Eden Prarie Montessori offers high quality programs from Infants to Kindergarten.

Infants: Eden Prairie Montessori believes that your baby should be kept comfortable and content through out the day.The ratio is 4 infants to one adult class licensed for 8 infants, one teacher and one assistant teacher. Our trained staff will keep careful records of each baby as they develop and grow each day. The environment for the babies is soothing and happy with soft music playing and the smiling faces of our nurturing staff. The staff communicate with the babies constantly by signing, with actions, talking, singing, reading and simply playing with them. They make sure proper feedings, diaper changes and naps are tailored according to each child's needs and age. To meet the needs of each baby, written and verbal communication is made with parents and caregivers. Infant musical instruments, manipulatives, movement, exercise, actions, poems, songs, facial expressions, finger plays, tummy-time, pictures, books, recognition of sounds of language, first words, recognition of objects, interaction with other babies are some of the many activities we introduce to the babies each day.

Toddlers: At this age the children are learning lots of language. Our ratio or 7 toddlers to one adult class licensed for 14 toddlers, one teacher and one assistant teacher. Toddlers are beginning to learn to use words, sentences, expressing their likes and dislikes appropriately, learning to socialize, share, interact with each other,learning to name objects, and making children aware of the first and last sounds of a word are some of the many language activities we work with. A variety of activities are introduced to help our toddlers become more independent and develop fine motor skills. Introduction to math concepts are approached by helping children aware of what's large and small, more or less, and simply singing songs like...one little, two little, three little fingers. Finger plays, musical instruments and movement, songs etc. are introduced for music. Painting, coloring with crayons, and finger painting are some of the art activities. Many tactile activities are introduced not only to develop coordination and control of movemrnts, but also to help the child recognize dimensions, shapes, textures, colors, and sequence. Everyday manners, table manners at meal time, proper nutrition, taking care of oneself and environment are worked on each day. Story time is made very interesting for toddlers with flannel board stories, tape stories, musical rhymes, or simply reading to them each day. Children enjoy our playground for outside playtime and exploring nature. Written daily reports are given to parents to indicate how each child did at school.

Preschool/Kindergarten: Mixed age groups enable children to learn from one another. The ratio of 10 children to one adult, licensed for 40 students, we have 2 classrooms of 20 students each with one teacher and one assistant teacher. The older children learn to help the younger children and experience leadership skills. The younger children learn not only language skills but also routine, appropriate behavior, and general classroom conduct by observing their role models. Children are introduced to and work with age appropriate materials to develop coordination, control, concentration, movement, math concepts, preparation for reading and writing, aesthetic concepts, sensorial concepts, geography, science, and music each day with the aid of the unique Montessori materials and method. A well balanced day with classsroom time and playtime is scheduled each day. Children also learn the imporatance of working individually to complete a task as well as working in teams or with a partner. Manners, nutrition, good habits, taking care of oneself and environment are some things we work on.

Extended Day - Daycare: Extended day is at 7:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m. and 3:00p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Children work with activities that are non-Montessori. Example - legos, blocks, lincoln logs, games, coloring, painting, playdough, dramatic play, and many other manipulatives are available to the children.

Extra Curricular Activities: Stretch 'N' Grow is an exercise and movement class that is very popular at Eden Prairie Montessori. Dancersise and Computer classes are also offered at Eden Prairie Montessori. All extra curricular activities involve a small monthly fee.

Summer Program: A wonderful summer program with lots of fun activities starts in June. Science camp, art camp, music camp, International week, nature study are some of the activities planned.

The Montessori Learning Experience

Classrooms: The Montessori environment allows the children to explore and learn a variety of subject areas of interest at the childs own pace. The child has freedom within limits to move around and choose age appropriate activities that the Montessori adult has presented. The classrooms for toddlers and Pre/K consists of open shelves displayed with beautiful Montessori materials. Different areas of the Pre/K room will be designated for math, sensorial, language, exercises of practical life, science, geography, and art. The children may work on mats or tables. When you visit a Montessori classroom you will see that the children are engaged in purposeful work.

Materials: Montessori materials are unique and are designed so the child learns through multi senses. Each piece of material has a purpose, a point of interests, and a control of error. Dr. Maria Montessori learned that children find simple, infinite understanding of concepts going from from concrete to abstract form.

Math: Children become aware of quantities and their corresponding numerals at an early age.They learn to associate the quantities and numbers and gradually advance into learning the basic operations of numbers.

Language: The Montessori language materials helps the children become aware of the phonetic sounds of the alphabet and build words as they master this skill. Further exposure to a variety of supporting materials help the children explore into reading and writing.

Sensorial: Sensorial materials help children develop skills of the senses, while becoming aware of shapes, colors, sizes, smells, sounds, and textures around them.

Exercises of Practical Life: Children develop social and self-help skills through activities designed to build concentration, coordination and control, and interpersonal skills. A variety of child size materials that are attractive and real, help children do purposeful work. For example - arranging flowers in a vase, cutting a carrot, washing a table, sweeping the floor, sewing a button,etc.

Geography: A series of materials designed for the children to learn about the world they live in. Land and water formations, continents, cultures, countries, and flags are some of the material presented.

Botany: Chidren learn about the parts of a tree, leaves, and flowers, and learn to distinguish shapes of leaves. A variety of card materials are available for children to explore.

Art: A vast amount of art materials are available for children to use and be creative.

Music: Musical instruments are introduced so the children can learn rhythm and beat. Many songs are taught and they love to sing.

Group Activities: Music time, story time, play time, lunch time is conducted in a group. The Montessori method encourages children to work individually, as well as, with a partner.