| MONTESSORI METHOD OF EDUCATION Maria Montessori lived from 1870 to 1952. She was the first female Doctor of Medicine in Italy. Through her work with children, she developed her unique educational method, known as the Montessori method. This system of education is both a philosophy of child development and a rationale for guiding such growth. It is based on the child’s developmental needs for freedom within limits, as well as a carefully prepared environment, which guarantees exposure to materials and experiences.
The main premises of Montessori education are:
Children are to be respected as different from adults and as individuals who differ from each other.
Children possess an unusual sensitivity and intellectual ability to absorb and learn from their environments that are unlike those of the adult both in quality and capacity.
The most important years of a child’s growth are the first six years of life when unconscious learning is gradually brought to the conscious level.
Dr. Montessori has had an impact on the field of education and the way we understand and teach children today. Her influence can be seen not only in the number of schools that bear her name, but throughout the fields of child care, education, and child development. Many of her ideas are now part of our common knowledge, language, and thinking about children. She was an innovator in the field of education and ideas that were once met with great resistance in her day now are accepted as natural aspects of childhood. Modern kindergarten classrooms use the child sized furniture and didactic materials first introduced by Montessori. Such current concepts as individualized learning and readiness programs, manipulative learning, ungraded classes, combined age groups, team teaching, and open classrooms reflect many of her early insights.
The Montessori classroom is a “living room” for children. Children choose their activities from open shelves with self-correcting materials and work in distinct work areas – on tables or on rugs on the floor. Over a period of time, the children develop into a “normalized community” working with high concentration and few interruptions.
The classroom includes the following components:
The practical life exercises enhance the development of task organization and cognitive order through care of self, care of the environment, exercises of grace and courtesy, and refinement of physical movement and coordination.
The sensorial materials enable the child to order, classify, and describe sensory impressions in relation, length, width, temperature, mass, color, etc.
The Montessori math materials, through concrete manipulative materials, allow the child to internalize the concepts of number, symbol, sequence, operations, and memorization of basis facts.
The language work includes oral language development, written expression, reading, study of grammar, creative dramatics, and children’s literature. Basic skills in writing and reading are developed through the use of sandpaper letters (loose alphabet letters), and various presentations allowing children to effortlessly link sounds and symbols and to express their thoughts in writing.
The child is also presented with geography, history, life sciences, music, art, and movement education. Virtually every classroom will also have an elliptical line on the floor. This is generally used for “walking on the line” activities that help children develop gracefulness. The line is also where the class meets as a whole. An opening meeting is preceded by an individualized work period, and other meetings will serve as a closing or transitional group time. (i.e. time outdoors, lunch, dismissal, etc.)
The children have a deep love and need for purposeful work. They work, however, not as an adult for completion of a job, but the sake of an activity itself. It is this activity, which enable them to accomplish their most important goal: the development of themselves. The items found on the shelves in the classroom are “materials” rather than “toys”. The children “work with the materials” rather than “play with the toys”. This allows the children to gain the most benefit from the environment by giving them a sense of worth, the same sense of worth adults experience as they go to their jobs and do their “work”.
The classroom incorporates:
The Whole Child Approach: The primary goal of a Montessori program is to help all children reach their full potential in all areas of life. Activities promote the development of social skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination as well as cognitive preparation for future intellectual academic endeavors. The holistic curriculum, under the direction of a specifically prepared teacher, allow the children to experience the joy of learning, the time to enjoy the process, and ensures the development of self-esteem. It provides the experiences from which children create their knowledge.
The Prepared Environment: In order for self-directed learning to take place, the whole learning environment – classroom, materials, and social setting/atmosphere - must be supportive of the children. The teacher provides the necessary resources, including opportunities for children to function in a safe and positive environment. Together, the teacher and children form a relationship based on trust and respect that fosters self-confidence and a willingness to try new things.
The Montessori Materials: Dr. Montessori’s observations of the kinds of things which children enjoy, and go back to repeatedly, led her to design a number of multi-sensory, sequential, and self-correcting materials to facilitate learning.
The Teacher: Originally called a “directress”, the Montessori teacher functions as a designer of the environment, resource person, role model, demonstrator, record-keeper and meticulous observer of each child’s behavior and growth. Extensive training is required for a full Montessori credential, including a minimum of college degree and a year’s student teaching under supervision and is specialized for the age group with which a teacher will work, i.e. infant and toddler, pre-primary, or elementary level.
In a Montessori Classroom: Most of the learning activities are individualized, i.e. the children engage in a learning task that particularly appeals to them because they find the activities geared to their needs and level of readiness. They work at their own rate, repeating the task as often as they like. Children learn at different paces and this allows that growth to take place.
