Frequently Asked Questions

• The school’s mission is to provide high-quality early-childhood education that nurtures each child’s natural curiosity, independence and love for learning. It follows the Montessori philosophy, allowing children to explore at their own pace while developing life skills in a safe, carefully prepared environment. The program is supported by tuition, grants and community funding so families from all backgrounds can benefit.

Kinder Kids Montessori runs three main programs:

• Infant Program (6 weeks-24 months)
• Toddler Program (18-36 months)
• Primary Program (3-6 years)

These programs follow Montessori’s three-year planes of development and use mixed-age classrooms to promote peer learning and leadership. Detailed descriptions for each program appear on the Programs page.

Yes. The home page includes a section titled “Early Childhood Education Teachers Needed,” inviting qualified teachers to join the team (call or text the school for details).

The school emphasizes respect for the child, self-directed learning, mixed-age classrooms and a prepared environment. Children explore materials at their own pace and are guided—but not directed—by trained Montessori teachers. The program fosters independence, confidence, community and a lifelong love of learning.

Kinder Kids Montessori was founded in 2019 by Jolene Edwards. She established the program to bring the renowned Montessori Method to the Trinity County community and provide quality early-childhood education. The campus offers naturally lit classrooms and inviting outdoor play areas in scenic Weaverville

The site highlights four core principles:

• Self-Directed Learning: children choose activities within structured guidance, developing independence and responsibility.
• Mixed-Age Classrooms: multi-age groups encourage peer mentoring and leadership.
• Teacher as Guide: teachers prepare the environment and observe students rather than lecturing.
• Prepared Environment: classrooms are filled with child-sized furniture, hands-on materials and organized workspaces to encourage exploration.

These principles guide every program.

Teachers act as guides, not traditional lecturers. They design the classroom environment, observe children, support their interests and promote independence. Instead of directing every activity, they facilitate learning by introducing materials and stepping back to allow children to explore.

A prepared environment is a thoughtfully arranged classroom with child-sized furniture, structured materials, and well-organized workspaces. It enables children to move freely, choose their own activities and build independence while learning.

Brain development is in a prime period during infancy, so the curriculum focuses on nurturing, responsive relationships and age-appropriate stimulation. Primary caregivers help infants build a sense of security, allowing them to explore and learn at their own pace.

Goals include primary caregiving, sleeping and eating based on each baby’s schedule, safe-sleep practices (following American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines), group interaction to spark curiosity, cognitive and motor skill development, and whole-child development through age-appropriate materials and toys.

The center supports families who breastfeed by providing a comfortable space for nursing. Expressed milk can be brought daily in labeled containers; milk is warmed gently with a water-circulation system. Parents who use formula should supply iron-fortified formula in its original container so staff can prepare bottles correctly. As babies become developmentally ready, the center introduces iron-fortified cereal and pureed fruits and vegetables.

Each infant follows an individualized nap schedule. To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), infants sleep in safety-approved cribs on firm mattresses with fitted sheets. They are laid on their backs with no blankets, pillows or toys; pacifiers cannot have attachments. Infants are dressed in one-piece sleep clothing, are never swaddled and are never forced to sleep.

Parents must provide diapers for non-potty-trained infants; wipes are supplied by the program. Parents should also send extra clothing daily in case of accidents.

A daily log records each infant’s naps, feedings and diapering schedule. Parents complete the log each morning and caregivers update it throughout the day. Parents receive a copy at pick-up.

The Toddler Program welcomes children from 18 to 36 months and offers both full-day and part-day options. Toddlers have their own classroom and entrance and share the playground with the Primary class on a set schedule.

Montessori materials nurture toddlers’ cognitive and physical growth. Toddlers learn by exploring rich environments with their five senses and interacting with prepared adults. The environment encourages them to pursue independence while offering safe guidance.

The program targets language development (rich vocabulary materials and one-on-one conversations with teachers); gross motor development (movement, physical education, dancing, music and free play); fine motor development (small-muscle activities like dressing, feeding, writing); social and emotional development (building independence, self-control and community involvement); and cognition and learning (daily experiences that build neural connections for learning).

The Primary Program serves children aged 3 to 6 years and offers both full-day and part-day options. The program spans three years (equivalent to Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten) and prepares children for first grade.

Children experience a balanced mix of freedom and responsibility. They choose meaningful activities, work at their own pace and practice concentration while developing self-discipline. Montessori materials meet developmental needs and encourage curiosity, problem-solving and joyful discovery.

