Our Program
The Little Birch Tree Nest is a home based program designed for up to six children. We value the importance of the home environment as a place where childhood thrives. Our year is structured around the seasons with activities, music, literature, and cooking that reflect the essence of each season in order to ground the children throughout their development. This is where the meaningful work of childhood- which is play, nurtures optimal learning. Our small home program provides a space for social-emotional development while understanding the ever changing needs of a COVID-19 era world. This program is strongly informed by the Waldorf philosophy that education is curative and has the power to change the world. We recognize the child through a holistic lens of mind, body, and spirit. Integrating this through all aspects of learning creates a harmonious environment for the developing child to become a balanced human being, well-equipped for the challenges of tomorrow.
About Valerie
Our lead teacher, founder and director, Valerie Adams, has over 20 years of experience in early childhood that she brings with her.
The Little Birch Tree Nest is a cumulation of a lifetime of work with families and children. Valerie’s work in early childhood started with a dream to become a pediatric occupational therapist. She completed two years of her studies when she made the decision to pursue her other dream of becoming a mother. While raising her two children, combined with her passion for music and movement, she found her way to Kindermusik and enjoyed many years of teaching and building community with families through this work. Valerie has been active in the classroom as a preschool teacher at a private school, a grade 3/4 special needs aide at a Waldorf school, and a teacher at a LifeWays Early Childhood program. Following her LifeWays certification she began her own program- The Little Birch Tree School. From Anchorage to Fairbanks, The Little Birch Tree has upheld the spirit of community and shared interest among families in the best quality care for their children.
Through every different iteration of her work, Valerie has held true certain beliefs as the foundation of her teaching philosophy: sense of belonging, secure attachment, meaningful work, and play. She is passionate about creating intentional communities wherever life takes her and believes that inspired and empowered children have the tools to change the world.