Based on her thorough understanding of the developmental needs of the child, Dr. Montessori believed that the early years, the period from birth to age six, is the time when a child's intelligence is formed, and when her/his natural curiosity and love for knowledge is awakened. Maria Montessori felt that the goal of early education should be to cultivate this inner desire to learn, through a program adapted to the interests and needs of children.
Mid-State Montessori Center
At Mid-State Montessori Center, children will be in the care of dedicated teachers, who will follow the individual, developmental stages of each child and encourage them to advance at their own pace.
Among other things, in our program you will find:
In order to take full advantage of the Montessori 3-6 program, we recommend that our 4-6 year old children take part in the full school day, five days per week. A non-refundable registration fee is required to confirm your child's enrollment if accepted. This fee is credited to the final tuition payment.
Montessori Morning Program (8:30 a.m.-noon)
Montessori Full Day Preschool Program (add noon - 3 p.m.)
Montessori Full Day Kindergarten Program (8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.)
After Care (3 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
While the 8:30 to 3:00 time span (in the preschool) focuses on the more traditional aspects of a Montessori education, our 'Before and After Care'
programs offer a more socially structured experience.
Children thirty-three months to six years, and who are toilet trained (must be out of diapers and pull-ups), may be considered for admission.
Infant/Toddler Program
Children six weeks to thirty-three months may be considered for admission.
Admission for any child will be determined after consultation between the family, center director and the lead teacher of the appropriate class.
The procedure for admission to Mid-State Montessori Center consists of the following:
1. Application for Admission
Upon receipt of the completed admission packet and the accompanying application fee, we will acknowledge your application and you will be advised that
your child is currently on a wait list, pending admittance consideration.
2. Interview with Parent(s) and Child
All prospective parents are required to come for an interview, accompanied by the child. We will set up a date and time that is mutually convenient.
3. Offer of Admission and Registration
Following the interview and upon mutual agreement, Mid-State Montessori Center will offer admission to your child based on space availability and
admittance consideration. At this time the center will request that you submit the following:
- Tuition Agreement (signed by both parents/guardians)
- Non-Refundable Registration Fee (This fee is non-refundable tuition deposit which is due and payable with the tuition agreement. *This fee holds your child's space in the program and is applied to your final tuition payment.)
- Child Care Registration and Emergency Information Sheet
- Child Care Health Form with Immunization Records
- Authorization to Administer Prescription/Non-Prescription Medication
Mid-State Montessori Center, a child care entity within a health center, requires that children have (and families submit to the center) a complete and up-to-date record of all necessary childhood immunizations.
In the event that a newly admitted child is withdrawn from the program for any reason within the first six weeks of the academic year, tuition will be prorated for the number of weeks the child was enrolled prior to withdrawal. In the event that the classroom teachers or the center director suggests or requires withdrawal of a child at any time during the school year, tuition will be prorated for the number of weeks the child was enrolled in the program. In all other instances, tuition will be payable in full as per the terms of the tuition payment elected and shall be non-refundable for any reason.
In order for Mid-State Montessori Center to meet its financial obligations, tuition must be paid promptly. A 1.5% per month late fee will be assessed on any unpaid balance greater than $80.00 It is the policy of the center to withhold the child from attending school if invoice payments are delinquent more than 45 days.
Extenuating circumstances will be considered and should be submitted in writing to the center director. There will be a $25.00 fee for handling returned checks. Bills may be paid by cash, check or automatic withdrawal. NOTE: Families that find it difficult to make timely payments may be required to make special arrangements for payment prior to re-enrollment.
Plan 2: Monthly tuition due the first week of each month from October through June.
Plan 3: Semi-Annual tuition due the first week of school in October and February 15th.
Plan 4: Annual tuition due the first week of school in October.
**Before and After Care use will be recorded by Mid-State Montessori Center staff and a separate bill will be distributed at the end of each month. Please note that the cost of Before and After Care is based on any length of time during those specific hours. For example, if you need to drop your child off at 8:15am on a given morning, you will be billed for the full amount of three dollars.
Parents/Guardians must give two weeks notice in writing when they decide to withdraw their child. Should parents or guardians choose not to comply with this policy, the registration fee (paid upon enrollment and which would have been credited to the final tuition payment) will be forfeited.
Drop-Off~ 8:30am-8:45am (For children attending the Before Care program, the 7:30am drop-off procedure is the same.)
In the morning, all of the children and staff will gather and spend time together in the fenced-in play yard until 8:45am when all of the children have arrived for the day.
