Summary
Contact Info
Montessori For Toddlers
20 Pacific Drive
Novato
, CA
94949
www.montessorifortoddlers.com/home.nxg
Tel:
(415) 883-2445
Director:
Terese Bradshaw
Terese@positiveparentcoach.com
General Approach to Learning
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| Play-based with some structure |
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| Predominantly teacher-led instruction |
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Montessori |
Application Information
| Deadline for applications |
Rolling |
Key Statistics
| Student/teacher ratio |
12:2 |
| Age cutoff for enrollment |
1 years and 6 months |
| School year |
Year round program |
Parent Ratings
| Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. |
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| Quality of teaching |
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| Development of social skills and work habits |
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| Home-school connection |
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| Parent community |
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| Discipline |
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| Facilities |
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| Health |
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| Safety |
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| Handling of separation |
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Survey Information
Number of parents surveyed:
13
Director survey: Yes
Savvy Source survey: Yes
General Info
Basic Stats
| Student/teacher ratio |
12:2
|
% of teachers with:
| - Teaching credentials |
100%
|
Transportation and Drop-off Policies
Transportation
Dropoff Procedure
Features of the Preschool
| Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program |
No
|
| Affiliated with a religious institution |
No
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| Some experience serving children with special needs |
Yes
|
| • We work with children who are hearing impaired. Directress know sign language, and tteaches all children sign language through songs and fingerplays. |
|
Accreditation, Membership & Awards
Other Accreditations
Other Memberships
Facilities
| CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.8) |
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| Building, bathrooms, hallway |
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| Classroom equipment and furniture |
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Facilities Include:
| Classrooms (with bathroom attached) |
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| Classrooms (with kitchenette attached) |
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Playground
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Parents' Comments
Parent #1
This is such an incredible program, it's hard to know where to begin. Terese is a truly gifted early childhood educator, and her assistant is wonderful too. My son entered Montessori for Toddlers with some social challenges that weren't easily resolved. They were able to work through those challenges with caring, innovation, and consistently positive attitudes. This alone places them head and shoulders above other teachers/programs that would have put this situation back on me as "not our problem". Beyond that, the singing, the stories, the wonderful 'work', all make this an outstanding program for any child. My son has now graduated to a "big kids" Montessori school, and he's thriving. They were instrumental in this success.
Parent #2
If you want your child to have a safe, loving, learning school, this is the place for you. Terese is excellent on structure, prepared snacks and meals, and individual growth.
Parent #3
Terese and Mary are so wonderful. My son absolutely loved going to Terese's school. He was taught with love and built his self esteem and self confidence. They have such a positive approach to everyday task. Great support for parents also
Parent #4
This program is wonderful!!! All of the children are treated in a warm, calm and positive way. I felt very good about leaving my child there and I knew she would treated tight. I also noticed how much my child progressed with communication and social skills. My daughter loved going to school. We really miss Terese's program.
Parent #5
Terese is professional, fun, and most importantly, our 2 year loves going there! It is a clean and inviting classroom, and the curriculum is enriching from fine to gross motor skills, language development, art, and social skills.
Parent #6
My daughter went to Montessori for Toddlers with Terese Bradshaw for one year and we loved it! If she could have stayed forever, I would have been delighted, but it was time to move on to "big girl" Montessori. Terese is truly an expert in the field of education. In my search, I visited many great preschools and not one matched the quality of this program.
We saw so much growth in our daughter's social awareness and she excelled in life skills development, as well. One example that comes to mind is how Kylie, from a very young age, could look at a person's face and describe how he/she is feeling. She also developed empathy and awareness of others. She was so excited to peel a tangerine or a hard boiled egg all by herself and then share it with her friends. In Terese's program, Kylie learned that she is capable and successful as a student. As an elementary school teacher, I know that this is the single most important lesson that one can learn to ensure school success. Terese is in the business of creating life long learners.
Parent #7
We visited a number of preschools... and most of them are kind of like kids self entertain them except for meal times, often the teachers sit around, until someone shows up then they try to act busy (just show up early to get an idea what its really like).
THIS SCHOOL IS DIFFERENT... IT IS EXPENSIVE... and if you're willing to pay a little more, just go for a visit... My wife and I were blown away... in so many ways that it would be too long for this article... kids learn right behaviors, appropriate activities, age appropriate activities, they learn how to help how to be polite and so many other things... Its pretty simple THATS THE PRESCHOOL to go to, you can stop looking elsewhere :-) seriously....
School offers great online resources too..
