Children's House of Columbia, Inc.
A Montessori Early Learning Center
915 Maryland Avenue
443-2825 phone
874-4056 fax
CHMontessori@tranquility.net
Columbia, MO
• affiliated with the American Montessori Society
• licensed by the State of Missouri for day care
• accredited by the Missouri Board for the Accreditation of Early Childhood Programs
• nondiscriminatory
PROGRAM
The Children's House of Columbia is an early learning center offering a Montessori program in which each child, respected as an individual, is encouraged to develop his/her total personality at an individualized pace and within an individual growth style. Children's House is committed to principles of respect for each child, concern for the worth of the individual and the ideal of human brotherhood.
Children's House provides a program relevant to the needs of children in a rapidly changing world. The curriculum is experimental and open ended, the atmosphere is one of personal support and caring, stressing the development of skills, concepts and values through the child's own experiences.
In the "prepared environment" of Children's House, the child may chose activities in the areas of daily living, sensorial education, language arts, music, foreign language, science, small and gross motor play, fantasy play, etc. The child's independent effort is fostered and individuality is honored. The outofdoors classroom is available to the child as an extension of the indoor environment
The Montessori classes include a toddler class for children age 2 to 3.5 years and preschool classes with mixed age groupings. There is an extended day class for older children to the age of 8. Curriculum is second grade equivalent. The ungraded aspect of the classes encourages social interaction between children and adults in a familial way which nurtures respect for and appreciation of others. Each staff is staffed by a certified Montessori teacher and one or more assistant teachers.
SCHEDULE
The toddler and preschool classes are in session from 8:30-11:30. All children attend classes for five days a week. If it is necessary for your child to arrive before 8:30, early arrival is available. Children may also stay through lunch, with pick up by 12:30. Extended childcare is available until 2:45. Children under age 4 are expected to nap in the afternoon, as required by the State of Missouri.
Extended day class is available for children to age 8. This session is 8:30-2:45. Children who are enrolled in this program are expected to attend school for these hours daily for the academic year. Children age 4 will have a quiet time after lunch. Day care is available in conjunction with the Montessori classes.
CLASSES
PRESCHOOL CLASSES (age 3-5) Maria Montessori believed that no human being is ever educated by another. Each must educate himself. Therefore, the goal of early childhood education should be the cultivation of the child's natural desire to learn.
In the Montessori class this objective is approached by allowing children to experience the excitement of learning by making their own choices and by helping them to develop their natural tools for learning.
Each child learns to work in the "prepared environment", enjoying the presence of other children, but not necessarily working directly with others. Each child is free to pursue activities according to individual needs for solitude or companionship, while respecting those rights and needs of others.
Social situations are not imposed on children. Rather, they are encouraged and allowed to develop spontaneously. The children may come together in small or large (groups to participate in activities which may include stories, conversation, discussion, cooperative or individual work effort, singing or movement activities, indoor or outdoor games or free play.
THE TODDLER CLASS (age 2-3.5) The Montessori philosophy and approach seen in the preschool class likewise guide the development of the toddler class. Goals for toddlers include the development of coordination, body image and awareness, independence, self direction, concentration, task focus and beginning social skills.
The toddler classroom is planned and prepared especially so that the entering child may experience success in work activity while the continuing child finds stimulation and challenge. Emphasis is on self care, gross motor skills, sensory education and verbal and auditory language development. A child need not be toilet trained to enter the toddler class.
THE EXTENDED DAY CLASS The extended day class is offered to children up to age 8, providing them with the enriched intellectual and social environment that they require. Exploration in more advanced language, mathematics, science, geography, history, art and music is individually programmed for each child.
AT WHAT AGE?
Age of entry is guided by Dr. Montessori's observation of the importance of the "sensitive periods" of early learning. Her observations, and modem research, describe these as periods of intense fascination with a particular characteristic or skill, such as movement, speech, order, or later, counting, reading, socializing. It is easier for a child to develop a skill during the corresponding sensitive period than at any other time.
A Montessori school is neither a babysitting, or day care service, nor a playschool to prepare children for public school. Rather, a Montessori school provides a unique cycle of learning designed to take advantage of the child's early sensitive years when a child absorbs information easily from an enriched environment.
A child can usually enter the toddler class at the age of 2, the preschool class between the ages of 3 and 4, depending upon the child's acceptance of and comfort in a larger classroom setting. All enrollments and class placements are made on a trial basis, and placements within the school are the decision of the staff, made in consultation with parents.
Upon entering a Montessori class, the child begins with the simplest activities, which will lead to the development of concentration, coordination, independence and a sense of order. The toddler program is designed for an entire year; the preschool/extended day program is designed for three to four years.
FEES
Fees quoted are contingent on USDA funding and the influence of other economic factors. Fees may be charged during the contract period.
A sibling rate is applicable for families with two or more children enrolled in complete day care. The fee for the first child is 100%; second and successive children pay 85% fees.
The first payment for the academic year is due on May 1, or upon enrollment after May 1. The balance is due monthly during the academic yew. For withdrawal from the academic year program prior to the start of school, refund is made as follows withdrawal prior to July 1, full refund of pre paid tuition is made. Withdrawal July 1-July 15, a 50% refund; July 16-July 31, a 25% refund. After July 31, no refund will be made. Additional fees will be charged for special activities, such as gymnastics, swimming, skating, special trips, etc. A late fee of $10.00/half hour, or part thereof, per child, will be assessed for late pick up.
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES, FEES AND PAYMENTS
6/l/05-5/31/06**
Service Per Month*
Montessori Class 8:30-1130 $470*
Early Arrival and Montessori Class 7:30-11:30 $480*
Montessori Class and Lunch 8:30-12:30 $490*
Early Arrival, Montessori Class, Lunch 7:30-12:30 $500*
Extended Day Care, Nap 8:30-2:45 $580*
Early Arrival, Extended Day Care, Nap 7:30-2:45 $590*
Extended Day Class, (PreK, K2), no nap 8:30-2:45 $590*
Early Arrival, Extended Day Class, no nap 7:302:45 $600*
Day Care with Montessori Class 7:30-5:30 $630*
*Monthly fees vary with the length of the academic calendar and the number of days in months. Fees quoted are for 20 day month. Tuition year runs 6/l/05-5/31/06.
**Fees indicated presuppose that current level of funding received from the Child Care Food Program (USDA), approximately $10/mo per child will be continued by Congress. If this funding is rescinded during the year, fees will most likely rise by that amount per month per child, for the remainder of the tuition year.
