The Art of Caring

Course Overview

The Art of Caring, originally developed by internationally regarded Steiner educator, Dr Renate Long-Breipohl, has been designed to awaken the art of professional caring for the very early childhood years from birth to five; to assist educators, parents and carers in creating a warm and nourishing environment; and to stimulate the essential inner-development of the educator for the benefit of the individual as well as the children in their care.

The course content will include in-depth talks and practical workshops on child development and the art of conscious caring to prepare participants with the necessary foundational knowledge of Steiner/Waldorf education.

No prior learning or qualification is required.

Please note that this course is meant for individuals wishing to establish a Family Day Care, Playgroup, or to inform their Parenting or Home Education environment, and may be seen as a precursor, and not a substitute for the Early Childhood Foundation Course (ECF) that is required for teaching in Steiner/Waldorf Preschools and Kindergartens. 

Successful completion of the course requires 80% online webinar attendance, attendance at the in-person seminar in April (3 days), and satisfactory completion of any creative assignments and tasks to receive a Certificate of Completion.

Enrolments close 9th February 2026

Content Overview

Course modules will include the following essential topics:

• Embryology, Pregnancy and Birth
• The First year of Life – The gestures of Caring
• Inner Development of the Teacher/Carer
• Child Development – Birth to Seven
• Development of the Child in the Third year
• Importance of Rhythm
• Storytelling
• The Twelve Senses
• Starting a Family Day Care
• Starting a Playgroup

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Background to The Art of Caring

For all questions and inquiries please contact the Course coordinator, Robyn Davis

Course Fees

Total course fee is A$2,000.

This includes:

• All 21 1.5-hour live-session webinars (with recordings available to re-watch for a limited time)
• A three-day in-person creative Seminar (including materials and our delicious catering)

Payment Options

1.    Pay in Full A$2,000
2.    Pay in Four (four payments of A$500).

Please note:

After the initial Pay-in-4 installment, the remaining payments will be invoiced and due on the following dates: February 2, May 2, and August 2.