The Montessori Difference
Dr. Maria Montessori believed that children need positive role models from whom they could learn respectful behavior. The role of the teacher is to help the child make the best choices about his/her own behavior. Thus, the children have “freedom within limits.” Children will respect each other, take care of their work and classroom materials, and behave responsibly when their ideas and contributions are accepted and respected, when they are allowed to make choices, and when they can participate in the daily functioning of the classroom. This allows the students to have the freedom to direct their learning, to develop concentration, and to excel in their work.
A Montessori childcare center is unique because it offers personalized learning programs focused on a child’s development. Infants eat and sleep according to their own schedules. All children choose their work from a carefully prepared classroom that challenges them to explore, solve problems together, and trust in their own abilities. Montessori puts children in a multi-age classroom, where children at various levels can excel, recognizing that children have different learning styles and develop at different rates.
Our primary task is to help the children in our care construct themselves to flourish in an increasingly challenging world. The two most important assets we believe our philosophy offers to help sustain them throughout their lifetime are: a love of learning and the ability to adapt.
It has been suggested that most people will change careers at least two or three times during their lifetime. Introductions of new forms of technology will continue to alter the pace of life. How can we best prepare our children for the changes facing our society when we can’t even anticipate what those future demands will be? We believe we can prepare them by offering a curriculum that develops and supports their abilities to think logically, cope with change, cooperate with others, identify problems, solve problems in new ways, articulate their own thoughts, values, ideas, and be respectful of the rights and concerns of others.
Maria Montessori believed “Education is a natural process carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words, but by experiences in the environment.”
Goals
Our basic goals for all children include:
- Fostering a positive attitude toward school
- Fostering inner-security, self-confidence, independence, and a sense of order
- Developing habits of initiative and development
- Fostering social interactions and development
- Promoting the healthy growth and development of each child
- Developing social, physical, and learning skills
Philosophy
The Montessori Children’s Center’s approach to teaching is based on the Montessori method of education. We are committed to the Montessori approach to learning. This approach is based on a sincere respect for the child as a developing person, with self-motivated curiosity, desire to learn, and ability to master skills in an environment that has been prepared to allow him/her to develop at his/her own pace, without pressure or frustration.