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My sister's kids go to Waldorf and love it! My sis loves it so much that she now works at the school. That philosophy doesn't resonate so much with me, but I'm totally enamoured with Montessori and could talk in great detail about why I love it.

We looked at Reggio Emelia but I felt like it was too self directed.

Montessori was a good balance between the two.

We're still not positive what our trajectory for grade school is going to be. Maybe public, maybe Catholic, maybe Jewish Day school, maybe private non-denominational academic... We'll just have to see.

@Happygal: we have a Sudbury school in town. So not my cup of tea! I'd worry that the kids would come out with no education.

@deerylou: the books simplicity parenting and you are your child's first teacher are both great. Seven times the sun has more about rhythms of the days, weeks and years.

The website rhythm of the home is nice. I would look into your local school, too. Ours offers a parent group / playgroup for babies and up. We have been going, and love it. We have a great teacher, who doesn't beat you over the head with it though. I think Waldorf communities can get a little cult-y / cliquey.

I went to a year of waldorf preschool and have great memories.

@Mrs. Jacks: I was thinking about L and Waldorf!

We are pretty set on a Catholic liberal arts school and will be applying for pre-k for next fall. I think, if we don't get in next year, we may consider a nearby Montessori for pre-k and kindergarten. A Catholic education is important to us, but really we are looking for the best education for our kids, with the most opportunities possible. I feel very sure our kids would get an excellent education and development of the whole person at the schools we are considering.

@deerylou: I totally plan on sending LO to public school because I believe in it. And really, who has money for private education? I don't?

I love certain principles of Waldorf but not as a ft education. I hope to put LO in some of their summer programs!

@deerylou: you aare your child's first teacher has a chapter on it.
There is this link, too: http://theparentingpassageway.com/2009/07/15/a-few-thoughts-about-the-waldorf-baby-and-beyond/

Like anything, it's about balance. What we take from it is singing throughout the day and specific songs for times of the day (waking song, play songs, evening song, etc). We try very hard to focus on open ended toys (scarves, simple wooden toys, etc.). We try to spend time outdoors each day. I am trying to work on daily and weekly rhythms, which is getting easier now that my daughter has a more predictable schedule. Basically we try to make things peaceful,calm, and predictable. I can't afford all wool clothes, and we live in a tiny apartment with a big tv (although we don't turn it on when she is awake). I definitely did NOT stay inside for six weeks, I would have gone bananas.

@deerylou: I know I still owe you more info on this, but I wanted to compose a good and thoughtful post... so as soon as I have a little more time!