Is it worth the splurge on Mont. for 2 yr old?

[sarbear]

I really want to put ds into a preschool program a couple of days a week when the babies are born in the fall (he will be 2 then). Of all the schools I have visited (some traditional/cooperative, some Montessori, and some sort of in between) the Montessori is the most expensive. It's $275 per month for 6 hours a week compared to anywhere between 150 and 200 dollars for the same amount of hours.

I am familiar with the Montessori primary program, and I think that is definitely worth splurging on b/c of all they are learning, etc. But the toddler program is mostly for social learning, how to interact and work things out, etc. Can't he do that in any good program, even a 'traditional' one? Do you think it is worth the extra money for Montessori for a 2 year old?
(x-posted in Montessori)

[RomanGoddess]

I think Montessori becomes worth it at age three. At age two, most are not even old enough to be using the Montessori materials (too technical and require motor skills that two year olds don't have yet).

[MattBronsil]

I am familiar with the Montessori primary program, and I think that is definitely worth splurging on b/c of all they are learning, etc. But the toddler program is mostly for social learning, how to interact and work things out, etc. Can't he do that in any good program, even a 'traditional' one? Do you think it is worth the extra money for Montessori for a 2 year old?

Are you looking at a Montessori Toddler Program or 3-6? If 3-6, he may be ready at 2 1/2, but not all children are, so consider it well.

From what I have seen, most Toddler programs that are not Montessori still have a lot of teacher-directed activities. So I would definitely go for a Montessori Toddler program if you have the choice and are going to put him in a Toddler program at all.

[KBecks]

To me it depends on the programs and your evaluation of them. I can't see what the schools are doing. We are doing Children's House (3-6) and I believe that's worth it. For younger kids I'm not so sure, and I'd want to see the programs and feel out for myself if I felt it was worth it. When I screened preschools, I made pros/cons lists for each and that helped me decide.

[waiflywaif]

My daughter did a Montessori toddler program and I do feel it was worth it. I think there are plenty of Montessori manipulatives they can handle at 2. Tweezer transfers, pouring water, all sorts of practical life things.