The Art of Caring
Steiner/Waldorf Childcare Course from Birth to Five
Developed in response to the growing demand for Steiner/Waldorf childcare, this comprehensive part-time course is designed to support Family Daycare providers, childcare educators, playgroup leaders, as well as parents and carers—whether new to working with children or seeking to deepen their practice. It offers thoughtful guidance and inspiration to deepen your understanding of the underlying why of Steiner/Waldorf education, supporting a nurturing and developmentally aligned approach that brings Steiner education to life for the young child (birth to five).
Presented by some of our most experienced Early Childhood educators, the course includes in-depth talks and practical workshops on child development and the art of conscious caring, to equip participants with the essential foundational knowledge of Steiner/Waldorf Early Childhood education.
Presented online via weekly webinars from February to September, with one 3-day in-person Seminar in April 2026.
Webinars begin Tuesday, 17 February 2026
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
No prior learning or qualification is required to enter this course.
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.Â
Enrolments close 9th February 2026
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Special note for Family Day Care Providers From 1 July 2023 Family Day Care educators are required to hold as minimum, a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care to be eligible to open a Family Day Care business. A Cert III qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) can be obtained through the NSW Family Day Care Association/PEAK Training. You can read more about Fee Free eligibility and enrolment HERE. |
Content Overview
Course Duration:Â 7 months, part-time
Delivery: 21 online lectures, 1.5 hours each +Â one immersive 3-day in-person seminar.
Total Course Hours:
- 31.5 hours online lectures
- 3 days of in-person practical seminars
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
Read More
Background to The Art of Caring
For all questions and inquiries please contact the Course coordinator, Robyn Davis
Contact and Enquiries
Course Fees
Total course fee is A$2,000.
This includes:
- 21 live webinars, 1.5 hours each (with recordings available to re-watch for a limited time)
- One 3-day in-person creative Seminar (including materials and our delicious catering)
Payment Options
- Â Â Pay in Full A$2,000
- Â Â 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.
Details
The course is delivered online through weekly live webinars from February to September. Each session runs for 1.5 hours, with a total of 21 webinars.
Kindly note that 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.
Course Code: AOC
Course Duration:Â 7 months, part-time
Delivery: 21 online lectures, 1.5 hours each +Â one immersive 3-day in-person seminar.
Total Course Hours:
- 31.5 hours online lectures
- 3 days of in-person practical seminars
Seminar Venue:Â To be confirmed in Sydney
Total Course Fee: A$2,000
Course Coordinator: Robyn Davis
For all questions and inquiries, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the course coordinator, Robyn Davis
Contact and Enquiries
COURSE DATES 2026
Webinars TERM 1: 17 Feb – 31 March 2026
Webinar Times: Tuesdays 7.30pm – 9pm (AET).
In-Person Seminar: 17 – 19 April 2026 (Presented at Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School, Castlecrag)
Webinars TERM 2: 12 May – 23 June 2026
Webinars TERM 3: 21 July – 1 Sept 2026
Select Registration Option
Secure online payment via Credit/Debit Card, Zip, Klarna pay-in-4, or Direct Debit