PROGRAMS
Philosophy of Kinder Kids Montessori
The Montessori system of education is both a philosophy of child growth and a rationale for guiding such growth. It is based on the child's developmental needs for freedom within limits, and a carefully prepared environment, which guarantees exposure to a wide range of materials, experiences and grace and courtesy, through which a child can develop intellectually, as well as physically and socially.
Montessori education recognizes that the only valid impulse to learning is the self-motivation of the child. The Montessori classroom is designed to capture the unique ability of children to develop their own capabilities. The adult prepares the environment, provides the activity, functions as the resource person or exemplar, offers the child stimulation and guidance; but it is the child who learns, who is motivated through the work itself to persist in his/her chosen task.
The Montessori environment invites the child to progress at his/her own pace. Montessori introduces the child to the love of learning at an early age with the hope of building the foundation for a lifetime of creative learning. Montessori is not only a contemporary and progressive method of education, but it becomes a way of life.
Kinder Kids Montessori proposes another option for children ages 3-5 to attend school within Trinity County, by providing additional spaces in our program. One element of authentic Montessori schools that often surprises parents new to the philosophy is the schools’ use of mixed age groups. The multiage class (which spans over three years) allows the Teacher and the children to develop a close and long-term relationship. Older students are encouraged to become role models, and mentors for the younger students. In turn they are developing leadership and nurturing skills. The younger students truly look up to their older classmates and this gives them the incentive to behave and strive to achieve more challenging work.
Dr. Maria Montessori divided children into these age groups based on studies that showed distinct, three-year periods of cognitive development (also known as “planes of development”). She found young children had incredible abilities to absorb new information and continued on to older children where they begin to formulate individual and group ethics. When in groups comprised of students in the beginning, middle, and end of each plane, children naturally teach and are taught by their peers, in addition to the instruction provided by teachers specializing in their developmental stage.
Here at KKM, our three-year Primary Program, which includes First Year, Second Year, and Third Year (otherwise known as Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten) prepares children for first grade; three-, four-, and five-year-old children are welcome to join the program at any stage. Children are provided with an interactive, hands-on and educational environment so they can become self-motivated, self-responsible, and successful learners. With the guidance of their teachers, they are free to explore their senses to fully understand the world around them, and provided with invaluable security and consistency.
Desired Learner Outcomes Common to Montessori Education
The outcomes we aspire to teach are lifelong developments.
Independence: Is the child able to choose his or her own “work” freely, complete that “work” in concentration and repetition and return the “work” to the proper place, prepared for the next child’s use?
Confidence and Competence: Are the child’s self-perceived successes far more numerous than his or her self-perceived failures? Is the child capable of self-correcting work, upon observation, reflection, or discussion?
Autonomy: Can the child accept or reject inclusion in another child’s work or work group with composure?
Intrinsic Motivation: Is the child drawn to continue working for the apparent pure pleasure of so doing? Does the child, once having achieved a particular competence, move on to revel in mastery by showing others?
Ability to Handle External Authority: Is the child able to accept the “ground rules” of the group as appropriate in his or her interactions with other children? Is the child, while distant from the Teacher, able to function as if the Teachers were nearby?
. Our Programs
. Our Programs
“The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.”
— Maria Montessori
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Our Infant Program is both Full Day and Part Day for 6 weeks – 24 months. Brain development is in prime time as babies are starting to make connections between themselves and the people and things around them. Our Infant program is designed just for these moments. Nurturing, responsive relationships between infants and caregivers support the development of their sense of security, which empowers them to explore and learn at their own pace and have the freedom to try new things, explore new challenges, and build confidence based on their experiences.
Infant Program Goals:
Primary Caregiving
Sleeping and eating based on your baby’s schedule.
Safe sleep policies guided by the American Academy of Pediatrics
Group interaction to spark curiosity and socialization.
A focus on cognitive and motor skills through playtime and activities
Whole-child development through age-appropriate materials and toys
Breastfeeding, Formula Feeding, and Solid Foods:
We are here to support you and will provide a comfortable and nurturing environment while you are nursing.
Our center is equipped to manage your expressed breast milk. Liquid breast milk may be brought in daily with your child’s name on it or frozen in approved containers with the date the milk was expressed and your child’s name on it. Our baby bottle warmer uses a gentle water circulation system. It keeps milk at a breast-milk-like temperature, aiding digestion and preserving nutrients. Your child’s Primary Caregiver will prepare it. You may also wish to come into our program and nurse your child directly. We encourage this and will provide a space to nourish your child.
If your infant is fed formula, please provide our program with formula in its original container. We strongly support and suggest that your iron fortified formula be compliant with the FDA regulatory standards on infant formula and is consistent with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children’s (WIC) infant formula requirements. This also ensures that your child’s formula meets the nutrient specifications and safety requirements. Your child’s Primary Caregiver will add the appropriate temperature water to the bottle for your infant based on the directions on the container.
