WHAT PROGRAMS DO YOU OFFER? Gift of Grace Montessori is a preschool program serving children three to five years of age. We are open Monday - Friday from 7:30am - 5:00pm.
Half Day Program: 8:30am - 12:00pm Full Day Program: 8:30am - 3:30pm * Hourly childcare is available before and after school (7:30 - 8:30am and 3:30 - 5:00pm)
WHY FIVE DAYS? A child who attends school for five days each week will have the greatest opportunity for consistent spontaneous learning. Consecutive attendance is extremely important. It enables the child to feel safe and relaxed in the classroom and aids the child in forming strong bonds with their teachers and friends. A child taken in and out of school frequently does not have the same opportunity and consistency to pursue his/her unfolding interests. Early childhood specialists agree that young children thrive in a secure, consistent environment with a steady routine. The steady rhythm of coming to their school helps create a very positive attitude toward school and their activities there. It also gives the children a strong feeling of belonging to a community that they help create, and of which they are valued and respected members. They can count on seeing their friends and significant adults on a regular basis.
DO YOU HAVE A SUMMER PROGRAM? Gift of Grace Montessori is open during the standard school year. Closing in the summer is our commitment to providing the highest quality learning environment for children. It is critical for teachers and students to have this time to recharge so they are refreshed and ready to teach and learn when school begins.
HOW DOES THE MONTESSORI CURRICULUM COMPARE TO THAT OF A TRADITIONAL PRESCHOOL? Montessori not only covers the nationally recognized early childhood standards, but also provides children with the tools and opportunities to learn much more. Gift of Grace Montessori is unique in that it includes a Christian component. The Montessori experience focuses on the development of the whole child. In addition to a solid academic foundation and learning Biblical principles, the children develop important attributes such as a love of learning, independence and responsibility, collaborative skills, grace and courtesy, confidence, and spiritual growth/development. Our main priority is to follow the needs of each individual child and customize the curriculum for him or her. This way the child is able to progress at his or her own pace while continuing to experience the joy of learning. At this age, learning encompasses a whole host of things in addition to reading and math - children are developing their motor skills, their social skills, their initiative, creativity, leadership, etc. They are laying down the foundations for future advancement. At Gift of Grace, our goal is for the children to experience and enhance their concentration, their independence, and their joy.
DOES THE FREEDOM IN THE MONTESSORI ENVIRONMENT LEAD TO CHAOS IN THE CLASSROOM? No - freedom of choice, movement, and speech are not a recipe for chaos when children are in a supportive, child-centered environment that engages them in interesting learning. The children learn self-discipline as well as a respect for others, their environment, and the learning materials as a part of being in a peaceful classroom community.
DO YOU PROVIDE FOOD FOR THE CHILDREN? In our commitment to the 'whole child,' healthy eating is part of the daily school experience. Homemade nutritious lunches and snacks are provided. Children are introduced to new tastes and food textures through our Healthy Food Program. We incorporate inventive recipes from superhealthykids.comand purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables from the local Farmer's Market. Exposure to new tastes in a different environment can help young eaters expand their repertoire and develop a varied palate. We are very proud of our healthy food program and think you and your child will like it, too.
