Since the founding of the first Waldorf kindergarten in 1989, ahead of the political change in Central Europe, the Hungarian Waldorf kindergarten movement has been constantly growing. The first Waldorf kindergarten immediately drew the attention of professionals and parents across the country, and soon the postgraduate Waldorf teacher training started.

For the past 22 years it has therefore been possible to provide the kindergartens with qualified Waldorf educators. Currently there are 45 Waldorf kindergarten groups in Hungary and the demand for new kindergartens and the will to establish them is still strong.

So far, the training seminar which is carried by the Hungarian Association for Waldorf Kindergartens is the only place in Hungary where kindergarten teachers can prepare for their pedagogical work in Waldorf kindergartens. The Association considers it as its main goal to ensure the study and deepening of the Waldorf pedagogy.

The kindergarten seminar considers itself as an organic part of the global cultural impulse of Rudolf Steiner's pedagogy, so that the cooperation with associations on regional, national and international level is maintained - always with special attention to the situation of the Hungarian Waldorf kindergartens.

The aim of the seminar is to provide additional Waldorf  training for qualified early childhood educators who want to work in  Hungarian Waldorf kindergartens, by making possible the acquisition and consolidation of appropriate knowledge and skills for Waldorf education.
The three-year  900 hour comprehensive training for Waldorf kindergarten teachers
is accredited by the state and is also consistent with the legally recognized and recommended program for Waldorf kindergarten teachers in Hungary.

The cultivation of educational, psychological, medical and anthroposophical foundations is complemented and enhanced by artistic, methodological and didactic exercises and reflection, as well as the introduction to the anthroposophical way of self-education.
The teachers gain insight into the life of local Waldorf kindergartens and acquire their own ability to act as a Waldorf teacher through internships and work-reflective practice in collegial collaboration.
The composition of the training’s curriculum study plan addresses the self-educational of students by introducing topics in a rhythmical order, deepening them artistically, and by testing and reflecting upon approaches.
 
The further training in Waldorf pedagogy is carried in a three-year cycle, with a long weekend each month and an intensive week of study in summer.
In their third year, graduates prepare a thesis as evidence of their qualification.

Prospect for the future:
 
The existing and initiated Waldorf kindergartens and their teachers need qualified, well-trained mentors and expert advisors who are experienced in Waldorf pedagogy.
Thus the supporting organization of the seminar is planning a re-accreditation and
implementation of mentor training, integrated into the Hungarian education system, which requires a renewal of educational diplomas every seven years.

Ivaskó Ilona (Technical Director)