Claire’s Montessori

Clair’s Montessori Programs

Mission Statement

Our Mission at Claire’s Montessori is to help children to grow to be self-sufficient learners in an environment of freedom and friendship.

Educational Philosophy

Our Educational Philosophy at Claire’s Montessori is based upon the Montessori method, created by Maria Montessori in the mid-19th century. Using this philosophy, we carefully prepare the educational environment for our students. In this prepared environment, the teacher serves as an observer and guide, gently introducing new jobs and skills to the children, always aiming to create an environment of order, concentration, coordination and independence. Each child benefits within this environment, where they become independent, self-directed and enthusiastic learners.

Educational Goals

Our goals at Claire’s Montessori are as follows:

Maintain a high level of educational excellence within a Montessori environment
Maintain our physical school environment at the highest levels possible of preparation, order and cleanliness
To sustain and attract highly-trained, enthusiastic and effective teachers at all levels
To maintain daily, weekly and monthly communications with parents, both formal (conferences) and informal
To be flexible in terms of meeting the needs of parents, students and staff, and to modify or update materials, curriculum and methodology if needed
To have all staff members conduct themselves as befits professional educators
To create a school environment of warmth, where parents, students and staff feel welcome and comfortable at all times

Infant Program

Our Infant Program is designed to meet the ever-changing and growing needs of infants. Much of the “action” occurs at floor level where, as our babies become more curious and physically independent, they can stretch, roll, crawl and play, each at his or her own pace. The teachers engage young and older infants alike with music, stories, toys and many hugs.

The Infant room has a maximum capacity of 8 infants, from newborn to 18 months, with two highly qualified teachers caring for and guiding them as they grow.

For older infants ready for solid foods, we prepare our own soft baby food, made with fresh vegetables, rice, and no salt or preservatives. Older infants who are ready for “table foods” are offered appropriate selections from our regular menu, and are encouraged to help feed themselves.

Toddler Program

Our Toddler Program is specifically geared for those wonderful, challenging years from 18 months until approximately 2 ½ years. During this time, a young child has all the energy and independence to grow, but still needs a great deal of guidance and love. In our Toddler Program, we strive to bridge the gap from baby to child, and in the process gradually introduce the young student to our Montessori curriculum.

The Toddler room has a maximum capacity of 8 children, with one dynamic and highly qualified teacher to lead, guide and encourage their growth.

While in the Toddler room, our babies are introduced to the classroom and gently encouraged in the social skills needed for classroom behavior. They learn how to focus their attention at circle, how to do independent “jobs”, and how to care for themselves, including feeding, dressing, and potty training. Along the way they exuberantly laugh, sing, dance and play as they prepare to become preschoolers in the “big room”!

Preschool Program

In our Preschool Program, the Toddlers join older children in the “big room” and make that final leap into being “big kids”.

Our Preschool program marks the beginning of the full Montessori curriculum. The large, self-contained classroom features the 6 Montessori academic areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Writing, Math and Culture (comprised of Geography, Zoology, Botany and Physical Science). In addition, we have art and computer areas as well as a book corner and daily Music and Movement activities.

Each child is introduced to the specific “jobs” in the classroom through a combination of large group, small group and individual lessons with a teacher. Each child progresses through the academic areas at his or her own pace, and is assessed by teachers on an individualized basis. During "free choice time", each child gets a work rug or table mat and chooses a job. The child brings the job to the rug, completes it, has a teacher check to see if the activity was done correctly, and returns the materials to the appropriate shelf. This cycle is the foundation of Montessori work in the classroom. The classroom itself, and the jobs on the shelves are arranged with the easiest/simplest activities on the top shelves, and the more complex jobs on the lower shelves. The classroom itself is large, with ample space for large activities and movement as children move from one job to another, getting materials and rugs.

Our children do not only learn during "free choice time" and lesson circles, however. Meals and snacks are sit-down events, the focus being upon polite table manners and patience while waiting to be served food. There is the opportunity for independent self-care as children clear their own places, use the bathroom and wash hands before nap time or the next activity.

The goals of the Preschool program are these: to prepare children academically; to prepare them socially; and to encourage them to be independent thinkers, while at the same time able to interact positively and gently with others.

PreK/Kindergarten Program

In the PreK/Kindergarten Program, the growth and learning begun in the Preschool Program continues, with an emphasis on language/reading and math skills in preparation for the inevitable transition to new schools. Our PreK/K curriculum features a structured phonics reading program that begins with basic letter sound exercises, and extends through a 2nd grade reading level. In math, children can progress from basic 0-10 recognition to static addition and subtraction as well as place value skills through 9,999. Of course, all the other Montessori areas, with their varied activities, are also part of the PreK/K curriculum, but extended to a higher level with more terminology in the cultural areas as well as more focus upon fine motor skill work in Practical Life.

Special Events

Celebrations are a vital part of life and of education. It is through sharing our varied celebrations that children can best appreciate the rich diversity within our school and our world. To this end, the teachers, staff and children at Claire’s Montessori enjoy celebrating a wide range of holidays, as well as birthdays. With our diverse staff and student body, we are always happy to incorporate a new holiday or special event into our curriculum, and welcome parent input and assistance.

FAQ’s

How do you handle discipline?
We focus upon logical consequences as the primary method of “disciplining” children, helping them decide upon the most logical way to take care of their problem. We use “quiet time” or “time outs” only when a child is not in control of his or her body, or is a danger to other children, and needs time to calm down. Our goal with discipline is to help a child see the logical outcomes of his or her action, and understand ways he or she can positively take care of his or her own problems. In this way children come to learn to embrace positive behaviors as a key to their own independence, rather than behave positively out of fear of punishment.
Can parents visit the classroom?
Parents are always welcome to visit the classroom. It is helpful to the teachers, however, if parents can let the classroom teachers know when they will visit. We ask that parents join their children in independent work so as to be as unobtrusive as possible. Additional adults in the classroom often distract children away from their focus upon independent and self-motivated work.
If I have a problem, who can I talk to?
For most everyday problems, your child’s teacher is your best resource. The classroom teacher knows your child best, and can help you with everything from potty training tips to finding lost socks to ideas for activities at home. For concerns with tuition and scheduling, Claire is your best resource and is usually easily accessible on a daily basis.
What do I do if my child has special dietary or medical needs?
If your child has specific food allergies, you can work with your child’s teacher and our kitchen staff to secure alternate choices for meals. Parents are welcome to bring soy or rice milk for children with milk allergies. In terms of medical or medicinal needs, we can administer prescription medications if the parents signs in the dosage and type of medicine on the medicine chart in the kitchen. We can also help children with asthma with inhalers or nebulizers. For any special needs, however, we depend upon parents to check to make sure special food or medical supplies stay well stocked and current.