Our Philosophy
Waldorf Wisdom, Inclusive Care
At Mossy Puddle, we celebrate the magic of childhood by embracing neurodiversity and honoring each child's unique way of learning, playing, and growing. We believe that every child deserves a nurturing environment that meets them where they are—whether they’re bursting with energy, deeply sensitive, or navigating developmental challenges. Here, they are seen, valued, and encouraged to flourish at their own pace.
Rooted in Waldorf principles, our approach is holistic, play-based, and infused with the rhythms of nature. Through hands-on learning, storytelling, creative play, and meaningful real-world activities like gardening and cooking, we inspire curiosity, confidence, and social-emotional growth. Our cozy, unhurried setting fosters a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Come discover a daycare where your child is free to explore, create, and belong—just as they are. Mossy Puddle is more than childcare; it’s a community where little hearts and minds blossom.
Why Waldorf?
Waldorf early childhood education embraces an unhurried, play-based approach, allowing children to explore their world through imagination and movement. Open-ended play with natural materials like wood, wool, and silk engages the senses, grounds children in their bodies, and fosters deep concentration—building essential focus and problem-solving skills.
This early practice of sustained attention lays the foundation for rigorous academics later, as children develop patience, creativity, and critical thinking through meaningful, self-directed play. At Mossy Puddle, we support this philosophy by providing high-quality, natural materials that inspire curiosity, presence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Rhythm:
The structured yet flexible flow of daily activities that provides a predictable and comforting routine for children.
At Mossy Puddle, we follow the rhythm of upbeats and downbeats, key elements of Waldorf education that bring balance to each child’s day. Downbeats are the calmer, grounding moments—times for structured activities like meals, rest, and focused learning, providing a sense of stability and security. Upbeats, by contrast, are more energetic and playful, offering children opportunities for creative exploration, movement, and free expression. This balance between calm and energy helps create a nurturing environment where children can thrive and feel supported throughout their day
example day:
Morning Welcome & Nourishing Breakfast
Fresh Air & Outdoor Exploration
Gather & Connect Circle Time
Imaginative Free Play
Hearty Lunch & Community Meal
More Outdoor Adventures
Rest & Recharge
Creative Free Play & Hands-On Fun
Gentle Transitions & Unhurried Goodbyes
Food should nourish.
At Mossy Puddle, we believe that food should do more than just fill little bellies—it should nourish, comfort, and inspire. That’s why we provide wholesome, home-cooked breakfasts, lunches, and snacks, ensuring that every child in our care is well-fed and satisfied.
Mealtime is a shared journey, where caregivers offer a variety of nutritious, seasonal foods and a warm, inviting atmosphere, while children explore flavors, practice self-feeding, and listen to their own hunger cues. By fostering independence and honoring each child’s appetite, we help them build a lifelong, positive relationship with food.
Our menu changes with the rhythms of the seasons—warming soups and fresh sourdough in winter, sweet summer berries with cream, and backyard-fresh eggs when available. With every bite, we nourish not just growing bodies, but also a sense of connection to nature and the joy of simple, wholesome meals. At Mossy Puddle, food is love, learning, and community—all at the table.
What does inclusion mean?
At Mossy Puddle, inclusion means that every child is valued, supported, and given the tools they need to thrive. It’s not about fitting children into a mold—it’s about adapting our environment to meet their unique needs so they can fully participate in daily activities.
For us, inclusion looks like sensory-friendly spaces, communication support, mobility accommodations, and patient, understanding teachers who meet each child where they are. It means that children of all abilities, neurotypes, and health needs play, learn, and grow together in a space built on respect, kindness, and community.
Most of all, inclusion means that every child belongs—just as they are.
Nature Play
In Waldorf education, nature is one of the greatest teachers, capturing children’s attention with its endless wonders. Engaging with nature—whether stacking stones, watching ants, or balancing on a fallen log—builds concentration, problem-solving skills, and a sense of inner calm that carries into all areas of learning.
At Mossy Puddle, our large, fenced-in outdoor play space gives children the freedom to run, build, and discover in a safe and enriching environment. With an open-door policy for outdoor access, children can follow their natural impulses—feeling the wind, observing insects, and getting their hands in the dirt—whenever they need to move, regulate, or simply enjoy the world around them.
A childhood spent outdoors is a childhood well spent. Come see how our space nurtures joyful, adventurous learners!
The Location:
Tucked away off East Rasor Road in Belfair, WA, our daycare sits on a secluded, forested five-acre property, offering children a rich environment for exploration and play. Our fully fenced outdoor play area provides a safe space to climb, dig, and run, with plenty of outdoor toys and hands-on nature experiences. In the summer, little ones can splash and experiment with water play, while year-round, they enjoy digging in the dirt, collecting treasures, and adventuring beyond the fence on guided nature walks.
Our seasonal garden adds another layer of wonder, where children help plant, water, and harvest, learning firsthand where their food comes from. Whether tending to sprouting seeds or gathering herbs, they build a deep connection to the rhythms of nature.
For added peace of mind, our property is equipped with a working security system, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all children in our care. Here, the outdoors isn’t just a playground—it’s a classroom, a sanctuary, and a place for childhood magic to unfold.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!