Most educators and psychologists today agree that the single most important period in the development of a person’s intelligence occurs between birth and age five. A child’s mind is extremely absorbent and his curiousity is at a peak during these early years. When properly nourished and stimulated, the child’s mind forms patterns for learning that serve him well throughout his life. The Montessori system of preschool education has proven to be one of the most effective methods to guide a child through these critical years.

Day Care Centers are generally for the purpose of caring for children on an all day basis. Nursery schools are generally experiences in socializing and play.

The Montessori Method of education is basically a unique approach to learning. Rather than “teaching” the child concepts, an environment is designed to stimulate the child’s interest and facilitate his understanding and learning capacities spontaneously, with little or no adult intervention.

Dr. Maria Montessori, over 70 years ago, was Italy’s first woman medical doctor. Using her scientific background, she began observing children in Rome. Based on her observations, she developed unique materials in a child centered environment. Maria Montessori was one of the first people to revolutionize educational thought by stressing respect for the child, freedom of expression, self-education, and training through use of movement and the senses.

The Montessori classroom is a child-size world. Whatever is in the world outside can be incorporated meaningfully in the Montessori classroom. To a child, the world is unimaginable…it is too big, too complex, and too confusing. By careful selection of materials by the Directress, an environment is set up that allows the child a place to explore life on a level he can understand. The materials or exercises are designed to stimulate independent exploration. This prepared environment entices the child to proceed at his own pace from simple activities to more complex ones. Through this process, the child’s natural curiosity is satisfied, and he begins to experience the joy of discovering the world about him.

As children develop their sense or pride in their “work,” a feeling of confidence, well being, and joy begins to manifest itself in the child. There seems to be a spirit of respect, love, and cooperation among the children that is not found too often.

The Montessori teacher is called a “Directress” because she facilitates the classroom activity. She carefully plans the environment in the interests of the children, and she helps the children progress from one activity to the next. The Directress works with each child individually, allowing him to choose from many activities within his range of ability. She stands back while a child is working and allows him the satisfaction of his own discovery.

The concept of freedom in the classroom is a freedom within limits. A child is allowed to work freely so long as he does not disturb others. Actually, the children having the freefom to follow their interests are generally happy and busily involved in their work.

The Montessori method is an “approach to learning” and as such, has no distinction of class or intelligence. It ha been used successfully in all parts of the world.

Children who have been in a Montessori environment are general very flexible and adjust quite easily to a traditional situation. They are generally better students and spend their time in more productive ways because of their positive attitude towards learning and their self-direction.