Montessori Children's School of Massapequa

Dr. Maria Montessori was a medical doctor and pioneer educator who was born in Italy in 1870 and died in 1952. As her life’s work she developed a teaching philosophy that balances freedom with responsibility in the classroom and also sets high standards of intellectual and social development for children. The following represents some of the educational principles and philosophy developed by Dr. Montessori:

Educational research indicates that children ages 3-6 are extremely capable of learning meaningful things and that intellectual stimulation given at this age level helps to create the foundation for later academic success. A program of play alone does not help the young child to organize his or her mental processes which is necessary for academic learning. Therefore the Montessori program is a learning program with a curriculum wherein the children enjoy the work/play environment created for them. The Montessori curriculum focuses on the development of the whole child which includes their intellectual development. The goal of a good Montessori program is the integration of the child’s personality and the organization of his/her thought processes. This provides the basis for later academic success and is accomplished through direct experiences with meaningful activities and materials. "Develop interest rather than give facts" said Dr. Montessori. Young children have amazing mental concentration if given activities and material that fulfill their need to grow and discover themselves. Given the choice children will prefer meaningful work to play. When a young child has a positive experience with the process it influences him/her for the rest of their life. The Nursery through Kindergarten classroom should not be graded permitting the children to learn according to their ability and not forcing them to keep up with “the group.” No grades are given; the children’s accomplishments are their rewards. Each child is allowed to experience the excitement of learning by his/her own choice and he/she will maximize their potential to become an independent secure loving and balanced human being. Children literally absorb knowledge from their environment; therefore if this environment is enriched with special materials suited to their needs children will learn easily and joyfully. Children can learn to read write and work with numbers in the same natural way that they learn to walk and talk. In order for the childs ability to expand at the same rate as his interest and aptitude it is best to start the experience at an early age. No child is happy without a sense of self-discipline self-esteem and order. This facility is authorized to administer over-the-counter topical ointments only

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Child Ages:

3 years - 6 years

Licenses & Accreditations:

New York State Office of Children & Family Services -