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Learn And Play® Montessori School

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Centerville Fremont
Centerville Fremont

Centerville Fremont Campus: (510) 870-4678

Centerville Fremont Campus

The Future of Retail and Community: Lessons from an Entrepreneurial Gathering

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This blog is Jenny Mackie (the Director of Acquisitions, Strategy & Growth at LAPMS)’s takeaways in terms of the Future of Retail and Community from the ICSC@Monterey 2024 event.

In a world where community connections are more vital than ever, the landscape of retail and city planning is rapidly evolving. As I reflect on a recent gathering of entrepreneurs, innovators, and retail giants, several key takeaways emerge that signal a profound shift in how we approach business and community development. [Read more…] about The Future of Retail and Community: Lessons from an Entrepreneurial Gathering

Springtime Splendor: Free Family Adventures in the Bay Area

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As the vibrant colors of spring paint the world anew, it’s the perfect time to embark on exciting adventures with your little ones. At Learn And Play® Montessori School, we believe in fostering a love for exploration and discovery both inside and outside the classroom. To enroll into our programs (such as preschool or daycare), please contact us at (510) 916-1600 or email us at [email protected]. After you’ve enrolled in our programs for educational excellence, take advantage of these enriching experiences: [Read more…] about Springtime Splendor: Free Family Adventures in the Bay Area

Learn And Play’s Comprehensive Guide to Childcare Financial Aid

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At Learn And Play® Montessori School, we are passionate about providing quality education and care for every child, recognizing that financial considerations can be a significant hurdle for many families. We are committed to making our Montessori program accessible to all, and to support this mission, we have diligently researched and partnered with various subsidy programs in the Bay Area. Our website features a dedicated tab that serves as a comprehensive guide to the different financial aid options available for parents seeking affordable childcare. [Read more…] about Learn And Play’s Comprehensive Guide to Childcare Financial Aid

The Advantages of Learn And Play® Montessori Advanced Pre-K over Transitional Kindergarten in Public Schools

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In the realm of early childhood education, parents often find themselves at a crossroads when deciding between different pre-kindergarten options. For those seeking an unparalleled educational experience tailored for their children, Learn And Play® Montessori Schools offer a distinguished Montessori advanced pre-K program that stands out from public school transitional kindergarten. This blog aims to explore the exclusive advantages of Montessori advanced pre-K at Learn And Play®, focusing on its innovative curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities that make it the preferred choice for parents prioritizing the best start for their children.Montessori programs in Sunnyvale [Read more…] about The Advantages of Learn And Play® Montessori Advanced Pre-K over Transitional Kindergarten in Public Schools

Unlocking the Montessori Experience: A Comprehensive Onboarding Journey

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Embarking on a new journey in the realm of Montessori education can be both exciting and challenging. For teachers joining our team, the corporate office onboarding serves as a crucial initiation into the world of Montessori philosophy and practices. Many educators may enter without prior Montessori experience, making this introduction an invaluable foundation for their future classrooms.

Cultivating a Montessori Culture: The Core Purpose of Onboarding

The primary goal of our onboarding program is to immerse teachers in the unique ethos of Montessori education. Beyond a set of teaching methods, Montessori is a holistic approach that values each child’s individuality, fosters independence, and encourages a love for learning. By bringing teachers into the corporate office for training, we provide them with an opportunity to not only understand the principles but also to become acquainted with our organizational culture.

Hands-On Learning: Montessori Materials and Techniques

During the onboarding process, teachers experience firsthand training with Montessori materials. These materials, carefully designed to engage children in self-directed learning, become the tools that teachers use to guide their students. This interactive experience allows educators to familiarize themselves with the materials they’ll be utilizing in their classrooms, ensuring a seamless transition from training to teaching.

Comprehensive Training: Beyond Montessori Principles

Our onboarding day is more than just an introduction to Montessori. It serves as a platform for teachers to undergo essential training sessions that are crucial for their roles. This includes mandated reporter training, pesticide training, and anti-harassment training. These sessions not only comply with legal requirements but also equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.

Building State Files: Onboarding Requirements for Schools

A significant aspect of the onboarding day is the completion of requirements that contribute to the teachers‘ state files. These files, a prerequisite at our schools, encompass all necessary documentation and certifications, streamlining the administrative process and ensuring that teachers are ready to step into their classrooms with confidence.

Montessori Overview: Understanding the Foundations

To ensure a strong foundation in Montessori principles, the onboarding includes an overview covering the following key areas:

  1. What is Montessori?: A deep dive into the philosophy and principles that underpin Montessori education.
  2. Classroom Management: Strategies for creating an environment that promotes independent learning and cooperation.
  3. Behavior Management: Techniques for guiding children toward positive behaviors, fostering a harmonious classroom atmosphere.

