Rudowsky is the Lead Teacher for the 3-day Stepping Stones class and has worked with our newest families in Parent-Child for many years, studying and deepening her connection with Waldorf education and child development for the past 16 years. When not at school, she enjoys spending time with her family, knitting, visiting family, and swimming in the beautiful lakes of her family home in upstate New York.
Ms. Valerie (Valerie Addy)
Valerie Addy is a long-time member of our wider SWS community and has extensive experience in Waldorf pedagogy, including parent education and support. She runs her own in-home childcare and also has extensive experience as a nanny. Valerie has worked with children and families for over 13 years and has a gift for sharing her wealth of practical knowledge to support the early years of parenting.
Ms. Kat (Kathryn Pearce)
Kathryn Pearce has been part of the SWS community since her own childhood. One of her children recently graduated from SWS, and another is currently in the Stepping Stone class. Kathryn previously taught kindergarten at the Ithaca Waldorf School and has served as a substitute in multiple SWS classrooms. She is now working as a long-term substitute teacher in the Dandelion Classroom. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, gardening, and learning new things.