EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM

Children 3-6 years old form the classroom community in our EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM. Children remain with the same classroom until they are ready to move to our elementary program (grades 1-6). The 3-6 preschool program provides a unique three-year cycle of learning.

The Montessori curriculum provides the child with concrete experiences and information about his world.

The child is allowed to progress through the curriculum at his own pace and interest level. The 3-6 program addresses the whole child – his intellectual, social and emotional, and physical development. Activities are provided which foster the development of order, concentration, coordination, and independence.

The program strives to foster and facilitate the development of patterns of behavior that will serve as the foundation for future learning. These include:

Intrinsic motivation: The child is working and learning through his/her own choices and direction.

Independence in work: Each child enjoys "working" and selects one task and another tirelessly and independently.

Completed work cycles: Whatever activity is initiated by the child is carried out to its natural end, signified by the return of the material to its proper space.

Respect: The child respects the work of others and does not interrupt or attempt to make it his own. Materials are returned in a manner showing respect for the environment as well as for the child who will use it next. The child is kind to himself and to others and works cooperatively with the group.

Responsibility: The child takes responsibility for her behavior with the materials. If she spills, for example, she will independently remedy the problem. The child also takes responsibility for her words and actions towards herself and others. For example, she knows that it is her choice to be kind or hurtful and each choice brings certain consequences.