Just discovered Montessori school in Suffolk, England, what should I look at/check on

[pumpkinsmama]

I just realized that a local organic farm also has a Montesorri school on site. I had driven by it for @ a year, but until recently did not know what Montesorri meant! (I only learned about it from clicking on Mothering Forum Homeschooling links doing research for when DS is older) I read another post here that said some Montesorri schools have classes for 18 mo's and up.. I was wondering what the typical hours are for the younger ages @ 18 mo's, what I should inquire about at the school, what credentials to look for, and if anyone knows of the average cost for that age group. Is it worth being seperated from family that young? Is it worth the cost? (For other reasons, I was considering putting DS in part-time daycare, but would much prefer to have him go to a Montesorri school if that becomes necessary, but did not even realize I had the option until this week) Thanks for taking the time to read/reply!

[montessorimama]

as a montessori teacher and mama I'm totally biased, but I have to say, the cost is usually because 1) montessori teachers are educated, we expect something resembling a salary, and 2) the materials we use are expensive -we don't give the kids whatever was at sale at walmart last week, we give them beautiful breakable handmade things. A lot of schools cut corners on things like teacher pay and say, having a cleaning crew come in instead of having the teachers clean their floors, and have fewer staff per child. You just can't keep staff for decades with that sort of attitude, which means the teachers don't have the experience or knowledge to make for a smooth, peaceful day of learning as opposed to organized chaos.

[flyingspaghettimama]

I read another post here that said some Montesorri schools have classes for 18 mo's and up.. I was wondering what the typical hours are for the younger ages @ 18 mo's, what I should inquire about at the school, what credentials to look for, and if anyone knows of the average cost for that age group. Is it worth being seperated from family that young? Is it worth the cost?

I personally would not start Montessori until the traditional age - 2 yr 9 mos or potty-trained unless you have work-related needs. Or if your child shows many, many signs of independence at an earlier age than usual (i.e. very easy time w/separations, insists on doing everything himself, is potty trained early, has a long attention span). Most montessori programs here for younger children (not daycare situation) are three hours, every weekday, which can be a bit much unless a child is really ready. And, it's cheaper for you! Some schools are more flexible though, or have parent-child times; or other situations. You can also do Montessori at home, that's what I did until my daughter expressed a LOT of interest in going to school and I had to go back to work.

This is what I checked on:
*Go to observe - are the children kind to one another? How do they resolve conflict? How do the teachers/directresses respond to the children? Are the children busy and happy - neither running crazy or morosely sitting around?
*What types of training do the teachers have? AMI or St. Nicholas or WMI (in England).
*How do they deal with separation anxiety, particularly for younger ages?
*Ask if there is a particular type of child that does not do well at the school (this will let you know how picky they are about "what kind of kid is allowed"). I have visited schools that would not accept children who were high-energy or social and seemed to select only quiet, solitary, well-behaved children. :irked: Montessori is for all children.
*How is parent participation encouraged at the school?
*Is the school affilated with any Montessori organization?
*What types of extracurricular activities are available (art, drama, language)?
*Ask the teacher/directress about her philosophies regarding discipline and see if they are compatible with yours. For example, I'm not a huge fan of any school that uses time-outs or rewards as discipline strategy, calling itself Montessori or not.

[pumpkinsmama]

flyingspaghettimama Thank you! That is exactly what I was looking for! Your list of things to investigate is great and sparking some of my own ideas already. I appreciatte you taking the time to reply!

DS is pretty independent, one of the reasons I was looking into daycare/school is that as an only child I worry about him getting enough interaction with others. I work and DH is a SAHD. DH does not feel comfortable taking DS to playgroups and work hours don't allow me to. Three hours does sound like an really long time, however! Thanks again!