When it comes to feeding infants, we know each child is different. It is our policy to allow the parent to bring food to the center and the center will also discuss the food program that is offered to assist with any dietary needs. The center will provide iron fortified cereal, pureed fruits, and veggies when developmentally ready. Please contact the center’s director for details.
Napping:
Infants have their own individualized nap schedule. All infants must have a sleep environment that prevents injury and decreased the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) that includes:
o Sleeping in safety approved crib
o Firm mattress with tight fitted sheet
o Nothing is covering the infant’s head.
o Sleep on the back
o No blanket, pillow, toys, or loose objects
o Pacifiers cannot have anything attached.
o Dressed in sleep clothing, such as a one-piece sleeper.o Never swaddled.
o Never forced to sleepDiapers:
For non-potty-trained children, the parents will provide diapers (wipes are provided) while the children are in care as required. Parents are also required to provide extra clothes daily in case the infant soils clothes that are being worn.
A log will be provided daily for parents to review their child’s daily napping, feeding, and diapering schedule. Parents will fill it out each morning and your child’s Primary Caregiver will update your child’s daily activities. You will receive a daily copy at pick up and we will keep a copy in your child’s file.
Your child will blossom as they learn and grow at Kinder Kids Montessori.
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Our Toddler Program is both Full Day and Part Day for 18 months – 36 months. We have our own classroom with our own entrance. As we grow our Toddler Program, we will share the playground with our Primary Class until our playground is ready. A schedule will be posted and adhered to so the Toddlers are not out on the playground at the same time as the Primary Class.
Our curriculum comprised of Montessori Materials will work to nurture your child’s cognitive and physical growth – which is exploding at this stage of development.
Toddlers learn by exploring rich environments with their five senses and lots of active interaction with prepared adults in a prepared environment. You've experienced this when your child unexpectedly runs toward something new and exciting, or stops to point to every bug, flower, twig, piece of dirt, tree, animal, and unexplained gooey thing on a walk. Toddlers also have a driving, inborn need to be independent. They are aware that they don't have the skills but they sure are willing to try. Maria Montessori said "No one can be free unless he is independent: therefore, the first, active manifestations of the child's individual liberty must be so guided that through this activity he may arrive at independence."
The Montessori Toddler classroom provides a safe environment for your child to learn to care for themselves and others and to develop independence. The work is tailored to the child's natural development, and they do it joyfully.
Language development – The classroom is rich with materials that help your child grow their vocabulary and communication abilities. Plenty of one-on-one work with teachers offers constant opportunity for active conversation to build their verbal skills.
Gross motor development -- Children need to move, and the class welcomes and encourages this movement. Class materials, physical education, dancing, music, and free play all help your child grow stronger and more coordinated.
Fine motor development -- These skills involve small muscles in the fingers, hands, and wrists and support your child's ability to dress and feed themselves, write, and more. Class materials provide many opportunities to practice these movements in various engaging ways.
Social and emotional development -- Your child will develop independence, self- control, and care of self and others under the patient guidance of the teachers. They are given freedom with clear limits to practice appropriate behaviors and learn how to be part of a community.
Cognition and learning -- Your child's daily experiences build the neural connections needed for a solid foundation for learning. The Montessori environment is designed to help your child develop healthy habits and encourages the exploration and freedom your child needs to build these connections.
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Our Primary Program offers both Full Day and Part Day options for children ages 3 to 6 years. The classroom is a carefully prepared environment where children develop independence, confidence, and a love of learning. At this stage, children move from the toddler’s sensory exploration into more purposeful work, building skills that form the foundation for academic and social success.
Children in the Primary classroom experience a balanced mix of freedom and responsibility. They choose meaningful activities, work at their own pace, and practice concentration while developing self-discipline. The Montessori materials are designed to meet their developmental needs and encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and joyful discovery.
Language development – Children expand vocabulary, practice reading and writing skills, and develop clear communication through storytelling, phonetic work, and daily conversation.
Mathematical thinking – Using hands-on Montessori materials, children build a deep understanding of numbers, quantity, patterns, and early problem-solving skills.
Practical life skills – Children practice everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, gardening, and caring for themselves and their environment. These activities develop independence, focus, and responsibility.
Sensorial exploration – Carefully designed materials help refine the senses, laying the groundwork for later academic concepts and deeper understanding of the world.
Social and emotional development – Through collaboration, conflict resolution, and group activities, children learn empathy, respect, and how to contribute to a community.
Cultural studies – Geography, science, art, and music introduce children to the wider world and inspire curiosity about people, places, and cultures.
The Primary Program builds on the natural curiosity of children and guides them toward independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Each program is carefully crafted to meet children where they are and support their individual learning journey. We invite you to explore more about our approach and how we can support your child's growth and development through every stage.