Helle Heckmann describes a delightful Danish Waldorf childcare facility for children ages 1-7.

Nøkken is a wonderful example of a healthy child-care facility which accepts children from the age of one. This extended case study explores what places like Nøkken can offer for children and their families.

It is very practical, covering issues of staff relations, number of children, the rhythm of the day, parent relations, seasonal celebrations and birthdays, and financing the centre. Throughout, the Steiner-Waldorf principles underpinning the kindergarten shine through.

This edition has been fully updated and expanded, including a new Foreword by Patricia Lambert and selections from Heckmann's other book about Nøkken, A Garden for Kids.

'What I take away from Nokken is the lovely thoughts of a forest kindergarten, napping outside, using action to communicate with small children and not words, using singing as a way of talking to small children, Helle's constant inner work and development, her obvious love of the children. There are many wonderful things at Nokken, and many American parents who need child care would be thrilled to find a center such as Nokken in their neighborhood.'
-- Carrie Dentler, theparentingpassageway.com

Helle Heckmann is the founder and Director of Nøkken, a Waldorf daycare centre in Denmark for children aged between 1 and 7. Nøkken has served as an inspiration for Waldorf kindergartens and nurseries worldwide.