Montessori school for 1-2yo??

[Attila the Honey]

My dd is 11mo, so I am really just starting to investigate options for school. I called the Montessori school for an info packet and over the phone I was told about how they strongly encourage enrollment to begin with the "Great Beginnings" (or something like that, I may have the name wrong) program for 1 to 2 year olds. ack! I am so not ready to consider putting my daughter into school in the next year. She's never even had a babysitter and is only now showing interest in letting other ppl around her. School? Now?

To be fair, the info packet didn't have info on this program in it and it may be a "mommy and me" kind of deal. I won't know until I visit the school. But still, am I going to be holding her back somehow by not starting with school (mommy and me or otherwise) at this age? I am thinking no.

Also, the montessori school starts preschool at 2 1/2 (I believe, maybe 2 3/4), and I feel like even that is too young. But, if she doesn't start when most of the other kids start, will she be somehow disadvantaged when she starts around 5? behind the pack?

Another issue is this: the beginnings and preschool programs at this school are big $$. Cost prohibitive to our family. The kindergarten on up are free to eligible people, it's a charter school. Even if I DID think putting her in school at 2yo was a good idea, I don't think we could afford it unless I got a job. So, the choice would be this: Mommy works, Flora goes to a sitter (grandma) as well as school OR Flora stays home with Mommy. I am thinking she will benefit from the latter choice more.

I guess I just want some reassurance. I am scared I am doing what's best for ME and not for her. I don't want to hold her back because I am not ready to let her go, yk?

(Also, I read the 'transitioning to school' protocol in the packet and it made me sad. I don't necessarily disagree with it, but it broke my heart to think about it. It said the first time the parent comes with them, but the 2nd visit the parent shouldn't even leave the car. If the child cries, the child will be treated kindly and reassuringly by the 'teacher'. Man, I am just tender lately... I am so not ready for that.)

[SagMom]

Originally Posted by Attila the Honey

Also, the montessori school starts preschool at 2 1/2 (I believe, maybe 2 3/4), and I feel like even that is too young. But, if she doesn't start when most of the other kids start, will she be somehow disadvantaged when she starts around 5? behind the pack?

Well, yeah, in a way, she'll be "disadvantaged" because she won't have learned the school's rules like the other kids have, and she'll be used to having you with her much of the time, getting your hugs and your attention. She won't be used to having to wait for the rest of the class to do ___ and her body probably won't be on the same nap/eating/bathroom schedual as the other kids' are. She won't have learned to obey the teacher.

IMO, a 2 year old is still a baby and needs to be with her mama. Most people where I live put their childen in daycare as infants because they work. If they DO stay home, then preschool begins at 2 (often, I hear people pushing potty-training so that their child can start "school.") There is a big rush to get started so that the child doesn't fall behind. My oldest started preschool at 4 1/2 and it wasn't right for him, but I felt I *had* to get him ready for school. Big mistake--neither he nor I was happy. Later on, we found homeschooling and it's a much better fit for us. As a homeschooler, there is no "behind" in my mind. For us, it's a matter of meeting the needs of the child where the child is. (Did you realize you were posting in the homeschooling forum, btw?)

Listen to your heart. You can't go wrong doing that. As far as not being ready to let go--I don't think that letting go needs to be traumatic. Independence doesn't happen suddenly at any particular age. She'll let you know when she's ready for new things.

If the child cries, the child will be treated kindly and reassuringly by the 'teacher'. Man, I am just tender lately... I am so not ready for that.)

If you're not ready for it, then don't do it. I certainly HOPE that a teacher would treat my child "kindly and reassuringly" but when *my* babies cried, their first choice was mamma.

[Attila the Honey]

Oh, no, sorry! I thought I clicked the learning at school link!

I am really sorry. It was a pure accident, hope I am not stepping on toes. Could a mod move this for me?

But, thank you Joan..

[phathui5]

I think she'd be better off home with you than with you working to pay for her school, especially that young.

[root*children]

I taught Montessori at the 2yo age. I always thought it was so silly for moms to send their kids and pay SO much money for something that was basically daycare. I saw alot of moms really pushing their 2yo's to potty-train (who weren't ready), b/c they had to be to enter the 3yo class. I think I saw a "Montessori At Home" book in TP that may be of interest to you for these early years, that could get her in the rhythm of a Montessori day. I'm sure there are many publications like this.

[umbrella]

Wow, my dd is in a Montessori school right now (age 4), and I think sending a baby seems kind of silly. In fact, we are using the school as a daycare right now, and when we no longer need childcare, I'm taking her out; that is because we feel homeschooling is right for us. If we were not homeschooling, I would keep her at Montessori, but I very much do NOT think that itty bitty kids need to go to school.

Our Montessori starts at age 3, and I was surprised to hear that some took as young as 18 months. Granted, I didn't look into it, buy my first thought is that it would have be basically daycare. I wouldn't send an 18 month old to daycare unless it was necessary.