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 twice monthly outside of class (or virtually) 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


Schedules and Cost

Stay and Play: 8-week course

    Parent-Infant, birth to walking
    • Wednesday, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
    • Cost per 8-week course
      • 1X per wk - $150
      • 2X per wk - $275

        Parent-Toddler,         15 months to 3 years
        • Thursday, 9:00 - 11:00 am*
        • Friday, 9:00 - 10:30 am
        • Cost per 1.5 hr session, 8-week course
          • 1X per wk - $150
          • 2X per wk - $180
        • Cost per 2 hr session, 8-week course
          • 1X per wk - $180
          • 2X per wk - $325
        *Two hour classes are based on readiness and
        at Pamela's discretion

        Parent-Preschooler, 3 - 5 years
        • Tuesday, 9:00 - 11:00 am
        • Wednesday, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
        • Cost per 8-hour course
          • 1X per wk - $200
          • 2X per wk - $350

        Drop-Off and Go

        Toddler, 15 months to 3 years (2 or 3-hour class times)

        • Monday, 9:00 am - 12:00 noon
        • Friday, 2:00 - 5:00 pm
        • Cost per 2-hour Playgroup
          • 1X per wk - $16
          • 2X per wk - $32
        • Cost per 3-hour Playgroup
          • 1X per wk - $24
          • 2X per wk - $48

        Preschool, 3 to 5 years (3 hours)
        • Tuesday, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
        • Thursday, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
        • Cost per 3-hour Playgroup
          • 1X per wk - $24
          • 2X per wk - $48


        All Drop-Off and Go sessions are         $8/hour
        Attention!
        For Stay and Play 8-week Courses 
        • 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 once you have enrolled.
        • You must notify Pamela at least 24 hours prior to a cancellation, unless due to a sudden illness. If you cancel after this time you will be billed for the class.
        • Siblings (after first child) receive a $50 tuition discount; non-mobile infant siblings, (not walking), are free.
        • Withdrawals: Withdrawals within 2 weeks of the beginning of the course are non-refundable. If you withdraw before this time,  a fee of $25 will be charged to cover administration costs. 
        • Enrollment is open year-round; summer schedules may vary. 
        To facilitate learning, Understanding the Human Being by Dr. Silvana Montanaro is a recommended read for everyone.
        The Joyful Child: Montessori Global Wisdom for Birth to Three by Susan Stephenson and an Observation Journal will be included for each registered family in the Stay and Play 8-week course.
        Parents in the 8-week course 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.
        Families who are interested in joining the classes are encouraged to come for a free complimentary class, 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.