Parent Involvement

We believe that a Montessori education has three elements: the teacher, the materials, and the parent.  These three elements must work together for the child.  The Montessori materials and teachers are already prepared before the child enters the classroom.  It is now up to the parent to become involved in their child’s education.

Working with the Teacher

It is essential that the teacher and the parent have good communication.  This is done on a daily basis when you drop off and pick up your child.  Monthly newsletters update you on what is happening inside the classroom.  There are also two scheduled conference times, one in the fall and one in the spring.  This provides the time to update you on your child’s progress, their strengths and weaknesses.  Further understanding of your child’s progress is done through an observation in the fall and a visitation in the spring.

Working with the Materials

Every month there are parent meetings held in the evenings.  This is a time for parents to use the materials and understand the Montessori philosophy better.  For first year parents, a basic understanding of the Montessori philosophy and the four main areas of the classroom is given.  For second and third year parents, a deeper understanding of the Montessori philosophy is discussed as well as general parenting topics such as praise and encouragement and nutrition.   This is a time just for parents to use the materials and better understand their purpose.  It also helps you to understand what the teacher is talking about during parent/teacher conferences.