Beginnings in Montessori (6 weeks-14 months) Infants
It is now more realized that the mental care of the newborn child or "spiritual embryo" is just as important as the physical care provided. In the beginning classroom, infants are provided with a loving and caring environment not only to nourish their physical well-being, but also to allow for the development of a well-formed character and good mental abilities. With a low teacher to child ratio, attention to individual schedules will include exercises in verbal and visual stimulation and maintenance of a daily changing/feeding/activity sheet for each infant. Children in this classroom will progress from infants, completely dependent on caregivers, to young toddlers able to walk, feed themselves and begin to express their needs.
Discovery in Montessori (12 months-25 months) Toddler I
Children in Discovery will continue their self-motivated learning towards independence. Along with growth in their physical skills of walking, climbing, and balancing, these toddlers will begin development of finer motor skills by using cups with lids and utensils for eating. Intellectual growth is marked by recognizable words and is encouraged through verbalization practices such as sound tapes, storybooks, signing and exercises in identifying colors, objects, etc. Children in this classroom will make great strides in gross motor skills and will participate in group activities such as assisted art projects, line time, eating, and naptime done a classroom schedule. The room is a safe, controlled environment which encourage exploration and curiosity.
Transitions in Montessori (22 months-38 months) Toddler II
Children in this room are in a explosive period of sensory and perceptual development. They are rapidly moving towards independence through flowering of speech, control of body functions, coordination, dressing, eating, and playing. The development of their intellect is evident through imaginative play; to complement this, they are allowed freedom to explore their prepared environment. During this era of development, they will learn to sit on chairs, use the toilet independently, and begin socializing with other children and adults as their more developed personality allows. Concentration on fine motor skills will be encouraged through the use of certain basic sensorial Montessori materials. In preparation for the primary Montessori classroom, these children will learn to follow simple directions and will be schooled in grace and courtesies necessary for social interaction at the next level.
Primary Montessori (Ages 3-5)
It is in the primary classroom that development of the "whole personality" of the child is most apparent, through his intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and inner growth. Primary children will receive daily individual lessons from the directress based upon specific developmental needs. After a lesson has been introduced, a child may exercise independence in choosing his work, using the classroom's self-correcting sensorial equipment and his own inner discipline in mastering a skill. Each classroom is specifically organized to accommodate the special needs of a child, from child-size furniture which makes all work accessible, to careful arrangement and presentation of material, which ensure that the child can make categorical sense of his environment. In addition to lessons in math, language, geography and the sciences, the child will be able to participate in practical life skills such as food preparation and carpentry, which are designed to enhance a child's sense of worth and self-sufficiency in the daily home environment. To offer well balanced development, a day in the Montessori classroom will also include singing, dramatic play, puppetry, or large muscle activities.
Kindergarten (5-6 years) *not currently offering*
In the kindergarten year, the child begins to build longer periods of concentration as he becomes a self-disciplined and independent learner. The child's spiritual development has blossomed, as his new awareness allows him to view himself as part of his activity-centered classroom and he now looks to his teacher only for support, security, and order that he needs to grow. The kindergarten room is the same as the primary Montessori classroom with lessons in practical life, math, science, geography, and language, but the extension of learning now goes beyond the concrete to more abstract concepts. Children in this classroom will continue to be exposed to music, dramatic play, puppetry, art, and cultural geography.
Special Features
In addition to the comprehensive curriculum offered in each Montessori classroom (which include exposure to foreign language for primary through kindergarten and sign language for Toddlers), children at Park View Childcare and Montessori may optionally participate in extracurricular programs such as gymnastics, golf, and dance, offered weekly.