First Year Part-Time Foundation Course for Steiner Early Childhood Education (ECF)

Enrolments Closed for 2024

This course is for Early Childhood Teachers, Parents and Carers of Young Children

Led by highly regarded and experienced local and international tutors, this rigorous part-time course covers the essential topics required for early childhood and provides the foundations of Anthroposophical principles that underpin the Steiner curriculum.

The course has been developed to ensure that students are able to complete the course while maintaining a full-time teaching position, and supports the transition from mainstream into Steiner education.

With the completion of all webinars, seminars and tasks in this first-year Foundation Course (ECFT) and the second-year Certificate Course (ECC) the student will have a Steiner qualification that is recognised both in Australia by SEA and SECA as well as internationally by IASWECE (International Association for Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Education).

Non-teaching participants may opt to enrol in the Lecture-only program (ECFW) which is delivered online through the Webinars.

 

ECFT – Total Course Fee $3,400, Or

ECFW – Total Course Fee $1,080

Download the 2024 Prospectus

 

Course Overview

 

 
SEMESTER 1:

14 Feb – 19 June 2024 

 

Exploring Anthroposophy

A comprehensive introduction to the principals of Anthroposophy and it’s applications in Steiner Education. Delivered over 14 webinars in Terms 1 and 2.

Topics Include:

  • Steiner’s picture of the whole Human Being (3-fold and 4-fold)
  • Steiner’s indications on The 12 Senses as organs of perception
  • Recognising and working with The Four Temperaments in children and adults
  • The Soul faculties of the Human Being
  • Anthroposophy in our Time

Tutors: Sven Saar, Ben Cherry, Lisa Devine, and James Deefholts

Webinar Times: Wednesdays 7pm – 8.30pm (AET).

 
SEMESTER 2:

24 July – 27 Nov 2024

In the Second semester, we work through a series of lectures that explore the practical aspects of working with children, developing rhythm, relationships and care. We also work with the inner development of the teacher as integral to Steiner Education, exploring Life Phases and biography work. Delivered over 12 webinars in Terms 2 and 3.

Topics Include:

  • The child in the world today
  • Development of language through rhythm, music and movement.
  • The Foundation senses and current brain research
  • Understanding children’s drawings in relation to development
  • Celebrating festivals
  • The Musical Mood of Early Childhood

Tutors: Catherine Pilko, Ebba Bodame, Bec Whitcombe, Kathy MacFarlane, Emma Ratcliffe, Meg Quinlisk, Robyn Davis, Karl-Heinz Finke and Laura Summerfield

Wednesdays 7pm – 8.30pm (AET).

 

 
 
THE SEMINARS

Central to our program are the two Seminars that draw all students together in artistic, practical, and engaging classes that are held live* during the school holidays. These are vital to truly experience what we mean by Steiner early childhood education. (Catering is included in fees)

*For groups of 12 or more students a regional training hub can be arranged. Please contact a coordinator to discuss this option.

Autumn Seminar: 20 – 24 April 2024
Spring Seminar: 1 – 5 Oct 2024

Topics Include:

  • Child development and Play
  • Development of language through rhythm, music and movement.
  • Incarnation of the Child and supporting healthy early childhood
  • Artistic workshops in painting, doll making and craft
  • Celebrating Birthdays
  • Nutrition in early childhood
  • Child Observation workshop
  • Storytelling and puppetry
  • Eurythmy and Singing
  • Nature tables and festivals

Seminar Timetables will be made available closer to the event date.

Please note that programs and tutors are subject to change

Download the 2024 Prospectus

 

Why study at Sydney Rudolf Steiner College?

Our courses are well established and guided by a staff of highly experienced and respected tutors. We offer flexibility in our delivery, the opportunity to engage with the content and receive a thorough grounding in the foundations of Rudolf Steiner education. The student also has the opportunity to meet others who will support their journey and work in a class environment of like-minded people. In addition, our programs support the transition from mainstream into Steiner education. Our rigorous courses are recognised both in Australia (SEA and SECA) and internationally (IASWECE).

 

What our Students Say

“I was quite blown away by what I have learnt and the life-giving implications of my new understandings. It was a wonderful group of fellow students and every teacher was inspiring, warm and generous.”– ECF Student 2023

 

“The course has exceeded my expectations. I didn’t think I would look forward to an online course so much. The in-person seminar was even better. The program is well run and organised. The teachers delivered beautifully, their depth of knowledge and passion coming through completely.” – ECF Student 2023

 

“This is an extremely worthwhile investment. I have taught in mainstream kindergarten for 3 years and transitioned to Steiner education. I have learned and gained a deeper insight as my purpose as an educator and who the child is.” – ECF Student 2022

 

“An experience I will treasure for my lifetime. To truly connect with my peers, my teachers and the content. I feel my journey is truly underway now.” – ECF Student 2022

 

“The lecturers were all excellent- they were such an inspirational mix of wisdom, experience and joy.” – ECF Student 2022

 

Outcomes

To complete the Foundation Course (ECFT) and receive a Statement of Completion, students will need to have successfully completed all webinars, module study, tasks and seminars. Alternatively, students can elect to complete the Webinar option (ECFW) to receive a Statement of Attendance, however this will not result in achieving credit for completing the course. Seminars can also be attended as stand-alone elements as these provide the opportunity to engage in artistic work, craft, singing and workshop discussions in person.

 

Fee Payment Options

 

There are two pathways available to complete the Early Childhood Foundation program, ECFT or ECFW.

ECFT is the full Foundation course for educators, aspiring teachers and professionals and includes all webinars, seminars module study and tasks toward a Statement of Completion, which is the pre-requisite for the Certificate course.

ECFW is suitable for individuals who do not require a Statement of Completion and includes the online webinars only, for a Statement of Attendance.

 

Payments can be made in full or by term.

Termly payments do not include the two Seminars, and ECFT students will need to pay for these separately

Term payments are due on the following dates: Feb 2, May 2, August 2, Oct 2

 Please Consult your tax advisor about tax deductibility.

 

 

Details

Course Code: ECF

Course Coordinator:
Robyn Davis
Email: earlychildhood@sydneyrudolfsteinercollege.com
Mobile: +61 467 953 881

Venues:

Sydney Rudolf Steiner College – 307 Sussex St, Sydney 2000
Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School – 121 Edinburgh Rd, Castlecrag 2068

Enquire Now

 

 

2024 Course Timetable

Available Soon

 

Additional information

ECF Fee Options

ECFT – Payment in Full (2024), ECFT – Payment by Term (2024), ECFT – Payment by Term (2023), Spring Seminar (due 2 Sept 2024), Autumn Seminar (due 2 Apr 2024), ECFW – Payment in Full (2024), ECFW – Payment by Term (2024), ECFW – Payment by Term (2023)

Select Enrolment Option

ECFT - Payment in Full (2024)
$3,400.00

Enrolments Closed

ECFT - Payment by Term (2024)
$450.00

Enrolments Closed

Autumn Seminar (due 2 Apr 2024)
$800.00

Enrolments Closed

Spring Seminar (due 2 Sept 2024)
$800.00

Enrolments Closed

ECFW - Payment in Full (2024)
$1,080.00

Enrolments Closed

ECFW - Payment by Term (2024)
$270.00

Enrolments Closed

Clear selection

Pay online via Credit/Debit Card, BECS Direct Debit, or Klarna pay-in-four

© 2024 Sydney Rudolf Steiner College