small beginnings is
a modified Montessori School that is based on a tradition of excellence
spanning more than 30 years. The program educates children beginning
at age 12 months and also includes a private, accredited Kindergarten through Second Grade.
This family owned and operated school seeks to embody those ideals and
qualities which will promote a happy and successful child.
Philosophy
At small
beginnings, children are treated with respect and kindness. We
believe in the Montessori principle that children should be exposed
to hands-on activities throughout the day. Learning starts with that
first small step, taken with confidence and pride. Along the way, our
children are instilled with social graces, discipline, and respect for
themselves and their environment. These disciplines best foster the
development of the skills fundamental to all learning.
Modified Montessori
Montessori
is a teaching method that is recognized world-wide. It was developed
in Italy in the early 1900’s by Dr. Maria Montessori. It’s basic premise
is that children work best in a multiple-age classroom with the power
of choice. With this power of choice comes responsibility.
Our Montessori
program incorporates multi-age classrooms with several learning centers
throughout the room. Each room has areas for math, science, language,
computers, art, cultural studies, sensorial development, and practical
life. We believe that this approach allows for each individual child
to work at his own level, whether it is quite simple or very complex.
At small
beginnings, we encourage children to work within any area they choose;
however, the choices are controlled choices. Throughout a class period,
a child may have experienced several learning centers or immersed himself
in only one area for the day. The joy of learning is established because
the child is in a stimulating environment in which he can learn to take
responsibility .