Montessori education is a model of human development and an educational approach developed by Italian Physician and Educator Dr. Maria Montessori.  This model emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural psychological, physical, and social development in a mixed-age environment.

 

At Sunflower Montessori and Daycare, we are committed to observing and supporting the natural development of children, as well as treating each child as a unique individual.  We use a Center-developed Montessori curriculum and educational practice to help children develop creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, and time management skills, care for the environment and each other, prepare them for kindergarten, contribute to society, and become fulfilled persons.

 

Sunflower Montessori and Daycare uses lessons and materials introduced by Dr. Maria Montessori, tailored to the basic characteristics of children at different ages and the individual personalities of each child.  The function of the classroom environment is to allow the child to develop independence in all areas according to his or her inner psychological directives.

 

Our program and curriculum were developed to follow two basic models of human development.  The two principles of this model are: First, children engage in psychological self-construction using interaction with their environments.  Second children, especially those under the age of six, will use their innate path of psychological development.  Based on these models, the children are guided by the teachers and will be at liberty to choose freely within the environment prepared, and will act spontaneously for optimal development.