Montessori

Learn And Play’s Comprehensive Guide to Childcare Financial Aid

March 5, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

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

Unlocking the Montessori Experience: A Comprehensive Onboarding Journey

February 26, 2024 by Michelle Sarrosa

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:

What is Montessori?: A deep dive into the philosophy and principles that underpin Montessori education.
Classroom Management: Strategies for creating an environment that promotes independent learning and cooperation.
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:

Paylocity: An overview of our payroll and HR system, ensuring teachers are familiar with the tools they’ll be using.
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.

Preparing Your Child for Montessori: A Parent’s Guide

November 21, 2023 by Michelle Sarrosa

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.

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

November 13, 2023 by Michelle Sarrosa

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Home

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.

Celebrating a Milestone: Learn And Play® Montessori School Milpitas Campus Opens its Doors!

September 27, 2023 by Michelle Sarrosa

We are excited to share the joyous news that our Learn And Play® Montessori School family has reached a significant milestone. On September 21, 2023, our newest campus in Milpitas officially opened its doors to welcome eager young learners. This momentous occasion marks a fantastic leap forward in our journey, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share it with our extended community of parents, students, and supporters.

The road to this day has been one filled with dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to providing high-quality Montessori education. Our Milpitas campus stands as a testament to the values that have guided us since our inception – a deep respect for each child’s unique potential and a belief in the power of early education to shape bright futures.

90 Tours on Our First Open House!

Before our grand opening, we hosted an Open House event on September 9, and the response from our community was overwhelming. We were delighted to welcome an astounding 90 families who came to explore our beautifully designed learning spaces, meet our passionate educators, and learn more about our Montessori philosophy.

The turnout exceeded our expectations and warmed our hearts. It was a heartwarming affirmation that our mission to provide a nurturing and enriching learning environment resonates with parents who are seeking the best for their children.

What Makes Learn And Play® Montessori Special?

At Learn And Play® Montessori, we take pride in our commitment to the Montessori philosophy, which values independence, self-motivation, and a love of learning. Our Milpitas campus embodies these principles, providing an environment where children can explore, experiment, and discover their unique interests and talents.

Our team of dedicated and experienced Montessori educators is passionate about fostering a love for learning in every child. They understand that each child is unique, and they tailor their teaching methods to suit individual needs, helping each child reach their full potential.

A New Beginning, A Bright Future

The opening of our Milpitas campus is not just a new beginning for our school but a bright future for the young minds who will embark on their educational journey with us. We are excited to see the growth, development, and achievements that will unfold in the coming months and years.

To all our parents, students, and well-wishers, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and trust in us. We look forward to partnering with you to provide an exceptional educational experience for your children.

As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain dedicated to our core values, and we invite you to join us in celebrating this momentous milestone. Together, we are shaping the future, one curious mind at a time.

Welcome to Learn And Play® Montessori School in Milpitas – where the journey of learning, discovery, and wonder begins!

Enriching Futures: Unleash the Potential of Your Child with Montessori After-School Programs

September 7, 2023 by Michelle Sarrosa

In today’s fast-paced world, parents are constantly seeking educational opportunities that go beyond the traditional classroom setting. Montessori education, renowned for its child-centric approach and emphasis on hands-on learning, has emerged as a beacon of holistic development. But what if we told you that the benefits of Montessori don’t have to end with the school bell? Welcome to the world of Montessori after-school programs, where learning becomes an adventure that extends beyond the regular school hours.

Why Montessori After-School Programs?

Montessori after-school programs offer a unique blend of academic enrichment, creativity, and personal growth. They provide a nurturing environment that fosters curiosity, self-expression, and social interaction. Here are some compelling reasons to consider enrolling your child:

Montessori after-school programs offer a plethora of activities that cater to a child’s innate curiosity:

From yoga to music, children are encouraged to express themselves artistically, fostering creativity and imagination.
We also have language activities to expand vocabulary, encourage reading, and promote effective communication through storytelling, poetry, and language games.
The children also have the opportunity to work on their school homework through our homework club, ensuring your child’s academic needs are met.
Through hands-on experiments, children delve into STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), igniting a passion for discovery.

Montessori after-school programs are an investment in your child’s future – a future filled with curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. These programs provide a nurturing environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. So, why not extend the benefits of Montessori education beyond the school day and unlock a world of growth and exploration for your child? Enroll them in a Montessori after-school program and witness the transformation firsthand.

After School Program Schedule

We have 2 available scheduled for our After School program: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM and 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM. The schedule below is for both programs, according to the program selected.

11:30 – 12:00    Transition Time / Handwashing (Fables / Artist / Composer / Social and Emotional Learning)
12:00 – 12:30    Lunch
12:30 – 1:00      Yoga / Silent Reading / Music and Movement
1:00 – 2:30        Cultural Studies
2:30 – 2:45        Transition Time / Handwashing / Story Time
2:45 – 3:00        Snack
3:00 – 3:30        Poetry
3:30 – 4:00        STEM Enrichment Program
4:00 – 4:30        Homework Club
4:30 – 5:15        Creative and Inspirational Arts
5:15 – 6:00        Outside playtime

Nurturing Curiosity and Innovation: Exploring STEM in Montessori Education

September 3, 2023 by Michelle Sarrosa

In the dynamic world of education, the Montessori approach stands out for its emphasis on hands-on learning, self-directed exploration, and fostering a lifelong love for learning. When combined with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) principles, Montessori education takes on a new dimension, where children’s natural curiosity and innovative thinking are nurtured from a young age. In this article, we delve into how we implement STEM experiments in our Montessori school to inspire young minds and ignite a passion for discovery.

