Bel Air North Child Care and Montessori School

Bel Air North Child is based on the philosophy and method of education developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. Through her research, Dr. Montessori
discovered children have a natural curiosity and desire to learn. She found that each child goes through developmental periods that are sensitive to
different areas of learning. She discovered that learning a concept or skill during a corresponding sensitive period provides opportunities for true
understanding, not just rote memorization. Therefore, these periods are optimal times for children to discover new abilities and master them. Montessori
teachers are trained to recognize these sensitive periods and guide the child in an optimal learning path.
Montessori also believed the hand was key to the development of intelligence. The learning materials she developed reflect that belief. Through
manipulative materials, the Montessori Method takes the child on a journey that ultimately ends with a deep-rooted understanding of ideas, through
exploring the physical representation of concepts and then moving to a more abstract understanding.
The children are given the opportunity to master the equipment and concepts within their own time frames. One of the unique qualities of the
Montessori materials is their multi-faceted use; a child may first learn quantity by working with the red and blue rods and come back to them at a later age
to explore the concept of addition.
These materials also aim to develop the child’s coordination, lengthen concentration, and refine the sense of order. Since Montessori believed we learn
through all of our senses, she developed her materials to be multi-sensory. Children taste, touch, smell, listen, and look at various materials around the
classroom to gain a complete understanding of them.
Bel Air North Child uses a phonetic reading approach in conjunction with a high level of expressive and descriptive language. This approach allows us
to incorporate language skills throughout the entire classroom and curriculum. A number of materials are aimed also at developing handwriting skills.
Montessori approaches mathematics in a very clear and concrete way. Manipulative arithmetic materials are used to ensure a solid understanding of
symbols and quantities, the decimal system and arithmetical operations. Once a child firmly understands a concept through concrete examples, the teacher
then guides him/her towards a more abstract understanding.
Our program, as well as all other Montessori programs, consists of a mixed-age grouping. The children stay with the same team of teachers for three
years. The child, who begins the program at age three, has the benefit of older classmates to guide and mentor him/her. As the child grows, he/she will also
have the opportunity to help others and act in a leadership position.
The method fosters independence and order. A great deal of freedom is given to the children within the guidelines of the classroom. The classroom
environment plays a huge role in the development of independence and self-discipline. The learning materials are displayed within the childrens reach in a
sequential fashion. They are self-correcting, enticing, and isolate a variety of concepts. Montessori realized the environment must be beautiful and
harmonious in order for the child to feel free to explore, manipulate, absorb and understand all that is available.
While traditional education is considered to be teacher-directed, Montessori is child-centered. Our students are given the opportunity to cultivate a
natural desire to learn and achieve deeper understanding. The teacher takes on the role of a directress" and, through skilled observation, knowledge of
child development and training with the learning materials, provides the environment and support needed for each child to be successful.
Bel Air North Child honors each individual child and provides a safe, nurturing environment in which the love of learning and a desire to explore
and discover is cultivated.