How To Choose The Right Montessori Preschool For You

As an informed parent, you have done your research and decided that you want to send your child to a Montessori Preschool

. Now, how do you decide which one would be the best match your your little one? First and foremost, make sure that the school you are considering in a genuine, accredited Montessori school. Remember, Montessori is not patented and anyone can say they are a Montessori school. There are a few important factors to keep in mind that will allow you to tell whether a school has an accredited program. I have included a short list of differences between traditional school and a school that practices and adheres to the Montessori philosophy.

A Montessori school will allow your child to develop naturally while a traditional school will transfer their curriculum to the child

Children in a Montessori preschool will be allowed to set their own time frame and learn what they want while a traditional school teaches their own set curriculum and everyone learns according to the same time frame

A Montessori classroom is a prepared environment meaning the children teach themselves using specially prepared activities. iThey learn by active experience and particpation. Since a teacher who stands in front of the class is usual. This then becomes a very passive learning environment and the children's learning is only limited to what the teacher feels is important for them to know

A true Montessori teacher works in collaboration with the children allowing them move around the room freely and talk to others as long as they aren't disturbing anyone. This environment encourages self discipline and allows the child to develop faster. Children are motivated becasue learning is it's own reward. In traditional school the child must sit in assigned seat as they are led through their lessons. The teacher is the primary enforcer of discipline and the child is motivated by a reward and punishment system.

There are other differences but these are some of the main ones to keep an eye open for.

The popularity of Montessori schools in Australia is picking up. There are ariund 170 schools nationwide. Community associations and non-profits operate most of them. The number of privately owned schools and centers is growing. Montessori is also included in the public schools. In addition to that, there are also culturally based Montessori programs that focus on lessons that teach the children to respect and appreciate their own culture. With all the different Montessori preschool choices, how do you know which is right for you?

Look for a center that is run by someone who is accredited and has a passion for encouraging and empowering your child to develop to their full potential. Find an early childhood expert who is there every day ready to guide and facilitate the children through the wide variety of Montessori activities

Look for a Montessori preschool that will make your child's safety a priority. For example a preschool that is not only a sun smart center (which uses a chemical free sun screen and hats) but also only allows authorized people in the building and those people must sign in and out. In addition to that, they shopuld teach your children the importance of hygiene and how to tidy up after themselves, as well as respect for themselves and their elders.

Look for a program that truly believes in the Montessori philosophy. Find a place where they understand that children naturally love to learn and left to explore their environment they will choose things that interest them.

The Montessori teacher will provide activities and guide the children through them in a way that helps to develop the whole child. This way they can develop to his or her greatest potential: physically, emotionally and mentally. They continually adapt the classroom environment to the children.

by: Rick Rakauskas

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