We have several “types” of calls from prospective parents:

• New parents, just starting to look for a school for their child;
• Parents who know they want a Montessori education for their child; or
• Parents who’ve enrolled at another school and it’s been a bad experience.

This first two of these groups are truly fun to have visit. The third group can be heart-breaking. The story is always very similar: A parent chooses a preschool program – Montessori or otherwise – and the child begins instruction. Things start out fine but slowly the parent realizes that her child is not learning, not growing, not thriving in this environment.

Don’t think that it can’t happen to you. Poof! Just like that, your child’s first educational experience goes down the tubes.

Rest assured, however – it doesn’t have to be this way!

The One Factor That Makes All the Difference

It’s the teacher.

Next to you , your child’s first teacher will have the greatest impact on his overall development. Nine times out of ten, the reason a child has a negative experience in preschool is directly related to the teacher’s talent, education and experience.

A good teacher will inspire him to explore, challenge him when needed, and instill a love for learning. She will compliment the work that you do at home as a parent.

Why Finding a Good Teacher is Hard

Unfortunately, most early childhood programs lack an experienced and highly educated teaching staff. For example, the only educational requirement to be a preschool teacher in the state of California is 12 Early Childhood Education units – just 4 classes at a community college.

In addition, many preschool teachers don’t stay on the job for very long. The minimal educational requirements and low salaries often lead to high turnover. Well-intentioned people with potential to be great teachers often use the job as a temporary position while they work towards something more permanent.

And don’t let the name “Montessori” fool you, either. It isn’t a trademarked term, so anyone can open up a program and claim to be a Montessori school. Most Montessori schools don’t have teachers who are any more qualified that the average preschool. (If you’re not in our area and are interested in a Montessori education for your child, AMI-USA can provide a list of authentic and certified Montessori schools in your area.)

How Wheaton Montessori School Teachers Are Different

When we opened Wheaton Montessori School, we knew that the school would only survive if we hired and retained EXCELLENT teachers. We needed to support teachers who believed in authentic Montessori education and were committed to providing this type of education to children.  Wheaton Montessori School is rare in that not only are our teachers AMI-certified, but our Head of School is as well.   We’ve cultivated a community that is passionate about practicing authentic Montessori.

At Wheaton Montessori School, we believe we have the most talented early childhood staff in the region. They share a passion for Montessori education. They share a passion for childhood development and education. And they are dedicated to your children.

The teachers we hire share the same characteristics:

– They are experts – bona fide experts – in child development. Every one of our classroom teachers has at least a Master’s level of education. Additionally, our teachers are all AMI-USA certified. AMI training is a one- year rigorous training that is demanding and intense. Teachers in training attend lectures and practice teaching sessions 7 hours a day, 5 days a week for 9 months. They are then examined by an international group of teacher-trainers before being granted a diploma.

– They respect your child’s individuality: In Montessori teaching, the teacher is seen as a guide. She is trained to observe your child and introduce her to developmentally appropriate materials. She knows the scope and breadth of the Montessori curriculum and presents the right lessons to your child at the right time. She will not move your child on to the next concept until she is ready to move on.

– They are patient: They do not praise, reward, punish or point out mistakes. Rather, mistakes are viewed as “learning opportunities”. If your child continues to make errors, she will re-present that lesson with a special emphasis on the parts he doesn’t understand.

– They create inspiring classroom environments: Our teachers ensure the full complement of Montessori materials in the classroom supports the diverse learning going on in the class.

The materials must be spotlessly clean and in good repair. That means pencils are sharpened, no pieces to an activity are missing, sponges are softened and paper is present to accompany a particular activity. It means that fresh flowers are available for arranging and that all of the decimal math materials are where they need to be.

The Montessori environment must be attractive and prepared for use so that your child has everything he needs when he is ready to learn.

What This Means for Your Child

What I do know is that the most important factor in your child’s success – his teacher – will be one of the best you can imagine if you chose our school. Your child will have a patient, prepared, highly trained, and passionate teacher guiding him or her through her early childhood education.