Respect & Inclusion

At Heart in Hand Preschool, we are committed to the ideals upon which Waldorf education was founded: deep respect for the dignity and individuality of every child and family. We honor the diverse backgrounds that shape each person’s life, including race, culture, religion, national origin, socio-economic circumstance, gender identity, sexual orientation, family composition, and individual ability.

Waldorf education was founded in 1919 through the educational insights of Rudolf Steiner. At its heart is the understanding that every human being carries a unique individuality and a universal spiritual dignity. Heart in Hand affirms this principle fully. Any statements attributed to Rudolf Steiner that suggest discrimination or judgment toward any race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, or socio-economic group stand in contradiction to this fundamental truth and are not aligned with the values of our school.

Working toward a healthy and inclusive community begins with the inner work of the adults who care for children. Teachers are called to engage in ongoing self-reflection and professional development so that our attitudes, actions, and relationships support inclusion, fairness, and respect for all.

By recognizing and honoring the differences that make each person unique, we nurture a community grounded in understanding and cooperation. Through this work, we strive to create a conscious and collaborative partnership among parents, teachers, and children—one that supports young people in growing toward the future with confidence, resilience, compassion, and a sense of purpose.

Land Acknowledgement

Heart in Hand Preschool is located near the traditional village site of Neerchokikoo of the Multnomah people and on the traditional homelands of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other tribes who lived and traveled along the Wimahl ‘Columbia’ River.

We honor this land as a timeless and sacred place and recognize the people who have cared for it across generations—past, present, and future.

Heart in Hand recognizes that a land acknowledgement is only a first step in honoring the resilience and sovereignty of Native peoples.