When looking for a school for your child in California, you might come across Little Flowers Montessori. There are many Montessori schools in the area, but finding the right fit for your child is a challenge. If you’ve ever wondered what is Little Flowers Montessori, we’re going to look at the programs at this Montessori school.
Little Flowers Montessori is a Montessori preschool with eleven different California campuses. They offer preschool and kindergarten programs focusing on learning in a fun and friendly environment.
If you’re considering Little Flowers Montessori for your child’s education, keep reading to find out what they’re all about.
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What Is Little Flowers Montessori?
Little Flowers Montessori is a preschool located in California that offers Montessori-based toddler, preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten programs. Depending on the needs of your family, they offer several different schedules for classes. Their options include full-day programs two, three, or five days a week. They also offer half-day programs at their Learning Center in Newark, CA.
The staff members at Little Flowers Montessori are AMI and AMS-certified teachers who are passionate about the Montessori method. Each program focuses on child-centered learning and creating an environment where children can reach their full potential.
Little Flowers Montessori is a year-round school with a variety of special activities throughout the year such as holiday celebrations, puppet shows, and sporting events. They keep students engaged both inside and outside the classroom and have a thriving community.
Multi-age classrooms are a significant part of Montessori education since children learn at their own pace. Let’s look closer at each of the Montessori programs at Little Flowers Montessori.
Montessori Toddler Program
The Montessori toddler program is for children 18 to 24 months. Children don’t need to be potty trained to join this program and each toddler class typically has around 12 students. The toddler program has a different theme each week to engage the students and encourage curiosity and independence.
Little Flowers Montessori has a separate outdoor play area for toddlers where they get to explore twice a day. This age group has a structured schedule throughout the day but they also have the freedom to play and discover the learning environment on their own.
Montessori Preschool-2 Program
The Preschool-2 program is for children at least 2 years old. These classrooms are a little bigger than the toddler classrooms with 16 to 24 students. Within the preschool-2 program, students engage with Montessori activities and materials throughout the day. Like the toddler program, each week has a specific theme, and the teachers focus on practical life skills, letters and sounds, and counting. The preschool children also get to participate in creative activities such as music, movement, and crafts.
Montessori Preschool-3 Program
Once children at Little Flowers Montessori reach 3 years old, they’re able to join the preschool-3 program. Children must be fully potty trained to join this program and each class has around 24 students.
Children participate in group and individual lessons as the Montessori teachers introduce them to a new subject each week. Every day, children complete a math and language worksheet and the teachers monitor their progress throughout the year to keep track of all the important skills they’re learning.
Pre-K and Kindergarten Program
Children who are 4 years old by the month of December are able to join the pre-K and kindergarten programs at Little Flowers Montessori. In addition to their math and language studies, children participate in a range of Montessori activities.
Parents are able to meet with the teacher in a conference twice a year to learn about their child’s progress. The pre-k and kindergarten program focuses on intellectual, cognitive, social, and emotional development to prepare children for elementary school and beyond.
Where Is Little Flowers Montessori Located?
As Little Flowers Montessori has grown, they continue to add new campuses, like their newest location in Fairfield. Overall, they have eleven preschool locations which include:
- Fremont
- Newark
- Milpitas
- Pleasanton
- Walnut Creek
- Elk Grove
- Vacaville
- Fairfield
Although each campus is a little different, all of the Little Flowers Montessori locations have the same mission, vision, and approach to education. All of the campuses offer full and part-time programs except for the Learning Center in Newark which only offers part-time programs.
Enrollment at Little Flowers Montessori
The enrollment process for a Montessori school can vary based on the school. At Little Flowers Montessori, the administration enrolls students on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the year. Children who already have siblings at the school receive priority, as well as families who are returning to Little Flowers Montessori.
To start the enrollment process, you can call the school to find out about availability and schedule a tour of your child’s future classroom. If there isn’t currently availability, they will add your child to the waitlist and notify you once a spot opens up.
The monthly tuition for Little Flowers Montessori varies by location and program. The average cost for their tuition is:
- Toddler Program $900-$1,750
- Preschool-2 $850-$1,700
- Preschool 3/ Pre-K/ Kindergarten $800-$1,600
The times for the full-time program also vary by location, but most run from 8 to 5 pm. They also offer an extended care program for an additional fee at many of the Little Flowers Montessori campuses.
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What Does a Montessori Classroom Look Like?
When you’re searching for a Montessori school, every program is going to be slightly different, but there are also many things Montessori schools have in common. One of the similarities is the Montessori classroom. In Montessori education, the classroom environment is essential to the learning experience. The Montessori teachers, also known as guides, encourage children to learn and explore the environment on their own to foster independence and develop creative skills. The classroom environment is well-prepared so students are able to reach their full potential.
A Montessori classroom has plenty of authentic Montessori materials. The toys and activities tend to be made of natural materials, such as wood. In a Montessori environment, these types of materials are considered safe and inspiring for children as well as long-lasting.
The classroom environment often has large windows to bring natural light into the learning environment, and the outdoor space may include a garden for children to tend to and enjoy. Many Montessori schools focus on outdoor exploration and play just as much as indoor exploration.
How Can You Implement Montessori at Home?
When you choose a Montessori education for your child, one of the ways to help your child succeed is to implement the Montessori method at home as well. You don’t have to be an experienced or certified teacher to parent in a way that aligns with Montessori philosophy. There are many ways to practice Montessori parenting, from the toys you buy to the way you deal with your child’s emotions.
To help you get started, there are plenty of Montessori resources for parents. It may take some trial and error before you determine the best way to create a Montessori-inspired environment in your home.
Finding the Right Montessori School for Your Child
If you’re searching for a Montessori school for your child in California, you might consider Little Flowers Montessori. They offer flexible schedules for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten students. With numerous locations across the state, there are many benefits to this well-established Montessori school.
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