Table of Contents
What is the Montessori Philosophy?
Is Monarch Montessori School licensed or accredited or validated?
Is Montessori affiliated with a religion or a church?
Does my child have to be potty trained?
When does your Preschool and Kindergarten Program begin/end?
Can I enter the Primary or Kindergarten program mid year?
How do teachers manage behavior expectations?
How do you communicate with parents in regard to my child’s activities or progress?
Do you offer transportation to and from school?
Do you require that children wear a uniform or specific clothing to school?
Do children eat snack at school and if so, who provides it?
FAQ
What is the Montessori Philosophy?
The Montessori Method of education is based on the observations and discoveries of Dr. Maria Montessori. She was one of the first female physicians in Italy, graduating from the Royal University in Rome in 1896. From her many hours of observation she began to design activities, which would help the individual development of each child. Given a carefully prepared learning environment, children would work toward perfecting their concentration and inner control. Montessori is an individualized program designed to help each child reach his/her fullest potential.
Dr. Montessori believed that children have an innate desire to learn that can be lost in traditional classrooms. She opened the first Casa dei Bambini, or Children’s House, in 1907. She constantly experimented with her environment and didactic learning materials as she observed the interactions of the children. It was at this time that she developed many of her theories and recorded them in her first book: The Montessori Method. During the next 45 years, she traveled and lectured extensively throughout Europe, India, North and South America. She offered training courses and helped to establish schools. She was nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize and served as a delegate to the UNESCO Conference. Dr. Maria Montessori improved the field of education by offering teachers, schools and children a new method of education.
Is Monarch Montessori School licensed or accredited or validated?
Yes! We are Accredited by the Maryland State Department of Education Non-Public School Division and licensed by the Office of Child Care.
We are affiliated with the American Montessori Society as a Full Member School (which ensures all of our teachers hold the appropriate degrees and credentials).
We are validated by Montessori Schools of Maryland, ensuring we have degreed, credentialed teachers, appropriate Montessori materials and are providing uninterrupted work time and appropriate lessons for children.
Is Montessori affiliated with a religion or a church?
No. Montessori is based on the Philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. Monarch Montessori rents space from the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Harford County, but is not affiliated with it or any other religion.
Does my child have to be potty trained?
Children who attend the Primary Program must be fully potty trained. Occasional accidents are to be expected, but should not be rule. Pull-ups and diapers are not allowed.
When does your Preschool and Kindergarten Program begin/end?
These programs begin in late August or early September with a week long period of gradual entrance. The following week all programs begin normal schedules. We generally end the school year with a family picnic in late May or early June.
Can I enter the Primary or Kindergarten program mid year?
Generally spaces for the fall program are filled during the registration process in February, March and April (e.g. fall 2022 enrollment occurs in February, March and April of 2022). Occasionally there will be an occurrence when someone moves out of the area mid year or a space is vacant for some other reason and you could begin mid year.
How do teachers manage behavior expectations?
The ideal student is a good citizen who is respectful. In accordance with that, all discipline actions are positive in nature. Monarch Montessori School seeks to create and maintain a student body consisting of students with varying capabilities that will flourish and add to the Montessori environment and community.
If a child misbehaves, they may require a reminder, such as: “Tommy, is that your favorite work? I bet you know how to keep all the pieces on the rug so that you can use all of them in your work.” A teacher may say: “Susie, is that Andy’s work? Why don’t we ask Andy to tell you when he is done? I can see that you are anxious for a turn, but Andy is still doing that job right now.”
Teachers teach discipline and order within their classrooms. This is done by setting limits, sometimes with the help of the children! For example: “Today we will dye eggs. We have enough for each student to dye three if they wish.” “We have two swings, but there are three people waiting for a turn, we can take turns.”
Occasionally there are circumstances when a firmer tone of voice and direct intervention by the teacher is necessary. If a child hurts another child, the teacher must immediately step in between the two children. The teacher will care for the distraught or injured victim first after separating and detaining the aggressor. This gives the teacher the opportunity to assess the situation and comfort the hurt child and provides a “time out” for the other child.
A “problem table” discussion can be held at any space in the room to allow students to talk about their problems. Teachers will participate in these discussions as a leader. Children are encouraged to express themselves to each other to solve problems.
- In no case will corporal punishment be used, likewise scolding, shaming or any form of discipline that would harm a child’s self esteem be used.
- In no case will food be denied as a form of punishment.
- In no case will a child be punished for soiling, wetting or not using the toilet.
As Montessorians, we seek opportunities to inspire children to attain self discipline and a love of learning.
How do you communicate with parents in regard to my child’s activities or progress?
We hold two parent-teacher conferences per year. The first is held in late October or early November and the second in late January or early February. A written report is provided at the end of the school year.
Notes from parents are always appreciated! If you have a concern, send a note or an e-mail and your child’s teacher will make every effort to respond as soon as possible. We send “bi-weekly newsletters” via e-mail to each family with details of the activities that children have enjoyed at school during that week. Information on field trips, family night activities, items needed for upcoming class projects, holiday events are all communicated through the newsletter.
Do you offer transportation to and from school?
Transportation to and from school is the responsibility of parents. However, as carpools are established please notify the school, as all persons authorized to pick up your child must be registered with the teacher.
Do you require that children wear a uniform or specific clothing to school?
Children should wear washable, comfortable play clothes that he/she can manage independently. Clothing that fosters independence helps the child become self-sufficient. Children are taught to put on and take off their own coats and sweaters. Clothing with large buttons, buttonholes and easy zippers pave the road to success. For safety on the playground, we ask that children wear tennis shoes to school.
Do children eat snack at school and if so, who provides it?
Each child brings their own individual snack daily. Snack is eaten in the morning
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