Today, there are dozens of different philosophies and methods applied in preschool settings. \u00a0First, do your research<\/a>. Once you know a bit about the different early education philosophies, you may be able to narrow your search based on what you believe fits in with your family\u2019s values and educational goals.<\/p>\n At The Montessori Children\u2019s Academy (MCA), we believe that a Montessori education benefits children in so many ways. Montessori classrooms are designed to recognize and address various learning levels and styles. Teachers take unique roles as classroom guides and observers, providing children with the freedom and opportunity to learn at their own pace within a carefully prepared, stimulating environment.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also important to determine how strictly the philosophy is adhered to at each school. This is particularly important if you are looking at Montessori schools. Many parents are unaware that the American Montessori Society (AMS)<\/a> has established guidelines for adhering to Dr. Montessori\u2019s practices. Programs that work with AMS are required to uphold high standards in areas including teacher certification, classroom preparation, and parent education regarding Montessori education. The Montessori Children\u2019s Academy is an AMS Member School.<\/p>\n Children must have opportunities to explore how things work, to move their growing bodies, and to engage in activities that they find enjoyable. Especially with preschoolers, hands-on activities involving multiple senses often better facilitate the growth of children\u2019s natural curiosity and their interest in learning for learning\u2019s sake. When attending an Open House, ask what types of activities the children participate in during their school day. How much time is spent in teacher-directed activity? Do children have opportunities to make choices and move throughout the classroom? What types of learning materials are used?<\/p>\n The materials<\/a> in Montessori classrooms are attractive, inviting, and meaningful. They also grow with the children, as the lessons move from concrete to abstract concepts. Every aspect of the Montessori classroom promotes the development of fine and gross motor skills, the expansion of new knowledge, and the joy in learning. Children have a balance of independent work time where they choose what they would like to do, small group learning lessons, and large group activities. Learning opportunities are integrated into all aspects of the Montessori classroom.<\/p>\n Some early childhood facilities, like cooperative programs run by local parents, and traditional day care centers, do not require state or nationally recognized teaching certificates for their staff. Regardless of the type of school setting, it is important that preschool teachers understand how children grow and learn. You will also want to find out whether teachers and their assistants are trained in CPR and First Aid, and if they regularly attend continuing education workshops to stay current in their field.<\/p>\n If you are looking exclusively at Montessori schools, check that the teachers have their Montessori teaching credentials. This will ensure that they have been trained in the Montessori Method by a qualified teacher education program. You can learn more about AMS Montessori teaching credentials from the Montessori Center for Teacher Development<\/a>.<\/p>\n Preschools have a very important responsibility in how their teachers manage their classrooms\u00a0and help children grow and develop in a healthy, safe environment. Since preschool is often a child\u2019s very first school experience, how discipline is handled can make a difference in how children view school and how well they succeed in learning.<\/p>\n MCA focuses on positive discipline and conflict resolution. Teachers are keen observers in their classrooms, and they are carefully trained to manage a variety of situations before there is any escalation of improper behavior. Redirection, positive reinforcement, and logical consequences allow teachers to help children learn respect, self-control, and responsibility in the most natural of ways. Peace Education is also a significant component of the Montessori curriculum, and children are guided through conflict resolution techniques with the aid of teachers and peers. Montessori classrooms are communities, and children learn that every member of the classroom is valued and important.<\/p>\n Later this month, MCA will host guest speaker Teresa LaSala<\/a>, a positive discipline expert and author. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, please consider attending this Parent Education event, as it is open to the public. Details can be found on MCA\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n This is an important question because it will help to alleviate some of the common anxieties that parents have when the first day of school<\/a> arrives. Understanding how the day flows will help you to determine if your child will be comfortable in the classroom. As young children thrive on routines, it would be helpful to learn about things like what the procedures are for eating snack or lunch at school, using the restrooms, spending time on the playground, or having a resting time. It is important to know how much structure is in the school day. You might also ask what opportunities the children have for socializing with peers, spending one-on-one time with the teacher, or learning responsibility by having a classroom job.<\/p>\n At any Open House, it is important to get a feel for the facility and to meet the staff. Above all, you want to be able to picture your child in the classrooms. If possible, bring your child along to the Open House so that he or she can meet the teachers and interact in the school space. Watching your child explore might make your choice just a little bit easier.<\/p>\n The Montessori Children\u2019s Academy is hosting Winter Open Houses at each of its campuses on the following dates:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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Morristown<\/a>: Saturday, January 21, 2017, 9:00-11:00AM<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Chatham<\/a>: Saturday, January 28, 2017, 9:00-11:00AM<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Short Hills<\/a>: Saturday, February 4, 2017, 9:00-11:00AM<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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