Orb Weaver, a Waldorf-inspired preschool with an emphasis on community building, has a name that encompasses the true spirit of their business. The Orb Weaver spider nourishes herself, while protecting her children. Similarly, Orb Weaver Preschool seeks to nurture parents through support and focus on community fostering, while simultaneously uplifting children to their full potential.
As long-time nannies and playgroup hosts, Delani and Preterra Altus saw firsthand how meaningful it was to foster friendships amongst children and families. They recognized a way to bring their deep appreciation of puppetry as a form of political activism and storytelling into their practice and began hosting May Day parties to bring families together ahead of the historic parades. These annual gatherings became a powerful way to connect families through shared values and mutual support. Inspired by this growing sense of community, they decided to formalize their vision. After renovating a home and starting a family of their own, they pursued licensing for an in-home preschool rooted in Waldorf-inspired education and opened Orb Weaver in 2023.
Orb Weaver Preschool is an early childhood program that prioritizes time well spent in nature, artistic expression, and meaningful connection. Grounded in Waldorf-inspired principles, the school emphasizes seasonal rhythms, open-ended play, and heartfelt ceremonies to nurture children in a warm, creative, and spiritually grounded environment. While drawing from Steiner education in their practice and components of their curriculum, Orb Weaver also embodies the spirit of their own design philosophy “We have our own views on what is nourishing for children and adults in a space and honor that in our design. Our walls are filled with rich symbolism and feeling, soft elements of nature, words and images that open hearts and minds and projects made by our children. It is, after all, our home”
What sets Orb Weaver Preschool apart, aside from their unique space, is a commitment to connection, thorough communication, collaboration and quality nature based crafts. Families are actively engaged, friendships flourish beyond the classroom and parents share their skills and passions with the children. Teachers work with children on multi step projects that build skills and produce beautiful seasonal crafts that go home to families. At its core, Orb Weaver is a home where children, families, and educators grow together in experience and connection. A recent success story illustrates this beautifully: all 17 families came together for a day of snacks, shared stories, and beachside play – a powerful reflection of the strong bonds they’ve built. By honoring both the joyful and challenging moments in each family’s journey, Orb Weaver ensures that every family is embraced with care, celebration, and unwavering support.
Preterra and Delani joined WomenVenture in May 2023 and quickly became part of the inaugural YourVenture childcare cohort. WomenVenture’s business training class was a turning point for Preterra and Delani—not just in building a business, but in helping to bring a long-held vision to life. Through expert-led training, shared wisdom from fellow providers, and practical tools like a WonderSchool trial account for enrollment, they gained the confidence and clarity to move forward. The experience was more than educational—it was empowering. As they shared, WomenVenture “has been absolutely incredible and integral to [their] visions for the program being fully brought to life.”
In 2024, WomenVenture awarded them a grant to purchase playground equipment, helping expand their nature-based, community-driven mission. The grant also supported high-quality art supplies, Waldorf Teacher coursework, and the creation of a play yard where children build lasting friendships and connect with the natural world.
Motivated by the “the beauty of nurturing their sweet school community and having an outlet for all of their creative ideas and collaborative endeavors,” Preterra and Delani delight in continuing to care for the children in their beloved neighborhood, dreaming of perhaps one day franchising their model and publishing their curriculum. Reflecting on their journey, Preterra and Delani encourage other entrepreneurs to trust their instincts and lead with purpose: “Follow your heart! You have to live your passion and it will come naturally to you, and you will find yourself supported and uplifted along the way!”
Author: Molly Seidel, WomenVenture Volunteer
