About our program
Ages: 0 - 4 years
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Located in East Petaluma, near Casa Grande High School
License # 493010893
Features
We a healthy, organic lunch and two snacks each day. A portion of our food comes from Open Field Farm, a small, family farm in Petaluma. We are also part of the California Child Care Food Program, which ensures children get the nutrition they need to build healthy bodies.
We believe in open communication and collaboration with parents to ensure a harmonious experience for the children in our care. Parenting is challenging and we are here to listen and support your family.
We spend plenty of time outdoors, exploring nature, the five senses, and the natural beauty of our world. Nature is calming and regulating to the nervous system and helps young minds dream big.
Our Waldorf Philosophy
Guided by the teachings of Rudolf Steiner and the philosophy of Waldorf education, our program offers:
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Play based learning
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“Life is the curriculum, and home is the model” – Rudolf Steiner.
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Focus on imitation and modeling rather than instruction.
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Time for free play and time for facilitated activities.
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Singing, storytelling and puppetry.
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Focus on holistic development of the entire child – body, mind and soul.
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Love based relationship with Nurturers
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We truly and deeply love each child. A small group allows for one-on-one time, as well as group play. We seek to understand each child as a unique individual with blessings and challenges. Our relationship provides a safe, nurturing, warm, calm, loving foundation for secure attachment. My home, staff and family are an extended family and community for your little one and your family.
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Rhythm and Routine
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Activities and processes throughout the day follow the same, predictable pattern or “rhythm,” and are not strictly tied to a time based “schedule.”
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Ie. After morning circle and songs, we do imaginative play, followed by clean up time, and then we go outside for morning snack. Each activity may take a longer or shorter amount of time on any given day based on the needs and energetic flow of the children. We focus on staying calm and present rather than rushing the process.
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Community and social learning
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Seasonal potlucks and workshops.
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A small community of families allows us all to slowly get to know each other, build friendships and turn to each other for support, guidance and joy on our parenting journey.
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I occasionally offer general and Waldorf specific resources on child development and parenting.
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Connection to nature and art
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Daily outside time to experience natural beauty and a growing awareness of the body’s physical senses.
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Toys made of natural materials rather than plastic. I hand make many of the toys with love ie. crocheted food and blankets, wood blocks and animals, naturally dyed silks, felted balls and puppets.
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The yearly curriculum is guided by the seasons. Art activities, stories, toys, games and indoor decorations change with the seasons.
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A fostering of wonder and reverence of life, love, beauty and magic.
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SCREEN FREE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
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Meet our Nurturers
At The Bunny Burrow Playgarden, our Nurturers are dedicated, experienced and naturally gifted in the art of childcare. We are passionate about our work and are pursuing lifelong careers in the field of child developement. We are committed to creating a warm, supportive and joy-filled environment for children, families and each other.
Miss Dede
Owner and Lead Nurturer
Credentials
In-Home Daycare License # 493010893 - est. 2022
Early Education Waldorf Certificate - LifeWays 2025
B.A. Education and Diversity - UC Berkeley 2010
Infant/Child/Adult 1st Aid/CPR/AED Certified 2024
Childcare Health, Safety and Nutrition Certified 2024
20+ years of experience in childcare
Licensed in-home Daycare Owner - Oakland and Petaluma
Preschool PE Teacher - Berkeley Unified School District
Summer Camp Director - Steve & Kate's Camp, Walnut Creek
Summer Camp Asst. Director - ID Tech Camp, SF
Summer Camp Counselor - Berkeley YMCA, San Rafael Park & Rec
Infant/Toddlers Childcare Staff - Berkeley YMCA
Afterschool Program Director - Berkeley YCMA
Preschool Special Needs Movement Class Staff - Berkeley YMCA
U4 Soccer Asst. Director/Coach - Berkeley/Albany Soccer Club
Program Director for Girls Support Group - East Bay United
Freelance Face Painter - Dede's Doodles
Mother
Ari
Assistant Nurturer
Credentials
B.A. Child Development - Santa Rosa JC, In Progress
Early Education Waldorf Certificate - LifeWays 2026
Infant/Child/Adult 1st Aid/CPR/AED Certified - 2025
Childcare Health, Safety and Nutrition Certified - 2025
Experience in childcare
Nanny and babysitter
Doting Auntie
Charis
Assistant Nurturer & Infant Specialist
Credentials
B.A Ancient History and Child Development minor
- Mills College 2009
Childcare Admin. and Bookkeeping Cert. - 2024
Early Childhood Education Units (ECE):
*Intro to ECE - Mills College 2009
*Observations of ECE - Mills College 2009
*Social Foundations of ECE - Mills College 2009
Infant/Child/Adult 1st Aid/CPR/AED Certified 2024
20+ years of experience in childcare
Director - Old Firehouse Preschool, Mill Valley
Applied Behavior Analyst Technician - Kadian
Special Needs Program Director - Berkeley YMCA
Infant/Toddler Childcare Program Lead - Berkeley YMCA
Preschool PE Teacher - Berkeley Unified School District
Afterschool Program Director - Yu Ming Charter Schooling
Summer Camp Asst. Director - Berkeley YMCA
Summer Camp Counselor - Berkeley YMCA
Doting Auntie
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Cora
Afternoon Nurturer
Credentials
B.A. Early Childhood Education and Development - Biola University 2025
Infant/Child/Adult 1st Aid/CPR/AED Certified - 2025
Youth Crisis and Trauma Training Certificate - 2021
Experience in childcare
Children & Junior High Director - Hessel Church
Sunday School Teacher - Hessel Church
Preschool Asst. Teacher - Windsor Christian Academy, KinderCare, MultiCultural Child Development Center
Youth Group Overnight Excursion Leader
Gymnastics Coach - Santa Rosa Gymnastics
Horse Ranch and Property Caretaker
Nanny and babysitter
Mother