Student Support Services

Academic intervention services consistent with our Waldorf approaches to literacy and numeracy are provided by teachers in Reading and Math Support. All lessons are conducted in a small group, pull-out format and run for 45 minutes on a regular schedule.

Reading Support assists students with difficulties in the areas of phonics and comprehension, among other educational issues. Math Support classes work on basic math skills and grade-appropriate math abilities and support students who need additional practice to succeed. 

Currently, small group pull-out supports for reading are available up to two times a week for students in grades 3-5. For math, students in grades 3-5 can access small group pull-out support twice a week, and Middle School students can benefit from Math Office Hours.

This structured approach ensures that students receive personalized attention to enhance their literacy and numeracy skills in alignment with the Waldorf philosophy.

Level 1 - Student has been identified with mild difficulty with progress; extra help is provided in a classroom setting.

Level 2 - After a period of extra in-classroom assistance, the student continues to have moderate difficulty with academic progress. Level 2 will include small group pull-out services one to two times per week during the school day.

Level 3 - After the above, if student progress still is not as desired and we conclude that student needs are beyond the capacity of our intervention services, we will meet with parents to discuss options for additional assistance. These options may include:

A third-party Educational/Psychological evaluation

Third-party tutoring

While Level 1 and 2 interventions are covered by tuition, Level 3 interventions and support come at additional cost to families and vary depending on the type and frequency. Participation in appropriate levels of intervention, as determined by the Director of Student Support Group, is a condition for continued enrollment.    

The Waldorf School of Baltimore implements monthly Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons for students in grades 1-8, facilitated by our school counselor, or the class teacher.  These lessons are informed by the Kim John Payne Integrated Support Service, designed in accordance with Waldorf pedagogy, taking into consideration the developmental stages of our students and tailoring the content to each grade level.

Aligned with the SEL Framework of the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), the curriculum focuses on fostering restorative justice skills and the  five essential competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Talking circles are held with the class teacher weekly (grades 1-8). 

The school counselor collaborates closely with classroom teachers to create skill groups and additionally conducts one-on-one counseling sessions with students.

For needs that go beyond the scope of our resources, such as the need for a medical or a psychological/educational evaluation, the SSG maintains a list of providers.

These include the following resources consistent with our understanding of child development:

• Screening by an Occupational Therapist who specializes in Sensory Integration.
• Craniosacral Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Social Coaching
• Speech
• Play Therapy 

Crafting learning environments tailored to accommodate diverse learning styles among all children. SSG carefully monitors Student Learning Profiles and IEPs to ensure students are supported.

Supporting teachers through a collaborative team-based approach for effective observation and intervention.

Cultivating a versatile repertoire of screenings, interview procedures, and assessments to enhance educational strategies.

Strengthening connections within the Waldorf School of Baltimore community and with external service providers by fostering open communication and providing valuable services.