Montessori School

YMCA of Greater Springfield
Montessori Children’s Corner

Montessori Philosophy
Learning is wholly spontaneous in early childhood.  Montessori is a philosophy with a fundamental tenet that a child learns best within a social environment which supports each individual’s unique development.  It is a whole child approach.  The primary goal of a Montessori program is to help each child reach full potential in all areas of life. How does a small child learn, right from the beginning? By absorbing impressions from its surroundings – Dr. Maria Montessori even uses the expression “like a sponge”.

Activities promote the development of social skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination as well as cognitive preparation.  The holistic curriculum, under the direction of a specially prepared teacher, allows the child to experience the joy of learning, time to enjoy the process and ensure the development of self-esteem, and provides the experiences from which children create their knowledge.

Montessori education is not just a method, but also a philosophy which enables children to maximize their social, emotional, physical and intellectual development.  It enables the child to develop to the fullest extent possible his/her independence, self-confidence, initiative and creativity.  There are several important elements of the Montessori Method:
* Multi-age Groupings * Freedom of choice * The prepared environment * Order

Student Ages
Preschool ~ ages 2.9 yrs & kindergarten

Program Hours
The Montessori Children’s Corner follows the East Longmeadow school calendar 8/26/08-6/12/09 no program on holidays or school vacations

Monday-Friday 
7:30 - 9:00  pre care
9:00-12:00  half day
9:00 - 3:00  full day
3:00 - 5:00  post care

Registration Information
To register call the center at the # listed below and an information packet will be mailed out and parents can make an appointment for a tour.

Fees
Fees vary based on enrollment days/times.  A fee schedule is available from the center director.  Fees are due the first of each month for the full month in advance. Sibling discounts and pre-pay discounts are available.

Enrolled families receive 50% off of a YMCA gym membership.
Please contact our Center Director Kathleen Novak Sousa with any questions @ 525-8305.

YMCA of Greater Springfield
Montessori Children’s Corner
215 Somers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028