In the wake of personal loss and an empty nest, Kasha Haggarty found her calling – establishing a unique home-based child care program. Drawing from her 12 years of experience in Waldorf early childhood education, she has created a warm, nature-focused environment, fostering a sense of wonder and joy among the children in her care.  

CedarSong Play Garden 

Kasha’s program is built on the Lifeways philosophy, which states, “Life is the curriculum, and home is the model.” This approach allows Kasha to create an authentic, home-like setting for early childhood education. As Kasha explains, “I used to teach Waldorf early childhood education in a school setting for 12 years. We were always trying to make the classroom feel like a home, so it’s really sweet that the classroom is my home.”

Kasha believes that children grow through creative and open-ended play and imitation of the work and world around them. “In their play, they try on every imaginable situation. They build houses and villages, sail ships and drive fire engines. They explore life in homes and farms, forests and mountains, caves, and outer space. They create these worlds through simple natural materials they find in my yard and my home. In their play, the children grow in all areas: physically, emotionally, socially, cognitively, and spiritually.” 

Kasha’s biggest triumph is the program’s success. She’s achieved a sustainable business model with a focus on personal connection. “I look around and can’t believe I did it. I’m loving work, making more, and feeling happier, which is something I didn’t think was possible,” Kasha says. 

Advice for Aspiring Childcare Providers 

For those looking to start their own child care center, Kasha emphasizes the importance of seeking support and resources. “The Child Care Business Lab has been amazing—I can’t imagine doing this without them,” Kasha said. 

Kasha also advises creating a program that is sustainable for the owner. “I wanted to create a program that worked for me, and I also needed to be sure it met the needs in my community. I learned how to interview potential customers and it confirmed that I could create a schedule that also worked for me. 

As the child care landscape continues to evolve, stories like Kasha’s offer a glimpse into the future of the industry—one where personalized care and provider well-being are at the forefront.