The Montessori Classroom
There are many different child care philosophies used across the numerous child care organization. We believe Montessori provides an alternative to traditional day care methods.
The Montessori education philosophy was founded by Maria Montessori in 1907. She was a lifelong educator, philosopher, humanitarian and Italy’s first female physician. Montessori’s principles for early childhood include freedom, grace and courtesy, independence, order and respect, with the specially-prepared Montessori environment designed to provide the child with both a solid academic foundation and strong ‘character education.’
Step By Step Montessori Schools
At Step By Step Montessori Schools, children move freely within their own “child-sized” environment, working with purposeful, self-correcting materials. Children are self-directed, challenged and highly motivated. The busy, yet calm and orderly environment fosters confidence and independence.
Our core curriculum consists of Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, Geography and elements of Science and Art. Children engage in varying levels of activities in the multi-aged environment. For instance, younger children may be working with alphabet sound activities while older children may be writing stories – complete with punctuation!
Montessori Environment
Children move along their “journey” within the Montessori environment at their own pace, gently guided by the Montessori-certified teacher. The teacher recognizes the importance of providing the child with developmentally-appropriate materials and lessons, with the child’s true inner potential in mind. Montessori believed that provided with challenging and stimulating experiences, a child’s growth and progress are limitless.
Quality Early Childhood Experience
Step By Step is committed to providing such quality early childhood experience for children and staying true to the philosophy and core principles of Maria Montessori. Children gain academic, social and emotional confidence by interacting in the non-competitive, positive and peaceful environment. They learn to respect themselves, each other and the world around them. They learn not only the academics to prepare them for future education; they learn skills to prepare them for life.