Karen Petty, M.A Ed.

Karen Petty’s brings the richness of over 17 years’ experience as a Waldorf early childhood educator to Little Gate Pre-school. In addition to directing and teaching at Little Gate Pre-school for ten years, Karen has taught in Waldorf school kindergartens as well as within public and mainstream venues.  Most recently this has included bringing her Waldorf inspired curriculum to home-schooling parents at Holistic Learning Resources in Sacramento, into classrooms within San Juan Unified School District and into local Waldorf kindergartens where she has substitute taught.  Karen has also brought her expertise in teaching handwork to young visitors of the children’s waiting room at Sacramento County’s Adult and Juvenile Courthouses.  Over many summers Karen has enthusiastically directed summer arts camps for young and grade-school children, with a focus on drama and puppetry.

In addition to teaching, Karen offers private consultations to parents of pre-schoolers as well as workshops on topics related to child development, health and nutrition, discipline and behavioral challenges.

Karen’s deep love of storytelling has accompanied her since childhood and has always been a close companion to her teaching. Over the years puppetry has taken a special role alongside the fairy tale –some things can be said much better by our puppet friends! In addition to her work with puppets in the classroom, Karen enjoys teaching puppet, doll and toy making to adults.

In her free time, Karen takes great inspiration and nourishment from nature –she savors her walks through forests and meadows, over mountains and by the seashore. In her home garden Karen takes special pleasure in harvesting the fruits (and vegetables!) of her labors, caring for her small flock of hens and sharing nature’s amazing gifts with her students whom she believes are in greater need than ever for the nourishment, wonders and gifts which mother earth offers.

Karen holds a MA in Education, a Waldorf Early Childhood Teaching Certificate from Rudolf Steiner College, and a BA in Early Childhood Education.  She has completed two years of Juniper Tree Puppets’ training course.

For rates and more information about private consultations please call (916) 965-0934 or contact Karen via our Contact page.

“Our son has been attending Little Gate Preschool in Fair Oaks for just over a year and he loves it! Karen is an amazing teacher and treats every child like the golden gem that they are. Karen’s program has a wonderful rhythm and her home is so open and inviting for the children to explore and play. My son looks forward to going to school every day and has developed lovely friendships with all the other children. I am so grateful to have found Little Gate Preschool and Karen Petty!”

Vanessa Ryder, Finn’s mom