TLTH
what makes us different?
hello! I’m Rachel
Founder, Owner, Lead Teacher
I opened the doors to this preschool in the fall of 2020. I wanted a safe space for my daughter to continue to play with other children.
I’ve been a public + private school teacher and taught from Kindergarten through 8th grade in a career that has spanned 20 years!
When I’m not tending children, you can find me cooking, baking, reading, or outside, enjoying all the beauty of Colorful Colorado!
what makes us different?
01. Relationship Based Care
LifeWays practices are based upon the fundamental need for relationship-based care (bonding and continuity), neurological research, and recognition of living arts (domestic, nurturing, creative and social arts) as central to the advancement of children’s social, emotional and intellectual skills.
02. Nature-focused
The children go outside in all but the most inclement weather. This helps them become more robust and strengthens their bond with the environment in which they live.
03. Master Teacher
Rachel has over 20 years experience working with children, 10 of those spent as a teacher in public + private schools. She holds an MA in Elementary Education, is a certified early childhood educator, Director Qualified, and a licensed childcare provider.
04. Waldorf-inspired
Materials are of the highest quality- wood furniture and toys, natural play things made of the finest wool + felt. Art supplies are high quality paints + brushes + felts used in traditional Waldorf schools.
We have immensely enjoyed our children’s time at The Linden Tree House Preschool. Ms. Rachel greets the day with song and intention, ready to support our two children, Huxley and Clover, in their unique development and creative needs of that day. Ms. Rachel integrates the Waldorf curriculum supporting our family to prioritize nature, ceremony and festivals, warmth, play, and the joy of childhood. Huxley loves the uninterrupted play with new friends and the wagons. Clover loves the care she receives from the older children. Both children have benefitted from the LifeWays model. We love the home based model allowing for comfort, cozy feeling, and love in the ‘home’ school setting
Stacey Bramley-Carleton
TLTH Familywhat makes us different?
05. Developmentally Appropriate
Preschool/Kindergarten program is a developmentally appropriate, play-based approach found in Waldorf preschools and kindergartens throughout the world.
06. Natural + Organic Food
Children are served an all organic menu that is nourishing for their systems. A warm meal is provided each day. Children are involved in food preparation wherever possible.
07. Tech Free
Emphasis is on loving human interaction with warm speech, live singing, verses, and stories rather than technology. LifeWays Centers and Childcare Homes are television- and video-free environments except for use in administration and adult education.
08. Low Child-Teacher Ratio
There are a maximum of 6 children in our program, so all receive lots of personal attention + care.
The Linden Tree House has been an absolute gem and home away from home for my kids. The loving care Rachel provides each day, with tender rhythms, nourish time and emotional support for the children has given me complete peace of mind sending my kids for the past two years. We’re eternally grateful to have found The Linden Tree House!
Lauren Stanko
TLTH Familywhat makes us different?
09. Living Arts Curriculum
Emphasis is placed on practical life skills such as building, gardening, cleaning, cooking, washing, repairing, and sewing, among other things.
10. Play-based
Movement/play curriculum emphasizes child-initiated activities that promote healthy musculoskeletal development, providing opportunities for unstructured, spontaneous movement in a safe environment. Traditional games and finger-plays provide opportunities for the children to imitate healthy movement, develop proprioception and increase both their small and large motor skills.
11. Approach to Discipline
Child guidance is based on the L.O.V.E. Approach to Discipline which includes Listening, Laughter, Order, Objectivity, Versatility, Vulnerability, Energy and Enthusiasm
12. Building Foundations of Literacy
Foundation for lifelong literacy is fostered through storytelling and puppetry, individual lap time with a book, through poetry, verse, and music on a daily basis, through drama, and through the daily interactions of play and movement in a healthy, secure environment.
Angelina loves it there! You’re such a special , unique woman. Tender, generous and gentle. You provide an incredible and divine energy for these kids. I certainly do appreciate the medicine you carry. I’m incredibly grateful for you!!!
Erin Sunniva
TLTH Familywhat makes us different?
13. Festivals + Celebrations
Festivals and celebrations, honoring the various cultural backgrounds of the families, as well as traditional seasonal festivals and birthday parties, are offered.
14. Multi-age Care
Children ages 3-6 are all together in care. This allows for younger children to see what they will be able to do when they’re older + bigger, and older children get to see what it was like when they were younger. Children experience being the older helper, and develop compassion by caring for younger children and guiding them.
15. Relationship with larger community
When possible, ongoing relationships are established with senior adults and youth who visit on a regular basis.
16. Home-based Care
Care takes place in my warm, cozy home. We have natural play things, a waldorf-inspired playroom, comfy furniture, carpets, rugs and lambskins. Soft colors and furniture is designed to be cozy + calm for the young child.
The Linden Tree House has been a sanctuary for our kiddo the past few years. It’s such a nurturing environment where the children have space to be themselves and flexibility to explore their world. Rachel is a terrific educator in an unassuming way and we are so grateful for the time we’ve already had at the LTH and we hope to keep coming back.
