Preschool Research

All I know about Montessori is from a friend w/ twins who are near feral anyway. When they left the Montessori environment for regular public school after a move, it was a VERY tough adjustment. Could have just been those kiddos, though. We have a couple of places here where you can take your child for an assessment to see what kind of environment would be best for them---more or less structure, academic v. developmental, etc. Do you have anything like that where you are? We just got H on the list for a new Early Childhood Development program that's connected to one of the Catholic schools here. I am glad we got in when we did---the waiting list is HUGE already. We had to switch parishes to get him up high enough that we have a realistic chance of getting him in next fall.

I would visit several see how the kids interact in them. Structure is good but some kids need something different because they are more free spirited and there is nothing wrong with that.

Definitely not a Montessori expert but here is the little that I know of the one near me. DD attended from 6 mo to 2.5y.o when I was told " she did not fit the program " This one is based on Marie Montessori but I understand there is other types of Montessori! Each class is set up w/ age appropriate learning environments. Once a child develops a "focus" or inner self discipline then he/she can spend time in each "work" environment and learn the necessary skills. They do have some "circle" time for reading. In pre-school they add music, language, science ..etc. However no child is required to participate in activities but to pursue their own interest. Some children show amazing advancement in certian areas of interest. It does not insure that your child will be ready in all areas for public school since they are not required to participate in any activity. I know some children that were held back in public school until they could improve reading skills. My DD did not fit the program because she lacked focus and leadership qualities they expected @ her age. I had a SW go and observe her and she did not focus on any one "work" environment for more than 1 min due to her own lack of focus and constant re-direction. She is now in a more teacher led environment an appears to be doing well. I am not against Montessori, if you child is thriving in that environment then I am all for it. I was amazed @ what DD learned and how well she did @ Montessori and was very saddened that I had to move her.

S, HBV and Kelceesmom-- Thank you for sharing! Honestly, DD is all over the place and I don't know if this would be good for her...I think I am looking at preschool more for socialization than anything??? But I think I will try to go visit one of the schools (my friend raves about it too).