Developmental Readiness Guidelines
Children are capable of amazing independence and focus given the appropriate environment and guidance. To ensure that your child can thrive in our community and the classroom works in harmony, certified guides will meet with your child and determine their level of development prior to acceptance. Do not be discouraged if your child struggles with the guidelines listed below. We strongly encourage families of children with special needs and those who have not found success in traditional settings to apply and see how an authentic Montessori classroom can help with your child’s development.
A child who is developmentally ready for our classroom:
is fairly independent in the bathroom. Children should be comfortable using the toilet and be able to clean up and wash hands on their own. However, we understand that most 3 and 4 year olds have occasional accidents and we handle these in a relaxed and low-key manner.
is able to listen to stories and engage in activities. A child who has developed appropriate concentration skills will be able to attend group situations, actively listen to stories, participate in games, etc.
will take suggestions from the teacher of activities he is ready for. A child who is not ready will pull away from the teacher when she offers her hand, or will display unwillingness to go with the teacher by lying on the floor, running away, hitting, fussing etc.
is willing to let the teacher help her complete the work cycle. A work cycle involves taking out an activity, completing it, and putting it away. Children who are not developmentally ready for this type of classroom are easily distracted by other activities within sight. They will take out many activities, work on them for a short amount of time, move on to something else without putting the previous activities away, and refuse the assistance of a teacher.
is able to follow simple directions. This includes lining up and walking from one place to another, washing hands, or putting on a coat to go outside. Children do not have to be able to do these things perfectly, but they should be willing to listen to instructions on how to do these things and begin to follow those instructions.
is able to communicate needs to the teacher and other children appropriately. Children who are not developmentally ready are not able to vocalize their needs and will become very frustrated when they are not met.