How to Choose a Montessori Preschool
Questions to Ask at an Early Childhood School Visit
Jul 15, 2009
Over 100 years ago, Maria Montessori created an educational method based upon her observations that a child will successfully direct his own development if he has a nurturing and prepared environment and the appropriate materials with which to work.
While some preschools that claim to be Montessori, there is no mandatory accreditation process for a school to call itself Montessori. Parents must ask three important questions and look for a few essential classroom characteristics during a school visit to find a quality Montessori early childhood program.
Questions to Ask a Montessori Preschool
Before taking the time to visit every school in town, a parent should call and ask three basic questions.
Which Montessori organization is the school accredited by?
A Montessori school should be either AMS (American Montessori Society) or AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) affiliated to ensure that all teaching staff is credentialed and is following the Montessori standards set forth by these organizations. Schools that are not affiliated or accredited are not required to adhere to the Montessori philosophy.
Do all classroom teachers have Montessori credentials?
Many preschools supplement their classroom staff using non-Montessori trained teaching aides in order to keep teacher-to-child ratios low. Be sure to ask how many certified Montessori teachers are in each class and what training is required of teacher aides in order to evaluate whether a true Montessori experience is being offered.
How long has each teacher worked at the school?
Montessori education is based upon a three year cycle from age three through Kindergarten. During this time a child remains with the same teacher in the same classroom in order to fully explore and experience all curriculum areas in a multi-aged environment. A stable Montessori school with a long-term teaching staff provides a child with a safe basis to develop and grow.
What to Look for During a Montessori Preschool School Visit
Schedule a school visit with each qualified Montessori school. If possible, choose a time when class is in session and bring the child who will attend along. During the visit look for the following characteristics that indicate a good Montessori preschool program.
Are the children free to choose activities independently?
A quality Montessori classroom is set up for independent freedom within an organized structure. This means that activities in all curriculum areas are available at all times, with each child free to independently choose an activity. All activities are child-directed not teacher directed. The teacher is there to show a child how to use a material, but then allows the child to work and explore independently.
Does the classroom appear peaceful, yet busy?
A purposeful, yet quiet buzz of activity is the sound of a quality Montessori classroom. Children are engaged in their various activities,some working alone, some working together, some eating snack, some washing tables, and some simply watching another child work.
Do the teachers treat the children with respect?
Teachers who treat children in a respectful way by speaking gently, modeling manners and creating a culture of peaceful responsibility create a Montessori environment in which children naturally behave the same way.
Choose the Right Montessori Preschool
Selecting a preschool for a child is a big decision, but by asking questions about accreditation and teacher qualifications before going on a school visit saves time and ensures that all visits are to Montessori affiliated schools. After selecting which schools to visit, a parent is empowered to know what key characteristics to look for to determine if the school truly embraces the Montessori philosophy of a child-directed school experience.
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