Question:
What is the difference between Montessori and traditional preschool or day care?
Answer:
Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Children in Montessori classes learn at their own, individual pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning. Montessori classes place children in three-year age groups (3-6, 6-9, 9-12, and so on), forming communities in which the older children spontaneously share their knowledge with the younger ones.
Question:
Are Montessori children successful later in life?
Answer:
Research studies show that Montessori children are well prepared for later life academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori children are ranked above average on such criteria as following directions, turning in work on time, listening attentively, using basic skills, showing responsibility, asking provocative questions, showing enthusiasm for learning, and adapting to new situations.
Question:
What special training do Montessori teachers have?
Answer:
The two major organizations offering Montessori training in the United States are the Association Montessori International (AMI, with a U.S. branch office called AMI-USA) and the American Montessori Society (AMS). Most training centers require a bachelor’s degree for admission. Training ranges from 200 to 600 pre-service contact hours and covers principles of child development and Montessori philosophy as well as specific uses of the Montessori classroom materials. Montessori training centers can be found across North America and around the world.
Question:
Who accredits or oversees Montessori schools?
Answer:
There are several Montessori organizations to which schools can belong. The two major ones operating in the United States are the Association Montessori International (AMI, with a U.S. branch office called AMI-USA) and the American Montessori Society (AMS). Parents considering placing a child in a Montessori school should ask about the school’s affiliation(s).
Question:
Will my child transition well from a Montessori Environment to a public school setting?
Answer:
You can rest assured that Children’s Place Montessori, directed by Marie Liburdi ensures a smooth transition for your child from the Montessori Classroom to the Public School Classroom. As a Head Teacher, Director and Principle of each location she ensures that all of the Michigan State Department of Education Level of Expectations are developed by each child prior to Graduation of Pre School.