Because Waldorf education is multi-sensory and movement oriented by design, it provides a supportive learning atmosphere for children who have sensory processing and or specific academic struggles. In the past few years, EWS has begun to develop an educational support program to identify children for whom this curriculum alone does not meet their needs.  Every second grader is screened by a remedial specialist in the areas of sensori-motor development and foundational skills for reading, writing and math.

The only support services provided outside of this screening process is some part time tutoring and Extra Lesson work for third and fourth graders. ‘Extra Lesson’ is the term often used by special educators trained in the Waldorf philosophy to describe the movement and artistic exercises used strengthen and integrate sensory systems, such as vision, auditory processing, balance and movement in space.

If a child’s needs are clinical in nature, Emerson Waldorf does not at present have the staff to support classroom success, but is open to considering each applicant with a fresh look and to receiving outside support from therapists and tutors.  EWS has an active Curative Care group which supports children with special needs, and their teachers and parents.

Why Children Don’t Pay Attention, by  Katie Reily, Therapeutic Educator

When Learning Doesn’t Come Easily: From EWS’s Insights Magazine