Montessori Works was established in 1991 by a small group of parents who wanted a high-quality education for their children. Since then, we have been the pioneer and advocate for providing a Montessori philosophy and environment in an extended daycare setting for children from birth to six years. The objective is to provide an environment that allows the development of independence, self-confidence, and inner security.
We believe that your child learns best at their own pace and by exercising their own choice within an environment that has been prepared to engage interest so that each child engages in activities. The Montessori environment includes music and culture, art and craft, academic, physical, and practical skills in which sustainability is embedded. The curriculum is holistic and is organized in multi-aged groupings 0-3 and 3-6 (2-5). Finally, we believe consideration for others is a core value in guiding children's behavior.
Communication with parents is especially valued. We endeavor to include parents in all aspects of our program with weekly newsletters and daily opportunities to see photos, read observations, understand and contribute to cycles of planning and view curriculum decisions, and give feedback. Parents are encouraged to engage with children in a range of activities so that our Montessori families reflect an inclusive community.
A spacious open planned environment is attractively furnished with Montessori materials and examples of children's work. The specialized classroom: indoor and outdoor, is carefully designed to support children's intrinsic needs according to their level of interest.
The NIDO or "nest" is prepared for babies 0-2.5 years. Here children are provided with sensory and motor materials, all with an isolated concept allowing them to explore and discover specific attributes. Independence is encouraged from the earliest times. Communication is encouraged with warm, caring, and respectful educators. (Music, movement, and art experiences are all aspects of communication).
The CHILDRENS HOUSE or community for 2-5 years allows children to develop themselves through play. Play is the child's work, and imagination is engaged through the five areas of activity assisting this process. Practical Life Exercises encourage independence through learning to care for oneself, others, and the environment. It establishes the work cycle – a project is chosen, completed, and returned to its location, ready for another person to use. The Sensorial Apparatus awakens the mind to the stimuli received through the senses; these are then named.
The Language Program begins by making the child aware of speech sounds and then associates symbols with them. Through a variety of approaches, writing and reading ensure the beginning of grammar, introduced in a meaningful way at this stage. Number Work focuses on the decimal system and its operation. The foundations of geometry and algebra are also laid. The Cultural Area includes elements of:
- Geography – the nature of the Earth and its people
- Biology – the variety of plants and animals
- History – a sense of time and current events
- Art and Music – experiences in these and an introduction to their styles.