*To help foster your child's sense of independence we ask that when you bring your child to school for the day that you say your 'goodbyes' at the fence gate. (Yes, even on the first day of school!) This will ease your child's transition into the school day and will also allow him/her to be responsible for carrying and putting away her/his school day belongings.
Pick-Up~3:00pm-3:15pm (For children of the Morning program-noon pick-up-and the After Care program -5:30pm pick-up-the procedure is the same.)
At the end of your child's school day, we will gather our things and head outside for dismissal from the fenced-in play yard. *Please note that no child will be dismissed to an unknown party. As part of the registration packet, you must designate pick-up alternatives for your child. Please inform these individuals that we will verify their identity prior to releasing your child to them.
The traditional school day begins at 8:30am with the drop-off procedure. If your child is going to be late, please call the school before 8:30am.
When a child arrives late to school, s/he often finds it difficult to integrate into classroom activities. This can also be disruptive to the other children. While we understand that some circumstances may make lateness unavoidable, it is in your child's best interest to be punctual.
If it is necessary for a child to take any medication at school, the prescription must be currently dated with a doctor's note stating that the child is not contagious and requesting (with exact instructions) that the school administer the prescription(s). This form is available in the office and must be filled out by a parent and attached to the doctor's note. The medication must be in the original container and labeled with the name of the medication, dosage, name of the child and, if a prescription, the name of the physician.
"It is proven that refined white sugar, sodas, dyes, additives, trans fats, preservatives, etc. contribute to the development of hypoglycemia and allergies" (Dr. Paavo Airola, 'Every Woman's Book').
In order to increase your child's awareness of alternative food choices, *we do not allow candy, soda or yogurts with food dyes or sprinkles. We also ask that cookies and special desserts be reserved only for special occasions (see 'Birthday Celebrations'). Your support of our food policy is appreciated. Recipes for snacks and alternative food suggestions will be sent out through the year. Your recipes and ideas are welcome.
While healthy snacks will be available on a daily basis, please be sure to send a nutritious, balanced snack and lunch for your child each day. Most children prefer small quantities of a variety of foods rather than a large quantity of only one or two items. If your child cannot finish his or her lunch, the remaining food will be sent home in the lunch box. This will help you to better gauge the amount of food needed for your child's lunch.
Every child will be given the opportunity for a nap if they want one (unless a parent does not wish their child to nap). Also, they might be invited to rest by a teacher based on their level of energy or activities.
Nap supplies: small or twin sized blanket, small pillow and small cuddle toy, if desired.
Your child is encouraged to bring in photos to share, serving as a timeline of his or her life. The birthday child may bring in a special snack to share with the group. Though this is a mild exception to our nutrition policy, please assist your child in choosing items that are low in sugar and food dyes. Also, providing one type of snack and not offering options helps to simplify things. Prepared, individual servings are easiest to serve (please provide napkins and any accessories you feel are needed.)
With respect to possible food allergies and/or other dietary restrictions, please provide your child's teacher with the special snack ingredients at least one school day before the celebration. Doing this will allow us to ensure that all children are able to partake in this special day without feeling excluded. For safety and assurance, parents of children with dietary restrictions will be asked to provide (for their child) an appropriate snack for the celebration.
Half year events can also be celebrated, if requested, for summer birthdays.
In addition to a pair of sturdy, outdoor shoes, we ask that each child bring in a pair of non-character slippers* that s/he is able to independently put on and take off. Character/light-up slippers can pose a distraction for some children and large character heads make it difficult for children to sit with crossed legs and maneuver throughout the classroom.
*Slippers do not need to be taken home at the end of the school day; they will stay in your child's cubby when not in use. We wear slippers to help us to cut down on the amount of dirt tracked into the classroom space on a daily basis and to maintain a clean and comfortable environment for the children.
During the drill, children are led outside the building along routes designated for their classroom space. Visitors are asked to respond to the alarm by quickly exiting the center building via the nearest outside door. The children are directed to leave the building quickly, calmly and quietly and go to their designated meeting place.
- The Absorbent Mind
- The Secret of Childhood
- The Discovery of the Child
By Angeline Stoll Lillard
- Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius
By Paula Polk Lillard
- Montessori Today
By Richard Louv
- Last Child in the Woods
By Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
- Your Three Year Old
- Your Four Year Old
- Your Five Year Old
- Your Six Year Old
- How to Talk So Children Will Listen, How to Listen So Children Will Talk
- Siblings Without Rivalry