At our Montessori school, we believe that the core principles of Montessori education align seamlessly with the foundations of STEM learning. Both philosophies emphasize experiential learning, critical thinking, and hands-on engagement. Our classrooms are designed to foster independence and creativity, providing an ideal environment for children to explore STEM concepts in a meaningful way.

Some of the STEM Experiments in Our Montessori School this September:

In the coming weeks, the children will be exploring a few Montessori + STEM based experiments to continue to nurture the child’s exposure to discovering new STEM-related concepts and materials.

Electricity: LED Experiment with Playdough – The children will learn about the basics of electricity and how it flows through playdough to conduct electricity
Optical: Concave/Convex – They will learn about the basics of reflection and observe how a flexible mirror can distort reflection
Chemistry: Chromatography Paper – Through coffee filters, the children will learn about the basics of separating mixtures and observe how different colors of ink separate into their component parts when placed on a piece of paper

Experiments form the heart of our STEM curriculum. We create an environment where students can actively engage with scientific concepts, encouraging them to ask questions, make predictions, and test hypotheses. These hands-on experiences allow children to learn through their senses, honing their observation skills and fostering a deep understanding of the scientific method.

Our Montessori STEM curriculum isn’t just about teaching facts and figures. It’s about nurturing a lifelong curiosity about the world around us. By providing children with the tools to explore, question, and innovate, we aim to cultivate a generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders who are equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Through the marriage of Montessori principles and STEM education, we empower our students to be curious, confident, and capable learners.

Starting Early: The Benefits of Enrolling Your Child in Montessori at 18 Months

September 3, 2023 by Michelle Sarrosa

The journey of education is a remarkable one, and when it comes to the early years of a child’s life, the impact is profound. Imagine the world through your child’s eyes, where every moment is a chance to explore, learn, and grow. At our Montessori school, we believe in nurturing this innate curiosity from the very beginning. Enrolling your child as early as 18 months can set the stage for a lifelong love of learning, independence, and holistic development. Let’s delve into why starting early in a Montessori environment can be one of the best gifts you give to your child.

Emotional Development: Our Learn And Play® Montessori classrooms create an emotionally safe place for the children. Your toddler will be with a loving and nurturing teacher whose focus is to help your child transition to our environment as a first step. Our teachers are trained to demonstrate respect and compassion by using low-tone voices, eye contact, and addressing your child by their name to gain their trust.

Social Development: Our toddler programs have been designed to foster a secure and inspiring environment where toddlers can learn grace and courtesy. During classroom activities and supervised play outdoors, teachers introduce critical social skills such as taking turns, following directions, sharing, and basic etiquette (e.g., saying “please” and “thank you”).

Physical Development: We provide children with plenty of opportunities to develop and hone their large and fine motor skills. Our outdoor activities are designed to allow toddlers to engage in fun activities such as climbing, jumping, and balancing. Additionally, our Montessori classrooms offer engaging opportunities that encourage the development of fine motor movements.

Enrolling your child in Montessori at the tender age of 18 months is a commitment to their future. We offer 18 month daycare programs in Fremont, Dublin, and Danville – so please reach out to discuss your options. It’s a decision that nurtures their natural curiosity, fosters their independence, and sets the stage for a lifetime of meaningful learning experiences. At our Montessori school, we understand the incredible potential that lies within every child. By embarking on this journey early, you’re providing them with the tools they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Join us in creating a foundation for a lifetime of success and joy in learning. Enroll your child today, and let the adventure begin.

Embracing the Excitement: Getting Ready for Fall 2023!

September 1, 2023 by Michelle Sarrosa

Fall 2023 is just around the corner, and there’s an undeniable sense of excitement in the air. Nature’s palette is about to transform, and so are our lives, as we gear up for a season filled with vibrant experiences and new beginnings.

So, as we bid adieu to the success of the LAPMS‘ summer program 2023, we prepare to embrace the beauty of fall, let’s welcome the changing season with open hearts and open minds. With excitement and wonder, let’s step into Fall 2023 and savor all that it has to offer.

Here are some tips on a smooth transition for going back to school this fall:

Open Communication: Begin by discussing the upcoming changes with your child. Montessori education encourages independence, so involving your child in the process fosters a sense of responsibility. Explain the new routine, emphasize the positive aspects of school, and address any concerns your child might have.
Introduce Practical Skills: Montessori philosophy emphasizes the development of practical life skills. Prepare your child for school by practicing activities such as putting on their own shoes and coat, using the bathroom independently, and packing their backpack with necessary items.
Create a Morning Routine: Establishing a consistent morning routine can help ease the transition. Encourage your child to wake up at a consistent time, have a healthy breakfast, and engage in calming activities before leaving for school.

As you prepare your child for this school year, remember to integrate Montessori principles into your home routine. Engaging in seasonal activities together not only nurtures your child’s curiosity and creativity but also strengthens your parent-child bond. By embracing the fall season with enthusiasm and a Montessori mindset, you’ll be setting the stage for a fulfilling educational experience for your child.

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

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