Montessori preschools use a method to support children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development through mixed-age classrooms, work times, and child-led discovery projects. If there is a Montessori preschool near you, you might be wondering if that daycare program is a good fit for your children.
The Montessori method was developed around 1900 in Italy by Maria Montessori. Montessori based her method on observations of children who had experienced hardship, applying those lessons to a program that could benefit all children.
Today, over 100 years later, the Montessori method remains one of the most commonly used, specialized curricula in preschools in the United States. Parents with young children are often drawn to the simplicity of the Montessori method, which promotes the use of simple, (primarily wood-based) tools that facilitate children’s work.
While Montessori is a wonderful curriculum for some children, it is not always the right choice for all children or all families. Learn more about Montessori, its benefits and limitations, to decide whether it is a good fit for your family.
What are the features of the Montessori method?
The Montessori method is a child-focused curricula where the teacher, or “guide”, supports children in a process of independent discovery and learning. Montessori was developed through observations of children, including children who had experienced maltreatment, with a focus on child-centered materials and environment that would guide rather than force learning.
The Montessori environment often means one thing…wood! When you tour a Montessori classroom, you’ll immediately see that most of the materials are natural, and wood is frequently used. Plastics or bright colored decor are avoided when Montessori environments are designed. There is a focus on limiting the numbers of materials available to children so that they can master what is age-appropriate.
In addition to the use of wood tools and resources to promote learning, there are other key, common features of preschools that use the Montessori method:
Child-led activities free from most direct instruction on the part of teachers or guides
Mixed age classrooms, for infants up through school-age children
Blocks of “work” time in which children choose a tool to complete a project or set of projects
Work materials curated by a guide to foster the learning of the mix of children in the classroom
There are other shared characteristics of Montessori preschools, although these are some of the most common. Montessori preschools that have received accreditation will adhere to the Montessori method more closely than those that have not.
What is Montessori accreditation?
Accreditation is a process by which a governing body sets a framework for how an institution operates. In the case of Montessori accreditation, there are several accrediting bodies, of which the American Montessori Society is one. Accreditation bodies help to ensure that Montessori schools use the Montessori method as it was intended. They also ensure that guides, or teachers, meet specific education and training requirements.
Some schools may call themselves Montessori without receiving accreditation. These may still be great schools, but without accreditation, they may not be using the Montessori method as is intended. Ask about accreditation if you want your child to attend a school with the most rigorous standards.
What are the benefits of Montessori preschools?
Montessori preschools are known for providing a calm environment that supports children’s growth and learning. Parents often find that Montessori schooling is a good fit for children who do well in environments that are independent but structured. The prepared environment established by the guide provides the structure, the child provides input as to what and how the work will be done.
Here are some of the other common benefits of Montessori preschools that have parents singing their praises.
Minimal to no use of technology
A rigorous curriculum that provides a structured way for children to learn
Predictable schedules that provide young children stability from day-to-day
Well-trained teachers who are knowledgeable about early childhood development
A wide variety of tools for children to work with
Individualized support that meets each child at their own pace
Opportunities to work collaboratively with other children
What are some of the drawbacks of Montessori preschools?
Montessori preschools are not right for everyone. Montessori, while a great fit for a lot families, sometimes just doesn’t work out for certain families or kids. Some parents are drawn in by the seeming simplicity and calmness of these schools. Only once they are in a Montessori school do they find out that environment actually increases their child’s stress rather than calms them.
Montessori preschool programs are also less common than other types of child care or preschool programs. There may simply not be a Montessori preschool near your home or work that is within a reasonable distance. This is especially true for families that live in rural or even suburban areas. Many Montessori child care programs are near cities.
It can be difficult to know ahead of time if Montessori is a good fit for your family. Here are some of the possible drawbacks to think through if you are considering a Montessori school.
A highly structured curriculum but less direct instruction
Few opportunities for parents to influence the curriculum
Children working with other children who might be a couple years older or younger than them
Fewer opportunities to tailor instruction for children with special learning needs
Cost may be higher than other types of preschool
May not be located in a convenient area (i.e., there may not be many Montessori preschools near you)
Many Montessoris are full-time or close to full-time programs, with fewer part-time classrooms
Considering a Montessori preschool?
If a Montessori school seems like a good fit for your family, start a search for schools in your area. You will want to do tours of these schools and, while you’re there, speak with the Director and the guides at the school. This is an important step anytime you’re selecting care, but it is especially important for Montessori schools since their method is very specific and specialized.
Set aside a good chunk of time to sit in a few classrooms and observe how the operate. One thing you will quickly realize is that Montessori education feels different than other types of preschools. Some parents and kids take to it immediately. Others don’t! But spending time observing will give you a solid sense of what Montessori education will be like from day-to-day.
Bring your child to these visits if you can! You’ll want to see how she responds to this different, but often extremely beneficial, type of early education. Children who are accustomed to environments that are a bit more boisterous might take a bit to warm up to Montessori. But once they do, they often love it.