Parent/Infant Program Ages Birth to around 18 Months
Introduction
The Montessori method of education, founded by Dr. Maria Montessori, is renowned for its child- centered approach that fosters independence, curiosity, and a love for learning. One of the earliest entry points into this educational philosophy is through Montessori parent-infant classes, designed to support the development of children from birth to around 18 months. These classes not only provide a nurturing environment for infants but also equip parents with valuable skills and knowledge to support their child’s learning journey.
About the Program
Our Parent/Infant Program is rooted in the Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes respect for the child’s natural development and supports their physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. We offer a carefully prepared environment where your infant can explore and learn through sensory experiences and guided activities.
Program Highlights
- Age Group: Infants from 12 weeks to 18 months
- Schedule: Weekly sessions held every Tuesday through Thursday
- Duration: Each session lasts 1.5 hours
- Activities: Developmentally appropriate activities, including music, movement, sensory exploration, and parent education
- Supportive Community: Connect with other parents and share experiences in a supportive and friendly environment
Benefits of the Program
- Strengthen Parent-Child Bond: Spend quality time with your infant, engaging in meaningful activities that promote bonding and attachment
- Early Development: Support your infant’s early developmental milestones through activities tailored to their needs
- Parent Education: Gain valuable insights into child development and parenting strategies from our experienced Montessori guides
- Community Connection: Build a network of like-minded parents and create lasting friendships. We look forward to welcoming you and your infant to our Montessori community. Together, we can create a foundation for a lifetime of learning and growth.
Toddler Ages 18 months through 30 months
The Toddler program environment is designed for the child aged 18 to 30 months who is ready to leave their parents for a short period of time. The child will have opportunities to master a variety of tasks, including: coordination, independence, sensorial discrimination, and respect for self and others in a social setting.
The focus of the program is on independence and building self-esteem. As a child matures and advances, presentations are given with Montessori materials as well as pre-reading, math, and sensorial activities. Every material must serve as a stimulus in the process of the development of the child. The Montessori Method is based on observation. The teacher observes, reflects, and analyses and then determines what materials are appropriate to stimulate a child’s fine motor and gross motor skills as well as develop his attention span.
To enable the toddler to make the transition from his home to the Toddler classroom, the room has been designed to have a home-like atmosphere. The tables, chairs, and shelves are toddler size. Wooden and natural activities and materials have been placed in baskets and on trays. Ecology prevails as the child uses a cloth to wipe up spills or to dry his hands after washing the baby doll with a natural sponge.
The children become self motivated as they select an activity and take it to a table or rug. When the activity has been completed, the item is returned to its original space by the child.
Toddlers have the ability to concentrate for significant periods of time if movement is introduced. As an example, the Pink Tower consists of ten cubes. The child unrolls a rug in anticipation of building with the cubes. He carries one cube at a time to the rug. After making a total of twenty trips with cubes, he sits and begins to build. Due to movement the child has the possibility of concentration and building with the cubes for a longer period of time. Afterwards the process is reversed as the child returns the cubes. Studies confirm that the movement of the body and the fingers stimulate brain development.
Westshore Montessori School’s Toddler Program operates during the school year. Children are enrolled in either a two-day, three day or five day session, from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
The Toddler program serves children ages 18 to 30 months and, through Montessori method, is designed to foster exploration, independence and facilitate the transition from a home to school environment. Two-, three- and five day options are available. The program operates on a school year schedule.
Primary Ages 2.5 yrs to 6 years
The Primary program promotes the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual development of the child from ages 2.5 to 6. It is a three-year program the child enters at age 2.5 and remains in the same classroom through Kindergarten. Each room is supplied with materials designed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the areas of Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language and Cultural Studies. You can learn more about each of these areas of the classroom by visiting the page on our website devoted to Montessori Education.
A trained Montessori Directress introduces the lessons and guides the child in this prepared environment over the course of the three years. This program is a half-day Montessori program for preschool children and full day for Kindergarten. The Primary program is five days per week. Children ages 2.5 through four years old attend daily 9:00am to 12:00pm, while kindergarteners attend daily 9:00am to 2:30pm. The Primary program serves children age 2.5 to 6, preschool through Kindergarten.
Before and After Care Ages 18 months – Six Year Olds
This program provides educational and social enrichment that complements the Montessori methods. The program allows for the child’s growth as a whole child in an environment of consistent expectations. The Before & After Care program is open to all current students.
The curriculum consists of a balance of quiet and active work periods, reading, music, foreign language, art and gross motor enrichment. Before & After Care is a flexible program allowing for a variety of days and times of enrollment. It is open before school from 7:30 am to 9:00 am and after school until 6:00 pm.
Before and After Care provides students the opportunity to participate in crafts, story time, outdoor play and indoor games which enrich their time in loving home like environment.
The daily Before Care program, 7:30 am until 9:00 am, and daily After Care from 12:00 until 6:00, offer our parents the flexibility they need for their jobs and family while meeting the needs of each child. This program operates during the regular school year.