Classes
Diverse Learning Environments
Toddlers
Walking - 2 Years
Our toddler program curriculum emerges from each child’s unique interests and skills. Based on daily observations, teachers introduce new materials and activities that pique curiosity and get students excited about learning. Skill development objectives include problem solving, motor skill development, language, concentration and visual discernment. The routines of everyday living are the foundation of MCA's toddler program. Activities promote confidence, coordination, order, independence and concentration, as well as support social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Learning activities include self-care (washing, dressing, toileting, eating, etc.), care of the environment (cleaning, food preparation and food service; plant care and animal care, etc.), large-motor activities (walking, climbing, running, jumping, balancing, etc.), fine-motor skills (reaching, grasping, picking up objects, transferring objects, using tools and utensils, doing art work, etc.), language (naming objects, describing actions and intentions, discussing pictures, conversation, music, and singing), and social skills (manners, peer interaction, small group games, etc.)
Source: American Montessori Society
Toddler classes are 5 days per week from 7:00AM-5:30PM (full day), 8:30AM-3PM (school day) or 8:30AM-11:30AM (half day).
Preschool
2-3 Years
Many people refer to the age of two as “the terrible two’s”. At MCA, we call this “the age of asserting their independence.” Children naturally - and energetically - aim toward functional independence. It’s is our goal to respect and facilitate the growth of the child’s natural tendencies and inner needs. However, before a child can be truly independent, we must focus on their inner development. Our preschool classes are small and intimate groups. The environment conforms to the physical needs of the children, both in the size of the furnishings and in the opportunities for motor development. There is age appropriate furniture, tiled floors, maximum natural light, selected art placed low on the walls, and defined spaces to challenge coordination of movement. Students utilize "Practical Life," which brings awareness to their environment and the need to care for it. Practical Life also develops coordination, attention span and attention to detail, and helps to develop control of movement in a child. Some examples of Practical Life include pouring, spooning, sponging, sweeping, table scrubbing, floor scrubbing and dish washing. Practical Life teaches the child that there is a beginning and an end to a task. Every work has to be followed step by step, finished and returned for the next friend to use.
Source: American Montessori Society
Preschool classes are 5 days per week from 8:30AM-11:30AM (half day) or 8:30AM-3PM (full day). Before and after care is also available (7:30AM-5:30PM).
Primary
3-6 Years
Our primary environment unifies the psycho-social, physical, and academic functioning of the child. It provides students with an early and general foundation that includes a positive attitude toward school, inner security and a sense of order, pride in the physical environment, abiding curiosity, a habit of concentration, habits of initiative and persistence, the ability to make decisions, self-discipline, and a sense of responsibility to other members of the class, school, and community. This foundation will enable them to acquire more specialized knowledge and skills throughout their school career. Primary students choose their work from among the self-correcting materials displayed on open shelves, and they work in specific work areas. These engaging, hands-on activities instill a life-long love of learning in the children. The activities are related to language arts, cultural, mathematics, and sensory development. Over a period of time, the children develop into a “normalized community,” working with high concentration and few interruptions. Practical Life enhances the development of task organization and cognitive order through care of self, care of the environment, exercises of grace and courtesy, and coordination of physical movement.
Source: American Montessori Society
Primary classes are 5 days per week from 8:30AM-11:30AM (half day) or 8:30AM-3PM (full day). Before and after care is also available (7:30AM-5:30PM.
