Primary Preschool Program
“The hands are the instruments of man’s intelligence.”
– Maria Montessori
Our Primary Pre-School Program Philosophy
The ages three to six are the initial stages of development. The individual personalities, interests, likes and dislikes of children are, at this age, fully expressed by the child themselves- in their own independent manner.
In recognition of this, the MCC Preschool Program, more specifically referred to as our Primary Program approaches the child as the smart, grown, and intelligent individuals they are.
Children in this preschool class can be as young as 3 years old, if they are potty trained and ready for the program.
Eligibility
Children in this preschool class can be as young as 3 years old, if they are potty trained and ready for the program.
Environment
Under the guidance of our certified teachers, children work their way through the applicable series of Montessori materials, within the creative learning environment of MCC.
Is Child sized
Is multi aged
Promotes self-direction
Enables independent thinking
Children can work at their own pace
Encourages respectful relationships
Develops and increases coordination, concentration, independence, order, concern for others and self-esteem
“The child who concentrates is immensely happy.” – Maria Montessori
Areas of Focus in the Classroom
Practical Life
Practical Life activities are the foundation of the Montessori Method and plays a vital role in the development of various areas in a child such as Concentration, Large and Fine motor coordination, following the step-by-step process and directions. They teach children to care for themselves and care for the environment helping them to become more independent. Children learn the language, social skills needed to practice positive, peaceful connections with their teachers and classmates.
The activities include pouring, spooning, scrubbing, table washing, buttoning, polishing, eye-hand coordination and much more
Sensorial
Sensorial learning is the key to help children develop and refine each of their 5 senses and stereo gnostic sense (muscle memory).
Children will learn sorting, discriminating, sequencing, categorizing, and problem-solving. These materials are the groundwork to math especially geometry and critical thinking.
Some examples of Sensorial activities are the Pink tower, Brown Stairs, Knobbed and Knobbles cylinders, Geometric solids, matching weights, smell tastes, touch tablets, sound cylinders and more.
Language
The Language materials introduce the children to several pre language lessons before they are introduced to sounds and reading. Using Objects and pictures cards for Naming, Opposites, Rhyming etc, increases the diction. Sandpaper letters allow them to see and hear each sound of the alphabet. When they are familiar with their sounds then the moveable alphabets lead towards reading. Once the child is able to blend sounds together, they are given 3 letter words, short and long vowel words, phonograms, and parts of speech.
“Sky is the limit for language materials”
Math
Math is an understanding from concrete work with materials to abstract work.
The children are introduced to “zero” which means nothing. There are several materials that teach them the basic numbers 0-9. The children then move on to teens, tens, Hundreds to more advanced concepts of units, tens, hundreds, and thousands.
Our 4-year-old and kindergarten children start with simple math concepts like Addition, Subtraction and move to Multiplication and Division, Time, Fraction and Money.
Science
Science activities are nature-based, and include the study of Plants, Animals and Human Body. Children learn about vertebrate and invertebrate animals, Living and Non-living, a variety of plant types. Children explore science with hands on experiments. Love and respect for all life are emphasized.
Geography
Children learn the 7 continents; the countries present in them using wooden puzzle maps. They learn about different cultures, people around the world, events from history, international celebrations throughout the year.
Cultural Studies
This area of the Montessori in Primary classroom is made up of several topics: Art, Music, Spanish, and Peace.
They explore art with paint, collage, cutting and gluing, and sewing.
Children love to sing, and music can be heard in every classroom, as children both make music and move to music.
Children learn Spanish as a language learning their phonic, numbers, colors and more.
Peace is an important part of any Montessori environment, as our goal is to help children find peace within themselves, and to find peaceful ways to interact with those around them.
Extra-curricular activities and Sports
Music
Spanish
Dance
Soccer
Basketball
What Parents Say
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages does the preschool program at Montessori Children’s Center accept?
The Primary/Preschool Program at Montessori Children’s Center accepts children from 3 to 5 years old. Primary classrooms are mixed-age, so 3, 4 and 5 year olds learn together and children stay through their kindergarten year at age 6.
Is the Montessori Primary program the same as preschool or pre-K?
Yes. The Primary program at Montessori Children’s Center covers the preschool and pre-kindergarten years, ages 3 to 5, in one mixed-age Montessori classroom. Children stay with the same teacher for multiple years instead of changing rooms every year.
What will my child learn in the preschool program at Montessori Children’s Center?
Children in the Primary program at Montessori Children’s Center work in five Montessori areas: practical life, sensorial, language, math and science. Each child receives one-on-one lessons and chooses work at their own level. MCC enrichment included, such as Spanish, music or yoga, Special art class, Soccer, Basketball, Dance
Will my child be ready for kindergarten after preschool at Montessori Children’s Center?
MCC provide: typical skills by age 5, for example letter sounds, early reading, counting and addition. Goal: is to identify a child’s interest or curiosity and focus on skill development appropriate. our general objectives of the program at all levels are to; Nurture self-confidence, independence, concentration, coordination, a sense of order, and an awareness of self, community, and the world
Does my child need to be potty trained for preschool at Montessori Children’s Center?
Yes. Children must be potty trained to join a Primary classroom at Montessori Children’s Center. A child aged 3 or older who is not yet potty trained starts in the Toddler classroom and moves up once trained.
What is the class size and teacher ratio in the Primary classroom?
Montessori Children’s Center keeps Primary classrooms at about 1 teacher to 10 children, which is lower than the 1 to 14 it is permitted. Each classroom is led by a Montessori trained or certified lead teacher. MCC 20 children is the max
Is there a half-day preschool option at Montessori Children’s Center?
MCC provide: 8:30am 12:30 pm 5 half days per week, 3 full days per week, hours are 7am to 6pm
Photo Gallery
- Primary / Preschool - Ashburn
- Primary / Preschool - Centreville
- Primary / Preschool - Herndon