The program develops language skills (vocabulary, reading, writing and clear communication); mathematical thinking (numbers, quantity, patterns and problem-solving); practical life skills (cooking, cleaning, gardening and self-care); sensorial exploration (materials that refine the senses and prepare for later academic concepts); social and emotional development (collaboration, conflict resolution and community involvement); and cultural studies (geography, science, art and music). These activities aim to cultivate independence, confidence and a lifelong love of learning.

Desired learner outcomes include independence (choosing work and completing it responsibly), confidence and competence (more perceived successes than failures), autonomy (ability to accept or decline inclusion in group work calmly), intrinsic motivation (continuing work for pleasure and sharing mastery with others) and ability to handle external authority (following ground rules even when teachers are distant).

Tuition varies by program and whether families choose part-time or full-time care. According to the tuition page:

• Infant Program (6 weeks-24 months): Part-time (7:45–noon) $792 per month; Full-time (7:45 AM–4:30 PM) $1,156 per month.

• Toddler Program (18–24 months): Part-time $792; Full-time $1,156.

• Toddler Program (25–36 months): Part-time $662; Full-time $812.

• Primary Program (3–6 years): Part-time $662; Full-time $812.

Yes. Depending on need and income, families may qualify for tuition assistance and are encouraged to contact the office for more information. The Parent Portal also links to an Application for Tuition Assistance (via MyCareConnect).

Once you’re ready to enroll, contact the office at (530) 739-1161 or complete the Application for Tuition Assistance linked from the Parent Portal. The program offers need-based tuition support to make Montessori education accessible.

Hours are Monday–Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Tuition schedules typically run from 7:45 AM to noon (part-time) or 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM (full-time).

The contact form requires parents’ first and last names, email, phone, subject, message and child’s date of birth. You can also call or email the school directly Monday–Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM (PST).

The Parent Portal provides links to (1) a Share Schedule & Upcoming Event document (Google Doc), (2) a Parent Handbook 2025-2026 (PDF via Google Drive) and (3) the Application for Tuition Assistance.

The Parent Portal page includes a link to the Parent Handbook 2025-2026, which is hosted on Google Drive. This handbook outlines policies, procedures and program details.

The Parent Portal’s Share Schedule & Upcoming Event link provides a document that families can review to stay updated on school events and important dates.

Jolene Edwards is the Executive Director and founder. She has worked in Trinity County since 1986, became Montessori certified in 2015, and founded Kinder Kids Montessori in 2019. She holds multiple teaching credentials, a Director’s Permit, a Bachelor’s in Business, a Master’s in Education and Leadership, and is CPR/First-Aid certified.

Krista Hymas serves as Business Manager. She has lived in Trinity County for 54 years, enjoys working with children, is CPR/First-Aid certified and has a passion for livestock.

• Kathy Stephens, Assistant Teacher: 50 years in Trinity County; CPR/First-Aid certified, holds 28 ECE units, and is pursuing Montessori certification.

• Mishalene Deluca, Aid: Four years in Trinity County; previous experience as a nanny and mother of two; CPR certified.

• Cheyanne Cline, Teaching Aide: Six months in Trinity County; experience babysitting infants through school-aged children; CPR/First-Aid certified; studying Lifespan Development.

• Makenzie George, Cafeteria Specialist: Lifelong Trinity County resident (19 years); aims to teach children healthy eating habits; CPR certified and working toward ECE units.

• The Meet the Team page lists detailed bios, certifications and interests for each staff member. Parents seeking additional information can request a tour or contact the school.

You can call (530) 739-1161 or email kinderkids.montessori@gmail.com Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM (PST). A contact form is available on the website, which asks for your name, email, phone, subject, message and child’s date of birth.

The contact page lists office hours as Monday–Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Phone and email inquiries are answered from 9 AM to 5 PM (PST).

Yes. The website encourages parents to schedule a tour to see the program in action. Fill out the contact form or call the school to arrange a visit.

Besides your personal contact details (name, email, phone), the form asks for a subject, message and your child’s date of birth so the team can respond with program information tailored to your child’s age and needs.

Kinder Kids Montessori is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations directly support fundraising efforts for the Infant and Toddler Program. The school notes that the community needs more quality childcare, and contributions help provide a safe, nurturing environment for young children.

The Donate Today page lists preset amounts ($10, $20, $30, $40) as well as a custom amount field. Donors can select one-time, weekly or monthly donations. After choosing an amount and frequency, click Donate to complete the transaction.

The page notes that Kinder Kids Montessori is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which generally means donations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for specific advice.

Donations support the school’s overall fundraising efforts for the Infant and Toddler Program. If you wish to discuss specific projects, contact the school.

The site encourages parents to schedule a tour through the contact form or by calling the office. Virtual tours are not explicitly mentioned, but the school welcomes prospective families to visit and meet staff.