Tasks are designed so that each new step is built upon what the children have already mastered. A carefully planned series of successes builds inner confidence in the children.
By surrounding the children with appealing materials and learning activities geared to their inner needs, they become accustomed to engaging in activities on their own. Gradually, this results in a habit of initiative – an essential quality in leadership. “Ground rules” call for completing a task once begun and gradually results in a habit of persistence and perseverance for replacing materials after the task is accomplished.
An essential part of the learning environment is the other children in it. The three-year age span of children within the classroom enables older children to provide leadership, guidance, and act as models for the younger children. This multi-age grouping gives the classroom a heritage.
Self-corrective materials within the environment allow the children to learn through their own errors to make the correct decision versus having the teacher point it out to them.
There is an emphasis on concrete learning rather than on abstract learning where children experience concepts in concrete “hands on” ways.
The teacher plays a very unobtrusive role in the classroom in that the children are not motivated by the teacher, but by the need for self-development.
This overview has been compiled from the educational web site: www.montessoriconnections.com. RESPONSIBILITES
Provider’s Responsibilities
• Operate Montessori Children’s House of Lemon Grove in accordance with state licensing regulations for a Family Care Center and provide instruction according to the principles of Montessori education.
• Provide a safe, healthy, nurturing environment.
• Focus on meeting the needs of the child first.
• Protect the well being of all the children in care by enforcing health care policies.
As required by State Law, providers are mandated to report all types of suspected child abuse (physical, mental, sexual, neglect) to the proper authorities.
Parent’s Responsibilities
• Have the child dressed and ready for the day upon arrival to school.
• Provide at least one clothing change to keep at school.
• Provide a nutritious lunch.
• Have back up care available for occasions when school is not available due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances.
• Promptly pay all fees set and agreed.
• Immediately inform the Director of any changes in address or telephone numbers.
• Keep immunizations and health records current.
• Contact the school by 8:00 am if the child will be absent or late.
• Support and adhere to the health care policies.
Shared Responsibilities
• Communicate on a regular basis regarding skills, interests and needs of the child.
• Treat each other, and the children with courtesy and respect.
• Give at least two weeks notice of any contractual changes.
MONTESSORI CHILDREN’S HOUSE OF LEMON GROVE
The Montessori Children’s House of Lemon Grove was established to provide children with a pre-kindergarten learning experience in a comfortable, home-like environment utilizing the Montessori Philosophy and Methods of Education. Montessori Children’s House of Lemon Grove has a Family Child Care License from the Department of Social Services of California, Community Care Licensing Division.
OWNER AND DIRECTOR
Owner and Director, Mary Denise Duppée has been teaching in San Diego since 1992 and received her Montessori Certification in 1994. Along with her Montessori Certification, she has 36 Early Childhood Education Credits and a degree in Photography. She opened the Montessori Children’s House of Lemon Grove in September 2003.
CHILDREN’S WORK
Your child’s work is a source of pride and accomplishment. Montessori classrooms are comprised of many manipulative, hands-on materials. Many times the things that your child has done are not “take home” work. This does not diminish the importance or pride your child feels about her work. Talk to your child and understand that what may seem simple or unimportant to an adult may represent huge work and accomplishment to your child.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission to the school is based upon space availability, with priority given to continuing students and their siblings. Montessori Children’s House of Lemon Grove admits students of any race, color, and religion, national or ethnic origin.
If space is not available, applicants can fill out paperwork to be placed on a waiting list. There is not charge to be placed on the waiting list.
A registration form and fee are required for all attending students. The yearly registration and materials fee of $150.00 is non-refundable and is in addition to the annual tuition.
Tuition, Emergency Contact Information, and All Health Forms are required before the child begins attending school.
Open enrollment for the following year begins in April. To secure a space for the following school year, the non-refundable registration and materials fee of $150.00 is required. TUITION PAYMENTS
Payment for tuition is based on a yearly school rate, which for your convenience is broken into 10 equal monthly payments. The school year is from September through June. Days that the school is closed have been factored into the cost of operating the school and in determining the yearly school rate. No credit or reduction of monthly tuition payments will be made for the school closure days listed on the school calendar.
Tuition is due at the beginning of the month. After the 5th day of the month, a late fee of $5.00 a day will be charged. If payment and subsequent late fees are not settled by the 10th day of the month, your child will not be permitted to return to school.
A fee of $20.00 plus any bank charges will be charged for any checks returned for insufficient funds.
