Choosing the right preschool for your child is a big, important decision. There are many options available to most families, including preschools through the school district, churches, in-home, traditional daycare centers, and Montessori. It can be hard to know the best option for your family and your child initially, but after researching, most can narrow their search to a certain type of preschool. If your search has led you to Montessori, welcome; here’s what to look for in a Montessori preschool to ensure you choose the best one for your child.
If you’re looking for a Montessori preschool for your child, there are certain things you’ll want to look for and ask about before enrolling them in a school. You’ll start by looking into which programs the school offers to ensure they have one for your child.
Most Montessori preschools offer two programs for children ages 18 months and 5. They prepare children for elementary school.
Montessori Toddler Programs
The toddler program is for children between 18 months and three years old. This program provides a safe and nurturing environment for children to develop social, emotional, and physical skills.
Children in the toddler program can explore their surroundings through hands-on activities like working with blocks, puzzles, and other manipulatives.
One of the core focuses of the toddler program is practical life. Children learn how to care for themselves and their environment. They learn to dust, sweep, wipe a table, dress, and put on their coats and shoes.
Children in the Toddler program also learn ABCs, 123s, animals, geography, and a more traditional preschool curriculum.
Montessori Primary Program
The primary program is for children between the ages of 3 and 5 years (pre-kindergarten). This program builds on the foundation established in the toddler program and focuses on developing the child’s cognitive and academic skills.
Children in the primary program will work with sandpaper letters, number rods, and geometric shapes to learn reading, writing, and math. They will also be able to explore the natural world through gardening, nature walks, and observing animals.
Children in the Primary program also learn social-emotional skills and develop friendships. They learn to look out for one another and care for their environment as a group.
Choosing the Right Montessori Preschool Program
When deciding on a Montessori school for your child, it is important to consider your child, your schedule, and your desires for your child’s early education to ensure you make the right choice for your family.
For instance, a child in a Montessori school might come home dirty because they were gardening with their classmates. It might not be the best fit for you if you’re not OK with your kiddo getting dirty or playing outside.
It would help if you visited the Montessori school you’re considering enrolling your child in to ensure you feel comfortable there and can see your child thriving. Meet with the staff, ask questions, and ensure the school is clean.
If you can observe a classroom, look to see how the teacher interacts with the children. How are the lessons presented? Do the children seem engaged and interested? A Montessori classroom should be peaceful, quiet, and filled with natural materials. You should see something other than bright colors, lots of plastic, or screens in the school.
If you’re interested in learning more about Klein-Spring Montessori, we’d love to have you come to tour the school and see for yourself. Contact us today to learn more.