Parent #8
Strengths -- clean environment, loving staff, positive discipline, perfect introduction to a "school" environment for a toddler.
Parent #9
Montessori for Toddlers with Terese is an excellent preschool. Terese's understanding of toddlers and their social/interpersonal need is outstanding. She is at the top of her field.
Parent #10
I can not say enough wonderful, positive things about Miss Terese and her program. She provides a loving, nurturing environment. People are amazed at how articulate my 2.5 year old is, and it is because of Montesori for Toddlers. I would more than highly recommend this preschool!
Parent #11
This program is based on "positive discipline" which is an excellent, calm, nurturing way for children to learn cooperation and respect. The materials and lessons available to the children are impressive and very comprehensive - I am amazed at how much my daughter has learned about a wide variety of subjects.
Parent #12
A wonderful and loving enviroment where any toddler will thrive.
School Philosophy & Day in the Life
School Philosophy and Mission
" Its purpose is to provide:
A small group Montessori experience for toddlers in the security of a safe, loving home environment.
A place where a positive separation experience is encouraged and to help the child make a successful transition from home to school. .
An opportunity for toddlers to explore and experiment in an environment which has been carefully prepared with challenging and stimulating materials. As children work together in the classroom, they are gently guided in a manner, which enhances their innate sense of independence, order, respect, and kindness.
A place where each child is treated as an individual and is encouraged to move at his or her own pace.
A wonderful outdoor play area where children will have plenty of opportunity for gross motor activity so important to their growing bodies.
A supportive atmosphere for parents as they watch their children grow into happy, self-confident, independent three year olds.
A natural flow through growth and development building self-confidence, self- esteem and enhancing overall well being.
Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School
"Program Activities include:
Art
Music
Practical Life Activities including: food preparation, cooking, pouring, sweeping etc.
Language Arts
Science
Creative Free Play
Organized Movement Activities for motor skills development"
Home School Connection
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (4.6) |
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| Conducts an open house at start of school year |
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| Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year |
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| Conducts regular parent teacher conferences |
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| Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year |
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| Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year |
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| Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools |
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Director's Comments
Parent Education is an important part of the family learning experience at Montessori for Toddlers. Terese leads evening workshops for parents on the Positive Discipline aproach by renowned author Jane Nelsen.
Parents and teachers communicate on a daily basis either in person, by email or by phone.
Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled annually.
Separation
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Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
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Small group sessions
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Extra staff dedicated to handle separation
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Parents in classroom early on
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Abbreviated schedule at start of school year
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Director's and Parents' Comments
Director's Comments
We encourage a positive separation experience allowing parents to stay with their child for up to two weeks.
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Parents are encouraged to attend positive discipline courses to increase the home-school connection for the child. The courses are extremely valuable. Amazing.
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (3.4) |
Parents:
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
Discipline, Health and Safety
Discipline
| OVERALL RATING (5.0) |
|
| 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
| |
Overview
Director's Description of Approach Toward Discipline
Positive Discipline based on the work of Rudolf Dreikurs and Alfred Adler. The Positive Discipline approach is a non-punitive method that focuses on teaching children through understanding encouragement and mutual respect. Parents learn proven methods that invite cooperation from young children and encourage their budding independence.
Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
The classroom environment, inside and out, is developmentally appropriate for toddlers. The facilities include a music area, art area, and library area. They are not in seperate rooms.
Health
| OVERALL RATING (4.9) |
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| Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable |
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| Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided
|
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Safety
| OVERALL RATING (4.7) |
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| Screen and identify all visitors
|
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| • All staff must pass a criminal background check by the Department of Justice. |
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| Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others |
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Ages, Schedule & Tuition
Ages, Class Size, Days & Tuition
| Ages |
Class Size |
Days |
Tuition |
From
1 years
6 months
to
3 years
10 months
|
12 |
|
$940/Month |
From
1 years
6 months
to
5 years
|
|
|
$895/Month |
From
1 years
6 months
to
5 years
|
|
|
$685/Month |
From
1 years
6 months
to
5 years
|
|
|
$485/Month |
From
1 years
6 months
to
3 years
10 months
|
12 |
|
$730/Month |
From
1 years
6 months
to
3 years
10 months
|
12 |
|
$515/Month |
Extended Care
Notes on Schedule and Extended Care
Notes
All children are served an organic nutritous snack and hot lunch.
Calendar Year
School Year
Kindergarten Placement & Tips
Parents' Admission Tips
Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions
Parent #1
I can't think of anything
