What is the difference between Montessori and Mainstream?
An explanation of the differences can be accessed by clicking HERE
Do you have a gifted and talented program? Can you cater to children with special needs?
We follow the Montessori method of education which offers an individualised education program for each child to allow them to follow their own interests and be challenged at the level that is right for them. We accept children of all ability levels and backgrounds into our programs.
Montessori is a religious group
Although Maria Montessori was Catholic the program is not religion based.
Montessori is a secular education system, exactly like the public education sector. This means that no particular religion is taught as part of the curriculum, but that all religions and all people are respected.
Montessori children don’t transition well into mainstream
Children moving from Montessori education into mainstream transition very well and are more settled than children moving from mainstream childcare. There are some routines they need to adjust to, as all pre-schoolers do.
What are your staff:child ratios?
1:10 as per Regulations requirements.
What qualifications do your staff have?
Each pre-school classroom has an Early Childhood Trained teacher with Montessori training and educators that have a minimum of a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and Montessori training.
Where do children go from Hills Montessori?
There are many good quality schools in the Hills District and children transition well into all schools.
Why do you stagger start dates with children only attending for short days when they commence?
Our Montessori classrooms are child lead which most children have not experienced. To offer a smooth transition into our program, the staff need to allow extended time with the new children to familiarise them with our routines and offer one on one presentations.
How does a Montessori classroom work?
The child is presented with an orderly environment with a variety of concrete, self-correcting activities. The activities progress steadily from simple to complex, from concrete to abstract.
Why are their 3 to 6 year olds in the same Class?
Composite classrooms are a core element of Montessori classrooms. The older children act as role models for younger children; they may work with younger children, reviewing and consolidating concepts they have already learned in the process. Patience and confidence is reinforced and self- esteem is strengthened. Children are able to work at their own level, either beyond or at a level lower than their peers, without this becoming obvious to their peers. Similarly, they may work at a level above that of their peers where this is appropriate.
How do I Know What my Child is Doing in the Classroom?
The teachers use the Storypark App which allows them to upload photos of the children working in the indoor and outdoor environments. We also offer two Parent/Teacher conferences each year.
How do the children learn across all areas if they are allowed to choose their own activities?
This is where our directress and other teachers come in. Each child is given a demonstration of how to complete an activity individually or in a small group when they are first exposed to a new task, then allowed space to work on it for themselves and problem solve. In their first few weeks they build up a repertoire of activities across all the domains that they enjoy doing, allowing them to make more independent choices of what to work on each day. As they master each activity, they are shown ways to extend their skills or given a demonstration of a new activity to work on. They are given guidance in their choices when needed to ensure that no aspect of their education is neglected and we ensure that activities are changed over as needed to provide new challenges, as part our of prepared environment.
Can my child start if he/she is not toilet trained?
No. However, we understand that accidents happen with young children so we ask that you provide at least one change of clothing that is labelled with their name. If your child is struggling with toilet training prior to their planned start date, please speak to our staff.
Why do you recommend children attend for a minimum of 2 years?
Each of the activities in our environments have a purpose and build towards the next step in the child’s learning. Attending for two years allows them the opportunity to progress further benefit from the program. This further builds on their independence, confidence and self-esteem, which better prepares them for moving on to primary school.
How do the children learn across all areas if they are allowed to choose their own activities?
Each child is given a presentation of how to complete an activity individually or in a small group when they are first exposed to a new task, then allowed space to work on it for themselves and problem solve. In their first few weeks they access activities across all areas that they enjoy doing, allowing them to make more independent choices of what to work on each day. As they master each activity, they are shown ways to extend their skills or given a demonstration of a new activity to work on. They are given guidance in their choices when needed to ensure that they are learning in each of the 5 areas in our prepared environments.
Do I need to provide food for my child?
Yes.
Do you offer sleep time for the children?
No. If a child is tired and needs to rest we have bedding available.
Do you offer Before or After Session Care?
Yes. From 7.30 am and until 4.30pm
How many weeks are you open?
Approximately 40 weeks over 4 terms and between 9 and 11 weeks each term.
Do you offer Vacation Care?
No.
At what age can my child commence?
- Parent/Toddler program – when they are walking independently from approx 15-18 months.
- Pre-school – from 3 years of age. Children turning 3 after 31st July are wait listed for the following year unless a vacancy arises in the prior year.
- Kindergarten – the year your child turns 5 on or before 31st July.
When should I enrol my child?
As soon as possible.
I have more questions. Who can I contact?
The Enrolment Officer.
Will I be able to claim the Childcare Benefit for Centrelink?
No.