Summary

Parent Ratings

Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents.

Development of social skills and work habits

Home-school connection

Parent community

Discipline

Facilities

Health

Safety

Handling of separation

Survey Information

Number of parents surveyed:  2

Savvy Source survey: Yes

General Info

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.0)

Building, bathrooms, hallway

Classroom equipment and furniture

Outside play equipment

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

"Human development clearly indicates that there are universal, predictable sequences of growth that occur during the first nine years of life. That is to say, all children learn certain skills and knowledge at particular stages. The timing for the learning is unique -- based on a child's individual personality, background, and interest.

Our preschool program is developmentally appropriate; it is based on the developmental research and each child's individual needs.


At Montecito School, Inc., we believe that children need to be children. We are not an academically oriented preschool. Our hope is that our children will find school a warm, happy place where they feel self confident and successful. Our curriculum emphasis social skills, large and small motor development, eye hand coordination, auditory and visual perception skills, following directions, and enhancing attention span. Our experience has been that with these skills appropriately developed, academic achievement is assured.


We plan a portion of each day that is free with many choices and only safety rules: play safely, be kind to others, and be careful with our toys and our school. Free time occurs at bike time, outdoor playtime, and free choice time in the classroom. We also plan structured times such as circle which is a large group time. Circle is teacher directed and includes a wide variety of activities including music, movement, stories, fingerplays, games, calendar, etc. These activities are planned to be developmentally appropriate and enjoyable. Most children look forward to and enjoy circle time. Circle is for everyone and even if a child would rather paint or play with the blocks, he comes to circle. This is rarely an issue but, when it is, we feel that this minor frustration is a positive step in preparation for life. It is important to learn that we cannot always do as we choose. Other structured times of the day are small group time and, to a lesser degree, snack time which is a time for quiet relaxation and socialization. We do all kinds of math and reading readiness activities every day in a play oriented, non-pressured way. Children take from the program what they are ready to absorb. We recognize that children who consistently gravitate to trucks, blocks, and housekeeping areas are satisfying a need for exploration, social interaction with role playing, all very valid early childhood needs. However, we encourage them to participate in other activities as well.
"
Excerpted from the preschool's website

Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source

Curriculum & Teaching Approach

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (4.2)

This school has increased my child's:

Ability to listen and follow directions

Ability to sit still for longer periods of time

Ability to be a part of a group of children

Self-sufficiency and independence

Awareness of others’ feelings

Cooperation with other children

Curriculum and Teaching Approach

Language					-
Oral language	-	-	-	-	n/a
Nursery rhymes, poems, songs	-	-		-	n/a
Storybook reading	-	-		-	n/a
Emerging literacy skills	-		-	-	n/a
Cognitive Development					n/a
Math and number sense	-		-	-	-
Time & space	-		-	-	-
Sci. reasoning/physical world	-	-	-	-	-
Music	-	-		-	-
Visual arts	-		-	-	-
Physical activity		-	-	-	-
Other subjects taught					n/a

Quality of Teaching

Director and Parents have not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source.

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (4.3)

Conducts an open house at start of school year

Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year

Conducts regular parent teacher conferences

Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year

Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year

Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools

Separation

OVERALL RATING (5.0)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Parents in classrooms early on

Discipline, Health and Safety

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (5.0)
Parents' Opinions
Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children: are handled extraordinarily well in a way that not only gives me confidence in the safety of my child but also reassures me that my child (and his/her peers) are learning the early skills needed to socialize effectively with one another

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
The buildings are old, but well-maintained. The outside play areas are outstanding. The campus is beautiful.

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.3)

Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable

Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided

Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

Safety

OVERALL RATING (5.0)

Screen and identify all visitors

Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others

Ages, Schedule & Tuition

Application & Admissions

Kindergarten Placement & Tips

Director and Parents have not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source.