Introduction to School
The program is designed as a gentle introduction into school, and we like to keep this program very simple for our youngest friends! Children practice sitting together at circle, communicating with each other and teachers, and participating in Montessori works both individually and within a group setting. Verbal and social skills are developing through play, song, and exploration.
Ages: 2 1/2 years old by September 1st through age 3
Schedule: T, TH 9:00am - 12:30pm
Children have snack and lunch at school.
Teachers
Nicole Re
Birch Classroom Teacher, Preschool/Intro to School
Nicole has been with The River School since 2021.
With a background in Waldorf education, mindfulness, yoga and holistic nutrition, Nicole's presence in the classroom is entirely gentle.
Nicole embodies her commitment to children's free exploration in nature, the importance of uninterrupted imaginative play, and a sincere love and respect for young children as human beings.
Nicole also brings her love for the tradition of oral storytelling, a welcome return to an age-old tradition of teaching valuable lessons directly from adult to child. This brings forth opportunities for inquisitive minds to listen intently, inquire spontaneously, and respond joyfully alongside their friends.
Wendy Edwards
Birch Classroom Teacher, Preschool/Intro to School
Wendy has been with the River School since 2021.
She finds immense beauty in the imagination of childhood and nurtures it as a pathway for growth and discovery. She delights in guiding children as they explore their own passions and curiosities. Wendy embraces both the Waldorf philosophy of experiential, play-based learning and the Reggio Emilia approach to child-led exploration, believing that nature itself is one of the greatest teachers. She takes deep pride in supporting the social and emotional development of young children and in fostering meaningful connections between children, teachers, and peers.
A Portland native, Wendy now lives in Sanford with her husband, two children, and their beloved dog, Ruby. She brings a strong sense of community to all she does—both in the classroom and beyond. Outside of school, she shares her joy for movement and connection by teaching Salsa and Bachata and organizing local dance socials. Wendy carries that same vibrant, life-filled energy into The River School classroom each day.
Miranda has been with the River School since April 2025.
Miranda is a native Mainer with a lifelong passion for nurturing and caring for young children. From an early age, she was fascinated by child development, a curiosity that led her to a career in international education. Over time, her work expanded to include early elementary special education, where she deepened her belief that early childhood is a sacred and foundational time in life.
Miranda’s path into education began with the realization that no matter where she was in the world, children share a universal language of play. She is continually amazed by the ways children can teach and expand the consciousness of the adults around them—if we are open to learning from them.
Before joining the River School team, Miranda worked in both international and special education settings. She lives in Falmouth with her husband and daughter, who also attends River School. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, practicing yoga, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
Miranda Bellefountaine
Birch Classroom Teacher, Preschool/Intro to School