Did you know that the number of Montessori schools in the US is somewhere between 4,000 and 8,000? Additionally, the Montessori method has been around for a long time, over 100 years, with the first school using this method when it opened back in 1907.
Considering how many Montessori schools are out there, you might be wondering, “How can I choose a Montessori daycare near me for my child to attend?” This article will help clear up any confusion you might have by reviewing strategies you can use to choose a Montessori daycare near you.
Read on to find the best daycare for your child and how to get them started with their education at a Montessori daycare that’s the best fit for them.
Observe the Teaching Style
When you’re choosing a Montessori school or daycare, you should observe the teaching style. This is because you want to be sure that the teachers are communicating well with the children, as this is an important tenet of the Montessori method. When observing, ask yourself some of these questions.
Is the teacher getting down to the same level as the child when they speak with them? Does the teacher act respectfully when speaking with them?
When the child is speaking to them, does the teacher stop what they’re saying so they can listen to the child, taking in what they have they have to say?
Teachers who do the above are likely using the right teaching style for a Montessori daycare. If they label children as good or bad, or they use punishments and rewards, then the daycare might not be the best choice.
Check for Montessori-Trained Teachers
Something else to look for when choosing the best school or daycare that uses the Montessori method is teachers that have Montessori training. To find out whether these teachers are trained, it can help to find out whether they have a certification such as AMS, AMI, IMS, or NAMC.
Note, however, that assistants in a Montessori daycare might not necessarily have a Montessori certification. They are directed by the lead teacher in the classroom.
If a school has an affiliation with AMS, AMI or IMS, this can be a good sign. If you aren’t sure about what certifications or training teachers have, ask the daycare about this when you’re visiting.
Find Out if They Have Mixed-Age Classrooms
One of the things that differentiates Montessori education from other education types is that there’s often a mix of many ages within the classroom. With toddler classes, for example, the age range is somewhere between 18 months and three years.
Primary classes, on the other hand, can include children whose ages range from three to six years. This means that they can include the kindergarten year.
The idea behind this is that the younger children will be learning from more than just their teachers. They’ll also be learning from the children who are older than them.
The older children, in turn, will learn through the process of teaching the younger children. This is an important educational experience for all the children involved.
Check Out the Classroom Layout
When you’re visiting Montessori daycares, take some time to check out the layout of various classrooms in the building. It’s important to pay special attention to its organization. The rooms should be spacious, orderly, and clean.
Additionally, they should feel like a space that’s inviting to children. There should be many tables and a large amount of floor space where children can play and learn.
There should also be shelves that hold organized baskets and trays. As for the furniture, it’s best if it’s made of a natural material, such as wood and should be the child’s size. The shelves should also hold natural materials.
Typically, Montessori classrooms aren’t as overstimulating, bright, or loud as those in other school types.
Check for Self-Directed Play
If it’s possible, it’s a good idea to observe an actual class so that you can check for self-directed play. Watch the children and note how they interact with the teachers, other children, and the materials and toys they’re playing with.
When children are in a Montessori environment, teachers and assistants should allow them to decide what they want to do and focus on that task or play activity. Then, if they need help, they can ask for it.
You should also take a look at how children are playing in groups. Children can work next to each other or together. The idea is that this is self-guided, too.
Of course, teachers will be present. But the idea is that the children are guiding themselves. The teachers should go around the room, stopping by each child and group checking on them.
Instead of speaking at them, the teacher will speak with them when they stop by the children in the classroom. As for the schedule in the classroom, there should be quite a lot of time devoted to this self-guided playtime.
Additionally, the children should spend time together having meals and singing songs. Some time should be spent outdoors, too.
Watch Out for Teacher Turnover Rate
This isn’t something to watch out for only when you’re looking at Montessori schools and daycares, as it’s something any parent should watch out for when looking to provide their child with the best education for them.
While some turnover can be normal, if it’s far too common, this can be a red flag. This is an even bigger issue if teachers are leaving halfway through the academic year.
After all, if teachers are happy at the educational institution where they’re teaching, the kids will be happier, too.
Ask About Extended Hours (If Needed)
If you’re in a situation where you (and possibly your partner) work full-time and have a long commute, or you often work late into the evenings, something you might need to ask the Montessori daycare is whether they offer extended hours.
So check with the Montessori daycares you’re visiting to see how much flexibility they have with extended hours if you need.
Make sure, however, that these aren’t only daycares. They should provide this flexibility if you need it in addition to a good Montessori education for your child.
Ask About Additional Programs and Features
Are you interested in additional programs and features that your child would be able to benefit from at daycare? For example, are you looking for a Montessori school that also offers the opportunity to learn a second language from an early age?
Maybe you’re interested in a school that has a program where children spend a lot of time outside, being one with nature and maybe even planting a community garden.
If there are any specific programs or features you’re interested in, ask about these when you’re visiting the Montessori schools.
Check for Hands-on Learning
One of the big tenets of Montessori education is a focus on hands-on learning. In other schools, students might recite memorized information or fill out worksheets, and even when they’re in daycare, there might be a focus on them learning in such a standardized way.
For this reason, you should look for signs of the children in the Montessori classroom learning through hands-on learning.
For example, kids might complete an activity where they’re cooking something with the teacher. Or they might play a game or complete an activity to learn.
If there are any instruments in the classroom, the children will play them to understand how they work.
Speak With Other Parents
In addition to checking out the school itself, you should speak with the parents whose children are already enrolled in the Montessori daycare. One of the questions you should ask is whether they’ve been happy with their choice.
You should also ask if they’re often invited to participate. Parents often participate in Montessori schools and daycares.
If you don’t know any parents whose kids go to one of the daycares you’re looking into, ask the daycare to put you in touch with them.
Where Can I Find a Montessori Daycare Near Me?
Now that you’ve learned how to choose a Montessori school, you’re ready to start looking for Montessori schools in your area. However, you still might be asking the question, “How do I find a Montessori daycare near me?”
Fortunately, we have the answer. At Montessori Downtown, we’re a local Montessori institution that offers daycare.
We serve children of many ages and educate them with the Montessori method. To learn more about our programs, get more information now.