The Montessori educational approach promotes the natural curiosity of children.Dr. Maria Montessori created it in the early 1900s.The name "Montessori" is not patented, so any school can use it.Even if a preschool claims to use Montessori methods, it may not understand the educational philosophy or adhere to them.If you know how to choose a Montessori preschool for your child, you can determine if this approach to education is right for them.A careful evaluation of the schools in your area and their curricula is needed in order to understand the Montessori philosophy.
Step 1: The pacing of Montessori education is discussed.
Montessori education does not require all students to move at the same pace.It does not require mastery of specific skills at certain times.Children set their own pace in Montessori education.They learn at a rate that is comfortable to them, taking more time on things they find challenging and less on those that come easily.
Step 2: Student motivation can be examined.
Montessori preschools allow students to focus their studies on approaches that interest them the most.Montessori schools have several areas of knowledge that all students will gain experience in, such as math, science, and language, but how the students choose to learn about each of these is up to them.
Step 3: Take a look at the role of guides.
In Montessori preschools, teachers should act as guides.Their job is not to be the ultimate source of knowledge, but a guide to help children learn things of their own.Montessori teachers don't lecture or recite information very often.They work with students individually or in small groups.
Step 4: Find out if the students choose to do their own work.
The most important thing to consider when evaluating a Montessori preschool is whether children choose to do their own work.Children should be able to choose from a variety of different activities.This is not a true Montessori preschool if children are assigned specific tasks and aren't allowed to choose other options.
Step 5: Take a closer look at the role of testing.
If testing is present in the curriculum, it should play a minimal role in any Montessori school.A true Montessori education does not involve grades at any age level.Portfolios of work and classroom observation are used to assess children.Children who are happy and learning to the best of their abilities are successful.Grades are not an appropriate form of punishment.Student motivation shouldn't be dependent on incentives.
Step 6: The emphasis should be on hands on learning.
In Montessori preschools, students don't sit around and fill out things.There is an emphasis on doing.Children learn music by using instruments.They are learing how to cook by using actual ingredients and kitchen tools.They learn a foreign language by speaking it.There are activities and games for learning math.
Step 7: Take a look at how long the work periods are.
Work periods in a Montessori school are usually two to three hours.Children need time to focus on a topic that interests them.The amount of time needed for children to really immerse themselves in a topic was found by Dr. Montessori.Children will be forced into "circle time" or given a snack break after an hour or two.This is not appropriate for Montessori education.
Step 8: Check to see if the school is accredited.
A lot of parents will only send their children to preschools that are accredited by one of the major Montessori education organizations.The Montessori philosophy is important to the accreditation of the school.The AMS is the most recognized accreditation organization in the US.In the US and worldwide, the Association Montessori International performs a similar service.
Step 9: You can learn more about the guides.
In evaluating a Montessori preschool, it's important to learn about the guides who work there.How long have the guides been there?Many of the teachers at the school have been there for a long time.This shows that guides are paid fairly.What are their credentials?The guides at the preschool have attended Montessori schools.A minimum year-long internship is required for the best of these schools.Online programs don't usually have such requirements.How do the guides interact with students?Montessori preschool guides should speak softly to the children in their care.
Step 10: Take a closer look at the Head of School.
The Head of School in a Montessori preschool needs to be well qualified and experienced.You need to scrutinize this person's credentials.Similar to evaluating the teachers, you should ask how long this person has been in this leadership role.What did he or she do prior to this?Is this person trained in the Montessori method?
Step 11: Evaluate the classroom environment.
A successful Montessori program depends on the classroom environment.To make sure the environment is adequate for your child's needs, have a close look at it.It is possible to observe a classroom session.Every classroom needs observation windows.This should raise a red flag if you are not allowed to observe class time.Make sure the equipment in the classroom is appropriate.There should be enough well-made and attractive learning works for the number of children in the classroom.The children's eye level is where work should be displayed.Make sure the classroom is clean.It should be neat and orderly.Plants and seashells are natural items that should be decorated in the room.You can ask about or observe the teacher-to-child ratio.A lot of one-on-one attention is required in Montessori education.Several other adults will help supervise and monitor the children.The children may seem happy.A Montessori classroom is not a place of drudgery or anxiety.
Step 12: Talk to other parents.
Talk to other parents about their experiences at the school.If parents have been invited to participate, ask them if they are satisfied.Montessori preschools have a lot of parental participation.
Step 13: Start early.
It is clear that choosing a Montessori school requires a lot of research and planning.The preschool programs fill up in advance.Start your research early and alert the school when you make your decision.It's a good idea to start researching and preparing a year before you start preschool.The more options you have, the sooner you start your research.
Step 14: Take your needs into account.
In addition to evaluating the Montessori approach and assessing individual schools based on how well they use it, you should also consider other needs of your child.Consider your work schedule, commute and location.How far are you willing to drive?Which school's schedule works best for you?Are you looking for a part time experience or do you need a full time job?Does the school cater to your child's needs?If your child speaks Spanish at home, can the school accommodate that?Do you want your child to learn a foreign language?Do the school teach it?Do you have the time to volunteer at the school?
Step 15: Look at the cost.
The cost of Montessori preschool varies greatly from school to school.Look into how much each school costs, as this will affect your choice.Montessori education is offered in some public schools.The schools receive public funding so there is no tuition.A year of private Montessori school can cost as little as $1,000.Depending on how many hours per day your child will attend, a year of Montessori school for children 3 to 6 is between $5,000 and $8,000.The average is between $3,000 and $9,000 for infants and toddlers.
Step 16: Look for scholarship opportunities.
Montessori preschools can offer grants, scholarships, or discounted tuition for families in need.Look into what options are available in your area.You should check the websites of the preschools you are considering.Ask the Head of School what assistance the preschool might be able to give if you don't find any information there.Financial aid to some families is offered by the National Association of Independent Schools, as well as other resources for funding preschool education.You can apply for aid on their website.Pay your taxes with your most recent tax stubs document.
Step 17: If you can afford it, choose the best option.
Once you have determined that Montessori preschool is the right choice for your child, you need to find the best school that you can afford.If you want to send your child to a ranked preschool, start with the school you would most like to attend.Take into account any scholarships or grants you might be eligible for when calculating the cost.Pick the school that you can afford.