Navigating the Learn And Play Systems: Paylocity and Employee Handbook Training

In addition to Montessori principles, our onboarding extends to the practical aspects of our organization. Teachers receive training on the systems we have in place for Learn And Play, including:

  1. Paylocity: An overview of our payroll and HR system, ensuring teachers are familiar with the tools they’ll be using.
  2. Employee Handbook: A comprehensive guide to our policies, procedures, and expectations, creating a cohesive understanding among our teaching staff.

In conclusion, our onboarding day is a pivotal step in the journey of our educators. By integrating Montessori principles with practical training and administrative requirements, we strive to equip our teachers with the knowledge, skills, and cultural awareness necessary for success in their classrooms and within our organization. Together, we nurture a community dedicated to providing the best possible educational experience for our students.

Empowering Families: Learn And Play® Embraces Child Care Subsidies for Accessible Montessori Education

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At Learn And Play®, we believe that every child deserves access to quality education and care. We understand that financial considerations can be a significant factor for many families when making decisions about their child’s education. To ensure that our Montessori education remains accessible to all, we are excited to announce that we now accept childcare subsidies to support families in need. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of accessible education, highlight our commitment to inclusivity, and provide information on various childcare subsidy programs.

We recognize that providing quality education goes beyond the classroom. We understand that families may face financial challenges, and we are committed to breaking down barriers to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a nurturing learning environment.

To support our commitment to accessibility, we have compiled a list of childcare financial aid subsidy options that parents can explore. These programs are specifically designed to help eligible families cover the costs of childcare while also offering financial support to those seeking quality early childhood education.

It’s important to note that the eligibility for childcare subsidy is contingent upon the family’s place of residence. Each program may have specific criteria that families must meet to qualify for assistance. We encourage you to explore these programs thoroughly and reach out to the respective links provided for detailed information.

Our commitment to accessible education is unwavering. We believe that by embracing childcare subsidies, we take a step further in making our educational community inclusive and supportive for all families. If you have any questions or need assistance in exploring childcare subsidy options, our team is here to help. Together, let’s create a learning environment where every child can flourish, regardless of financial barriers.

Preparing Your Child for Montessori: A Parent’s Guide

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The decision to send your child to a Montessori school is important, and the transition from being at home to attending a Montessori school is a significant milestone for both you and your child. Our Montessori school programs run currently in Fremont, Danville, Dublin, and Milpitas. The Montessori method of education is known for its unique approach to fostering independence, creativity, and a love of learning in children. To help ease this transition, we’ll explore some valuable tips for parents and what to expect during the first few weeks of Montessori school.

Prepare Your Child Emotionally. Emotional readiness is crucial for a smooth transition. Start by discussing the upcoming change with your child. Explain why they’ll be going to school and the exciting experiences they will have. Encourage their curiosity and enthusiasm, reassuring them that school is a fun place to learn and make new friends.

Brochure supporting a Montessori school in Fremont, California.

Familiarize Your Child with Montessori Principles. Montessori schools have a unique philosophy focusing on child-centered learning, freedom within limits, and mixed-age classrooms. Introducing your child to these principles before their first day is a good idea. You can read books or watch videos about Maria Montessori’s ideas, which will help your child understand the learning environment.

Tour the School Together. Before the first day of school, arrange a tour of the Montessori classroom with your child. This will help them become comfortable with the physical environment, the materials, and the teachers. You can also introduce your child to some of the other students to make them feel welcome.

Click here to Schedule a Tour of any of our Learn And Play Montessori Schools

Establish Routines. Montessori schools emphasize independence, and it’s helpful for children to have a structured routine at home. Encourage your child to dress themselves, tidy up after activities, and take care of their personal belongings. These skills will make the transition to the Montessori classroom smoother.

Encourage Grace and Courtesy: Beyond academic development, Montessori education places a strong emphasis on cultivating grace and courtesy. Introduce your child to the values of respect, kindness, and consideration for others. Emphasize the importance of polite interactions and the joy that comes from being part of a supportive and respectful community. By instilling these social skills early on, your child will seamlessly integrate into the Montessori environment, fostering positive relationships with peers and teachers alike. Incorporating grace and courtesy into their daily routines at home will further nurture these essential qualities, contributing to a well-rounded and emotionally intelligent educational experience.

Build Confidence. In the Montessori environment, children are encouraged to make choices and decisions. Help your child build their confidence by letting them make age-appropriate choices at home, such as selecting their clothing or deciding what snacks to eat. This will prepare them for the independence they’ll experience at school.

