Fountainhead Montessori - Preschool/PreK 3-5 Years

These classes are held from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., depending on location The Preschool/Prekindergarten class offers children a multi-age community in which to explore the Montessori prepared environment. This multi-age grouping (ages 3-5 years) is successful because the older child learns by being the leader in the classroom, and the younger child learns by observing the older child. This environment is intended to serve the child for two years.

The overall goals of this classroom are order, concentration, coordination, and independence. The children enjoy self-directed activities and experiences in the different areas of the classroom. Each area of the classroom—practical life, sensorial, language, math, cultural subjects (sciences), and art/music—is designed to invite the child to choose focused, purposeful work.

The children come together daily at circle for songs, poems, stories, demonstrations of work, games, and opportunities for expressive language and social development. The Preschool/Prekindergarten class supports the child’s sense of wonder and blossoming personhood.

Children 4 and older may also join us in our Extended Day program. This optional class is an extension of our morning program and is held from noon to 3 p.m.

Preschool/PreK Program Goals

Communication Development

Supporting your child's verbal, non-verbal, and listening skills for connecting with family, friends, and beyond.

Asking and responding to questions
Learning the names of teachers and friends
Telling simple stories
Identifying actions in books
Speaking to the class during circle
Following directions of two or three steps
Using words to ask for help
Practicing problem solving with friends

Growing Brain Power

Providing an enriched environment and the personal relationships to make the most of your child's amazing brainpower.

Practicing daily-living skills for grace and courtesy, care of self, and care of the environment
Exploring and building sensory skills and concepts with specialized Montessori materials
Completing works with step-by-step processes
Choosing independent, sequenced reading, writing, and number activities with teacher guidance

Building Relationships

Helping your child develop trust, self-confidence, and problem solving skills for positive relationships with friends, parents, and teachers.

Practicing thoughtfulness, respect, and courtesy with teachers and friends
Working individually, in small and large groups
Learning to take turns with popular activities
Gaining confidence by completing chosen work
Exploring similarities and differences among people

Helping Healthy Bodies Flourish

Nurturing your child's physical well-being through active play and body awareness.

Gaining control by walking around others’ work, and others’ bodies
Practicing good hygiene: hand washing, nose blowing, coughing into the crook of the elbow
Trying a wide variety of healthy foods
Improving large motor skills through action songs, games, walking, running, and climbing

Creativity and Individual Expression

Promoting an atmosphere that inspires your child's unique character through art, movement, music, and dramatic play.

Singing quiet, loud, silly, and pretty songs to explore musical variety
Imagining the world around them by studying other lands and cultures
Showing the beginning of abstract thought through representational drawing
Emphasizing process over product in artwork

At Fountainhead Montessori, we have high expectations of our staff. Ninety percent of our caring and excellent head teachers have over 10 years of Montessori classroom experience. They are loving, creative, respectful, supportive educators who know the potential and needs of the age groups they work with.

Preschool/PreK 3-5 Years