We Chose a Montessori Preschool

[BC-SgtMom]

After 6w of research and observations, we ended up at the first school I visited. The one that I loved after talking to the director (the high point one which is the subject of another thread) turned out to be a nightmare when we did the observation with dd. It was chaotic and the teachers were constantly chastising the kids. I dont see the point of chastising toddlers (or any kids for that matter) as they are just learning their way in the world. I belive in a calm and matter-of-fact approach to teaching.

DD and I visited one Monterssori school and it was so strict and so quiet. Although our calm and mellow dd would do well there, I just didnt see enough fun happening. And there were so many rules. So I wanted one that was fun but peaceful where they can run & play but also learn.

We found that when DD and I did the observation at the first Montessori School I had visited alone. They had hired a new teacher and she has three kids and lots of experience with infants and toddlers. The class is for toddlers 18m-30m. The have circle time then during work/play time the kids are very self directed. They decided if they want to paint, play with playdough, read books, etc. They are taught to respect others and clean up after themselves but the teacher understands this takes time. They go outside to play on a brand new playground that is very safe and built for thier age level - it also will have sunshades for summer. It is not near a busy street and is quiet (other than the kids of course) in the yard. There will never be more than six kids in class and there is lots of attn from the teacher. She's great and is very loving while also incorporating important life lessions.

So dds going to attend the school two days a week for three hours. We may up it to three days in the summer. In the fall she will go into the 2-3yr prep class and in the spring or summer of next year she will be ready for the regular preschool class. So far she has just had one day of school alone - actually dh stayed home from work to go with is as he considers it a rite of passage and I came back early to retrieve her - and of course she was fine! We are hoping to avoid any tearful departures by easing her into a routine that is fun for her. Well that is the plan, anyway ...

[BC-MAV]

Sound like you've got a great school. I found that it was easier for DS to go 5 days a week. I've seen other Moms (some) whose kids go 2 days a week and they have a hard time transitioning from not having school one day and then going the next. I don't know if that's an option but for DS going to school every day for 3 hours or so was easy. Other Moms say their kids ask are they going to school or not. Also going regularly they get to know the kids better than those that go 2 day. Everyone is different. That's just my thoughts. Hope she enjoys school. It really sounds like you found a great one!

[BC-SgtMom]

Thanks Mav! Our second day is tomorrow. Did you start your ds at 2yrs at 5 days a week? How was it at the beginning? Was he going from some other type of care to preschool? I just worry since she has not really been outside my care in 2yrs, so trying to take it gradually. Also there is the cost since Montessori Schools are very expensive here. We have speech therapy one ay a week and we make a whole day out of it due to distance and being able to visit a city with tons of kid related places. I am trying not to fill all our days since we need time to swim and have fun this summer. Also once we are doing well with the transition to preschool, I want to take her to the childcare at the gym so that I can workout. I would probably retrieve her after an hour or so then we both could go into the pool. She is pretty easy going by nature so we are hoping that she will be OK with 2 days a week. She is already used to leaving just about everyday to go somewhere and we are foreshadowing that school is tomorrow. So we shall see how it goes...

[BC-MAV]

Let's see... with older DS there was no option but 2 days a week because of his birthdate/age. If you were an "older 2 year old" you went 3 days a week. So no option to go 5 days a week till you were 3 years old and in the "3 year old" class. Younger DS nursery school had 2 day a week and 3 day a week again depending on your age. But they decided to offer if you wanted to have your child go every day. They don't call it a 5 day... it's just a combo of the 2 day kids and the 3 day kids where some go all 5 days. Younger DS has had no playgroup beforehand other than Kindermusik and Gym Rompers and swimming once a week. Older DS I did EVERYTHING there was to do since he was the 1st child and I was so excited to be a Mom and do all those Mom things. Older DS did Infancy to Independance, Gym Rompers, Kindermusik, swimming, and then on the other 2 days he went to nursery school. WHEW!!! I still think starting at 2 years old and not having any play experience is fine. Younger DS loves going every day.

[BC-SgtMom]

Hey Mav - I resemble that new mom who does everything Since she was 4mos we have been attending a new parents group weekly and aged out of it two mos ago but we still do when we like the topic. At 8mos we started Kindermusick, then did a few sessions of Music Together. At about a year and a half we started Little Gym and still do that. We also did Spanish class. And she had tons of PT appts which are now down to once a mo. But we have speech therapy once a week so we use that time in Berkeley to go to tot friendly places. We will also do swim classes this summer in addition to taking her to our assoc pool often. I guess maybe that is why she did so well today! I stuck around for about 40mins since I was concerned as it had a been a solid week since her first day. Then I explained that I would be back and left - she gave one look like she might cry but I told her I would be back and she was ok.

I went to the gym and worried about her most of the time. I regretted not telling the teacher tht I would have my cell phone at all times. I came back just a wee bit early, and asked how she did and the teacher said, "great!" She did see me then and started saying "no no no" and trying to work the half door I was behind. I think she didnt want me to leave again so I sat with her asked her about what she had done - water painting, other art projects, playdough, playing with trains, puzzles, reading books, snacktime, playground time, etc. And we left. So another good day and I am so relieved - we want this to be a positive experience for her. Now I can feel ok about going to the gym or getting some things done while she is at preschool.