Montessori

Can someone explain this to me? do they do daycare? application process? cost? anything would be great

anyone familiar with any in westchester?

Montessori

Montessori schools are independently owned, so each school will have a different set of rules and guidelines to follow. Where I work, we let the parents know that we are a NY licensed school and not a daycare. We do not have a daycare license, thus three year olds and younger are not permitted to stay longer than three hours. You of course will find Montessori schools that will permit that. All depends on the director.

Cost is also up to the individual school. I know on LI they run between three and ten thousand a year depending on the area. As far as the application, some require a non refundable deposit to apply and some do not.

The Montessori method itself should stay pretty consistent through out the schools, but a lot like to say they're Montessori for the name and thats all. The basic premise is that work is play and play is work. You should see a lot of hands on activities and classrooms of mixed ages. I don't know how old you're DC is, but if you're looking at 3, the class may have nursery through kindergarten in it all working at the same time.

Each child would work at their own pace, so it's rare to see a group of children with the same activity out at once - unlike a traditional classroom where each child has to do what the teacher is doing.

I say to look up schools on the Internet and go visit each one! That's the only way to see if they meet the needs you are looking for. Good luck!

Montessori

If its important to you, make sure all of the teachers are Montessori certified, and for the appropriate grades they're teaching. You'd be surprised how frequently this is not the case.
I worked in a Montessori school and was not certified.

Re: Montessori

Message edited 5/24/2013 10:57:03 AM.

Re: Montessori

Re: Montessori

My ODD is in a Montessori school. I have no idea if it is certified or if the teachers are Montessori certified, and frankly, it does not matter to me. I see all of the amazing things that she is learning, how much she enjoys pre-school, and how much her teachers care for her.

My advice is to visit the schools and observe the work period in session. Speak to the teachers. Interview the Director. Get a comfort level with the school. Then make your decision.

BTW this is what my preschool has on their website:

Maria Montessori believed that each child is an individual with unique talents and interests who creates through his/her activities the adult he or she will become. Our job as adults is to create the optimal environment for such natural, uninhibited growth. With that in mind we offer:

1. Beautiful, orderly, home like space that promotes natural development of children in accordance with their own internal schedule.

2. Involvement with Music: through listening to variety of classical and world music, singing and experimenting on the piano and other instruments. Primary students have daily music class that is a combination of Russian music pedagogy and Montessori process.

3. Involvement with Art through drawing, painting, clay, plays dough, chalk and more. Children’s self-expression is encouraged and applauded.

4. Outdoor activities and large motor play.

5. Monthly Village gathering of families, teachers and guests: its purpose is to celebrate our community and learn from the teachers and from each other about becoming better parents and deepening the experience of parenting.

6. Monthly Parenting Workshop called “The Joyful Family” when each family can be immersed in Maria Montessori’s approach as it pertains to the life of the entire family. It is a workshop about how to become fully present with the child, so that the child can lead us to yet unexplored, yet vast places in ourselves and in our culture.

7. Staff that is thoroughly and continuously trained in the Montessori philosophy, practices and behaviors that are necessary to promote natural development and fulfillment of each child’s potential.

Primary (3-6)
8-9 arrival and free play
9:00 snack preparation
9:30-11:30 Montessori work
11:30 Movement/Music
12:00 Lunch
12:30 Outdoor play
12:30 Half Day Dismissal
1-3 Nap
3:15 Snack preparation
3:45 Full Day Dismissal
4:00 afternoon activities: art, music, movement, dramatic play
5:00 Snack
5:30 Clean up and dress up
5:45 Extended day dismissal
6:00 Closing

Admission process
1. Attendance at a monthly orientation
2. Parent visits the classroom in the morning
3. Child comes for a trial visit of half day
4. Family Interview