Montessori Playgroups

“The greatness of the human personality begins at the hour of birth”                                                                           – Maria Montessori


The purpose at Ananda is to build awareness of the Montessori philosophy for you and your child, and to find support in a community of parents learning together. 


In the Stay and Play classes, I offer guidance as  you learn to observe, witness, and encourage the natural development of your child, while acting as an assistant, allowing your child to gain satisfaction and confidence in him/herself as a learner.


In the Drop off and Go toddler and preschool classes, your child has two or three hours away from you, which offers experiences in autonomy. 


The activities in all classes are specifically selected based on the age of the children in each group, where they are given freedom to explore, move, and play.




In each Playgroup class, I will introduce activities to your child and others to help in developing social skills, concentration, communication, and a sense of belonging to a group, while modeling ways for you to use skills at home.


All parents will gather monthly outside of class for a discussion group. These sessions will feature an overview and discussion of topics pertaining to infant/child development and parenting, and will serve as a forum for you to share and exchange information with one another, and to form friendships and connections.


Discussion topics may include:

  • Observation
  • Symbiotic Period of the Infant
  • Preparing the Home Environment
  • Development of Language
  • Development of Movement
  • Development of Language
  • Breastfeeding, Weaning, and Nutrition
  • Diapers and Toilet Learning
  • Sleep
  • Positive Parenting
  • Montessori Theories
To facilitate discussion, Understanding the Human Being by Dr. Silvana Montanaro is a recommended read. The Joyful Child: Montessori Global Wisdom for Birth to Three by Susan Stephenson and an Observation Journal will be included for each registered family.
To support parenting, you will also receive a subscription to an online parent support program presented by Maren Schmidt, M.Ed. called Seeing Your Child The Montessori Way.
To read a variety of Maren's articles, click here, and scroll down the page.

Cost for the 8-week Stay and Play course with one class per week for Parent-Infant and Parent-Toddler is $150; Parent-Toddler 2-hour class is $180; Parent-Preschooler is $200. You are expected to attend your course weekly, in sequence, unless special arrangements have been made with Pamela.


You may choose from the following classes:


  • Parent-Infant, birth to walking, 1.5 hours
    • Class Times:
      • Tuesday, 9:30 am - 11:00 am
      • Wednesday, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm.
  • Parent-Toddler, 15 months to age three 
    • 1.5 hour class times: 
      • Monday, 9:30 am - 11:00 am
      • Wednesday, 9:30 am - 11:00 am
      • Thursday, 9:00 am - 10:30 am
      • Friday, 9:00 am - 10:30 am
      • Friday, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
    • 2 hour class times are available based on readiness and at Pamela's discretion.
  • Parent-Preschooler, 2.5 years to age five, 2 hours
    • Class Times:
      • Monday, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
  • If interested in other days or times (Saturday mornings), contact Pamela to discuss this, or other options.
Attention!
  • If you are unable to attend for reasons other than illness or weather, you may book one make-up class. Only one make-up      class is permitted per child per 8-week course.
  • Siblings (after first child) receive a $50 tuition discount; non-mobile infant siblings, (not walking), are free.
  • Cancellation: Cancellations within 2 weeks of the beginning of the course are non-refundable. If you cancel before this time,  a fee of $25 will be charged to cover administration costs.
  • Enrollment is open year-round, with the summer course schedule options as stated above. 
Families who are interested in joining the classes are encouraged to come for a free complimentary session, as a way of becoming acquainted.  To begin the process of enrollment, and to hold your space, please fill out the application, and Pamela will contact you to discuss your interest, and to set up a time for you to visit the classroom. You may also contact me at anytime with questions concerning this process.