SCHOOL HOURS School hours are 8:30 am until 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday for the months of September through June. Care outside the school hours will be considered daycare, is by pre-approval only, and will be billed in addition to school tuition. Tuition prices are listed on the tuition price sheet.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
A school calendar will be provided upon admission. School is not open on the following holidays:
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteran’s Day
Thanksgiving Day and following Friday
Winter Break (10 school days, which include Christmas and New Year’s Day)
Martin Luther King Day
President’s Day
Spring Break (5 school days)
Memorial Day
National Montessori Conference (one Friday, usually in March, exact date to be announce) DAYCARE
School hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 am until 2:30 pm.
Daycare is by pre-approval only and is billed in addition to regular tuition. Daycare prices are listed on the tuition price sheet.
WITHDRAWAL POLICY and ADJUSTMENT PERIOD
Enrollment is for the entire school year, September through June. If you find it necessary to withdraw, a two-week written notice is required. Schedule changes must be written and presented for consideration before the first of each month.
Montessori Children’s House of Lemon Grove reserves the right after the initial four-week start period to review the readiness of the student for the school program. The Montessori Children’s House of Lemon Grove also reserves the right to permanently dismiss children from the program if at any time their behavior becomes aggressive towards another child or teacher or becomes unduly disruptive to the classroom.
SNACKS AND LUNCHES
The school will provide nutritious snacks in the morning and afternoon. Parents are responsible for providing lunch. Independence is one of our main goals at school, including lunchtime. Please pack a nutritious lunch that allows your child as much independence as possible in opening and unpacking it by herself. Suggestions for lunch are:
Fruits-peeled and cut if needed
Vegetables
Hard-boiled eggs
Whole grain crackers
Breads-whole grain, fruit, berry, nut
Yogurt
Granola
Cheese
We ask that you keep sweets and special treats at home or kept in the car for after school.
DROP OFF AND PICK UP PROCEDURES
Each day, parents or authorized persons are required to sign (legal signature) “in” upon arrival and “out” upon removal from the school. There is a Sign In/Out Book at the front entrance for this purpose.
We cannot release the child to anyone under the age of 16 or to any person who is not listed as an authorized pickup. Please notify the Director if there are any complications surrounding custody of your child.
If there is a change in who will need to pick up your child, please notify the school. It will need to be determined if this is a “one time” change or if this person is to be added to the authorized pickup list. I.D. will be required from anyone unknown to the staff. Please remember this is for your child’s protection.
OBSERVERS
Parents are welcome to drop by and visit anytime.
If you would like to come for an observation to better understand the Montessori Methods and see your child’s progress, please call to make an appointment for a time that will work best for you and optimize your time in the classroom. Observers to the classroom are asked to allow the children to continue their work undisturbed. This is the best way for you to see how the classroom works.
Observers who do not have children enrolled in the school, such as prospective parents, are also welcome, however they must call the school in advance for an appointment and will not be allowed to observe without an appointment. This is for the safety and best interests of the children enrolled in our school.
GROUND RULES
The ground rules of the Montessori classroom are to protect the right of the individual. Everything that each person does in the classroom environment affects the others around her. So that each person has the right to concentrate without interruption, it is necessary for each person in the classroom to observe the following classroom ground rules:
• Walking in the classroom will help encourage careful movement across the room.
Children are not required to share their work or space with another child.
• The child selects a material to use from the shelf and takes it to a suitable table, floor and/or other designated workspace.
• The child is free to use the material as long as they like as long as it is treated with respect.
• After using the material, the child returns it to its place on the shelf, in the same condition in which it was found, for the next person to use.
• The children restore the environment, clean up spills and messes, put rugs away in proper order, and push chairs in etc., after each activity.
• The child has the right not to choose any materials or activity.
• No one does for a child what she can do for herself.
• Quiet voices, “inside voices”, help everyone concentrate without disturbance.
To maintain an atmosphere that is most conducive to learning and to respect each child’s right to work free from interruption, these ground rules need to be followed by all of the children, teachers, and visitors to our classroom.
ABSENCES
Please call before school if your child will be absent or late. This courtesy will help the staff in preparing the classroom for the day.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
At some time, all children exhibit behavior that needs correcting. However, not all children can be disciplined the same way, due to age, frequency of behavior, length of time spent in environment, and child’s personality. The main points used in disciplining a child at Montessori Children’s House of Lemon Grove are:
• Child must have an understanding of what behavior is expected and acceptable.
To participate a child must be able to follow the rules.
Behavioral choices lead to consequences.