Transitioning from home to a Montessori school can be an exciting journey for both parents and children. By preparing your child emotionally, introducing them to Montessori principles, and building their confidence and independence, you can help them adapt to this enriching learning environment. During the first few weeks, embrace the unique aspects of Montessori education, including mixed-age classrooms and individualized learning, and maintain open communication with your child’s teachers. With patience and support, your child is on their way to a fulfilling and transformative Montessori experience.

Montessori + STEM Experiments & How to Enhance Learning at Home

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Montessori education and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are powerful tools for nurturing children’s curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. When these two educational philosophies intersect, children experience a dynamic learning environment that ignites their passion for discovery. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of Montessori + STEM education and provide a collection of exciting at-home STEM activities to complement your child’s school experience. To learn more about our STEM curriculum, you can take a tour of any of our schools.

At-Home STEM Activities to Enhance the Montessori + STEM Experience

  1. Weather Watchers: Create a weather journal to record daily observations. Discuss temperature, humidity, and precipitation. Over time, your child will notice patterns and gain a deeper understanding of weather.
  2. Seed Growth Experiment: Plant seeds in different conditions – some with lots of water, some with minimal water, and some in different soil types. Observe and discuss how each condition affects seed growth.
  3. Simple Machines at Home: Explore simple machines using household objects. For example, construct a pulley system using a rope, a chair, and a bucket to learn about mechanical advantage.
  4. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Organize a nature scavenger hunt, encouraging your child to observe and collect different items from the natural world. Discuss the characteristics and functions of these objects.
  5. Invent with Recyclables: Provide your child with a collection of recyclable materials, and challenge them to invent a useful or creative item. Discuss the engineering principles involved.

Enhancing Montessori + STEM at HomeMontessori plus STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math)

  • Encourage your child’s questions and curiosity. Emphasize that it’s okay not to have all the answers – part of the STEM process is exploring the unknown.
  • Create a dedicated STEM workspace at home. This can be a corner of a room or a table stocked with supplies for experiments and projects.
  • Keep a science journal. Encourage your child to record their observations, hypotheses, and the results of their experiments.
  • Foster critical thinking by discussing everyday STEM-related challenges and problem-solving together.

Montessori + STEM at home creates an environment that extends your child’s learning beyond the classroom, fueling their passion for exploration, discovery, and problem-solving. These experiences help children build a strong foundation in STEM and develop skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

 

Nurturing Little Leaders: the Montessori Method and Kindergarten

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When we think of leadership skills, we often associate them with adults in professional settings. However, the foundation for leadership can be cultivated at a much younger age, even in kindergarten. The Montessori Method, known for its child-centered and holistic approach to education, excels in instilling leadership skills in young children. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the Montessori Method empowers kindergarteners to become confident and capable leaders.

Children learning using the Montessori method.Promoting Independence and Responsibility: Montessori classrooms are carefully designed to encourage independence. In a Montessori environment, kindergarteners have the freedom to choose their activities and work at their own pace. This autonomy fosters a sense of responsibility as children learn to manage their time and resources. They become accountable for their actions and choices, laying the foundation for responsible leadership.

Encouraging Decision-Making: Kindergarteners in Montessori classrooms are encouraged to make decisions about their learning. They select activities based on their interests and needs, which requires critical thinking and decision-making skills. These early experiences help children become confident in their ability to make choices, a crucial aspect of leadership.

Emphasis on Communication and Collaboration: Effective leaders are skilled communicators and collaborators. In Montessori classrooms, children engage in frequent interactions with their peers. They work together on projects, discuss ideas, and solve problems collaboratively. These experiences teach kindergarteners the importance of listening, expressing themselves clearly, and working harmoniously with others.

Respect for Others and the Environment: Montessori education places a strong emphasis on respect for others and the environment. Children are taught to be considerate of their classmates’ needs and to care for the materials in their classroom. This respect extends to the world beyond the classroom, instilling a sense of responsibility for the community and the environment—an important aspect of ethical leadership.

Self-Confidence and Initiative: Montessori classrooms nurture self-confidence by allowing children to explore and master tasks independently. As kindergarteners experience success in their endeavors, their self-esteem grows, making them more willing to take initiative and lead in various situations.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Montessori education encourages children to adapt to different situations and challenges. By facing new and diverse tasks daily, kindergarteners develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and the ability to remain composed under pressure—traits vital for effective leadership.

The Montessori Method, with its emphasis on independence, responsibility, communication, and collaboration, provides fertile ground for cultivating leadership skills in kindergarten. By nurturing these qualities from an early age, Montessori education equips children with the tools they need to become confident and capable leaders in their future endeavors. As we continue to recognize the importance of leadership skills in various aspects of life, the Montessori approach stands out as a powerful means of fostering leadership qualities in our youngest learners.

Contact us today to learn about how Montessori can help your child succeed!

Schedule a Tour
Contact us today to learn about how Montessori can help your child succeed!
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