Montessori Playgroup

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


The purpose of this program is to build awareness of the Montessori philosophy for you and your child in a nurturing, prepared environment for children from birth through age four.


The Parent-Infant class is set in a Nido, (meaning “nest” in Italian), and the setting provides you with the unique opportunity to engage with your child, or children, as they exercise their independence by exploring this specially designed classroom. This course is an introduction to Montessori for you and your baby. You attend once a week with your child, and get to explore a safe, beautifully prepared environment while seeing the Montessori approach in action.


Furniture and materials in the environment of each Montessori Playgroup class are carefully chosen to aid in the development of movement and coordination, independence, language, self-discipline, and cognitive skills in your young child.


The intent is to support you in the important work as your child’s first teacher. Your role is 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.


You will also deepen your understanding of Montessori philosophy and its application to your relationship with your child. Through both observation and interaction, you will gain valuable insight regarding your infant and child’s unique path of development.




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


During your  series of classes, we 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 build community.


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 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
      • Thursday, 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.