• Spanking, hitting, slapping, shaking, verbal or emotional abuse are not permitted in this school. Moving children closer to a teacher, reminding children of the rules, telling children “No, we do not hit.” (example), reminding children to express themselves with their words, helping them voice their feelings into words, and noticing and pointing out improved behavior are some ways we discipline the children. Children continuing to hurt other children will be separated from the group until they are able to control their actions.
HEALTH CARE POLICIES
Please do not send your child to school if she is sick!
A child with the following symptoms will NOT be admitted to the school until:
• Fever Temperature normal for at least 24 hours
• Vomiting, Cramps Symptom free for at least 24 hours
• Diarrhea Symptom free for at least 24 hours
• Draining stops, or scab forms
These symptoms may require a doctor’s visit before the child returns:
• Earache With medication if appropriate
• Sore Throat With medication if appropriate or if no infection
• Rash With medication if appropriate or Doctor approval
• Red, Watery, Draining Eyes With medication if appropriate or if no infection
• Severe Cough When symptoms subside or Doctor approval
Montessori Children’s House of Lemon Grove reserves the right to exclude a child from the school for additional symptoms. If an illness develops during the day, a parent may be called to pick up the child early. This is in the best interest of the child and/or the other children in the school.
Please report contagious diseases immediately so that we can send notice of exposure to parents of your child’s classmates. Common childhood illnesses that require notification and isolation from school are:
• Chicken Pox
• Strep Throat
• Head Lice
MEDICATIONS
Occasionally medications need to be administered at school. In order to protect all parties involved, the following procedures MUST be completed before any medications will be administered to your child:
Completed Medical Release Form.
Medication must be in original, childproof pharmacy container, clearly labeled with child’s name and appropriate dosage required.
Medication and Medical Release Form must be handed to a staff member.
Medications will be stored in the medication box in the refrigerator and must be taken home at the end of each day.
TELEPHONE CALLS and COMMUNICATIONS
When class is in session, a recorder will answer your call. PLEASE leave a message with your name, time called, message, and return phone number. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.
Notices, newsletters, and reminders for parents will be posted and/or placed in child’s cubby.
Parents should bring any concerning matters our attention through verbal communication, notes, or telephone calls or messages.
Sometimes a complicated or private matter may require more involvement from the staff or parents than classroom management and work schedule time allows. A meeting may be requested or a telephone call made to resolve or inform staff or parents of these matters.
EMERGENCIES
Our staff has made every effort to ensure your child’s safety. All staff members have CPR and First Aid training. Safety checks of the school and equipment are made on an ongoing basis. The playground and classroom are continuously monitored. However, accidents do occur.
Minor accidents will receive prompt attention by staff members.
You will receive an accident report if the accident caused injury to your child.
In case of a serious injury, parents will be called. If necessary, the parents may need to pick up the child.
In an emergency, paramedics will be called first, then the parents or emergency contacts.
ADDRESS and TELEPHONE CHANGES
Please notify the school immediately of any changes of address and/or phone numbers.
TOYS and SHARING
Please do not bring toys to school as they are often a distraction and may be lost or damaged.
Items reinforcing a particular unit of study or reflecting a special time in a child’s life are welcomed for sharing.
CLOTHING
Your child’s clothing should allow her ease in dressing and independence when going to the bathroom. Children will be playing and running outside, doing art projects, and eating snacks and lunch while at school. Every effort is made to help keep your child clean, but accidents happen. Please do not send your child in her best clothes. In case of accidents, an extra set of clothing should be kept at school.
RELIGION IN THE SCHOOL
Montessori Children’s House of Lemon Grove is not affiliated with any particular religious organization. All faiths are respected and welcomed. Discussion of any religious matters will be from an educational point of view, usually stemming from different holiday celebrations.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
Holidays are celebrated from a cultural point of view. If your child comes from a cultural background that has a different holiday celebration, please contact the Director so your child will be able to share the event with the class. Some holidays celebrated are Columbus Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day.
DISASTER DRILLS
Fire and earthquake drills are conducted monthly to familiarize your child with emergency procedures. If a crisis should ever happen that requires us to move to a safe location, our temporary relocation site will be Monterey Heights Elementary School at 7550 Canton Drive.
ADDITIONS
This parent handbook has been made to present the policies of Montessori Children’s House of Lemon Grove. Every effort has been made to be as thorough as possible so that the policies of the school are clear and understood by all. However, all situations cannot be foreseen and addressed in this handbook. Any additions, deletions, or clarifications will be made at the discretion of the Director and, if needed, corrected in the handbook for the following year.
Click here to download a printable pdf version of the handbook
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