The mission of Montessori Academy is to prepare students to be life-long learners and responsible citizens of the world community. Through the use of Montessori methods and philosophy, an individualized approach in multi-age groupings encourages developmentally appropriate learning of academics, and social and life skills. All children are given the freedom - in a structured environment that is nurturing, child-centered and supportive - to develop their gifts and pursue their interests while also learning the incumbent responsibilities.
History
Montessori Academy is corporation organized in 2000 under the laws of the State of Florida. It operates out of two locations:
Toddlers and Young Montessorians - 19620 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, Broward County, Florida.
Preschool and Elementary - 19200 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, Broward County, Florida.
The school opened its doors September, 2002, in a stand-alone building located in the Park Avenue Plaza, in western Pembroke Pines. At our initial opening in 2002-2003 school year, we had one classroom devoted to Toddlers, and six classrooms for Early Childhood students. In 2003-2004 we expanded adding an additional room for Pre-K/Kindergarten. We have expanded to included Primary Elementary begining with the 2004-2005 school year.
On August 2007 we opened our "East Campus" catering to our Preschool and Elementary programs.
Affiliations
Montessori Academy is fully licensed by the Department of Families and Children of Broward County.
Montessori Academy also holds Full Affiliation status with the American Montessori Society. Our lead teachers are Montessori trained and certified, and maintain professional memberships with the American Montessori Society.
Montessori Academy is also in the process of attaining accreditation from the Southeastern Association of Independent Schools.
Montessori Philosophy
An idea fundamental to Montessori philosophy is that the child has an innate desire to develop her human potential in all its dimensions. Equally intrinsic to Montessori philosophy is the belief that the young child has an "absorbent" mind. Maria Montessori believed that just as a baby learns to walk and talk spontaneously and without the direction of an adult, so is the child able to absorb and process all sorts of information from her environment, and in effect, to teach herself. Thus, Maria Montessori believed that the primary job of childhood is for the child to "create" herself.
Maria Montessori was the first woman accepted by the University of Rome Medical school and was graduated with honor in 1896. She did a great deal of her early work in children's wards of the local hospitals and went on to work with retarded children under the supervision of Itard and Seguin, innovative scientists of the time. Using their methods and didactic materials, she worked extensively with the education of these children. At the end of her work with them, many of them passed the state tests on a level with the normal children. Montessori then concluded that there was something wrong with the regular education program and devoted the remainder of her life to studying and improving that education. Many of her recommendations such as movable tables and chairs, the need for special nutrition, and time out of doors came from her background as a physician.
In 1903, Montessori was asked to start a special program which she named "Casa de Bambini" or "Classroom" for the children of working parents in a new public housing area in the San Lorenzo district of Rome. The developers hoped that with organized activities, the children would not mark the walls and be otherwise destructive to the new buildings. By observing these children and their teachers (whom she called Directress) Montessori further developed her philosophy of education.
Through these undertakings, Montessori became aware of the value of a prepared environment, which meets the child’s needs, and of a child's need for joy in learning. This philosophical framework leads to the Montessori environment: an environment that is carefully planned to include materials that meet the cognitive and developmental needs of the child, and which enable the child to learn through her personal interactions with the environment. Because the child has been prepared for each new material she is able to proceed at her own rate. The self-correcting characteristics of each exercise, combined with the fact that the child has been prepared for each new step, leads to successful experiences which lead to further successful experiences.
The Prepared Environment
Dr. Montessori wanted this environment to be open-ended, not a fixed system. She believed the classroom should be innovative, full of constant experimentation based upon observation of the child. It is a nourishing place; a place of self-construction which reveals personality and growth patterns. Not only must it contain all it needs, but all obstacles must be removed as well.
Although Maria Montessori placed such emphasis on the environment, it is important to keep in mind several key ideas:
She regarded the environment secondary to life itself. In the Montessori Method she states: "It can modify, it can help or hinder, but it cannot create. The origins of species and individuals lie within. The child doesn't grow because the environment is nourishing. She grows because the potential life within her grows, making itself visible."
The environment is carefully prepared for the child by a knowledgeable and sensitive adult.
The adult is a participant in the child's life, living and growing within it. The eventual outcome of the class depends upon the teacher's ability to participate with the children in a life of becoming.
The Montessori Classroom environment has four major areas. The activities in the Practical Life area aid in the development of the child's sense of order, self-reliance, and muscular development. Each material in the Sensorial area provides a means for the child to focus on a particular sensory perception, thereby enhancing the child's ability to perceive similarities and differences, to grade and match, etc. The purpose of the materials in the Math area aid in development of the mathematical mind. Beginning with the concrete, the materials gradually enable the child to comprehend abstract mathematical concepts. The materials in the Language area lay the groundwork for reading and writing. There are also many activities in the areas of Art, Music, and the social and natural Sciences, which enrich the child’s development, and well as her understanding of the world around her.
The Montessori Elementary environment is prepared so that individualized learning establishes an intimate contact between child, teacher, and work. Instruction deals in the concrete and concerns itself with the basics as compatible with the development of the child. Everyone knows everyone; it is like a family. Work is shared and learning is vitalized by social life. Adding to the community spirit is parent involvement. Because of the open-ended Montessori environment, there is no limit to what the child can do. In collaboration with the teacher all kinds and levels of learning take place, thereby maximizing the individual potential of each child.
Enrollment Procedure
Complete the application and return it to the school office with the non-refundable application fee.
When MAB has an opening for your child, you will be notified via telephone, facsimile or email.
Once the School has received the registration forms, the non-refundable enrollment fee and the signed tuition agreement, a space will be reserved for your child.
School visits are required for all student applicants. Applicants will be screened where they will work with a teacher and be able to choose other work as well.
Tuition Payments
MAB offers three tuition plans:
total tuition paid at the time of enrollment (a 4% discount applies);
tuition paid in equal monthly installments beginning August (or upon enrollment) and ending June;
half tuition paid at time of enrollment and half on or before December 15 (a 2% discount would be applied).
A $25 late fee is charged for any late payment.
For enrollments after the first day of school, tuition is prorated.
Fees for Late Pick-Up
A late fee is charged for late pick-up.
Morning Session
12:30 p.m.
$5 Per Hour
Afternoon Session
3:00 p.m.
$5 Per Hour
Wait List /Reservations
If enrollment is full and a parent wishes to be placed on the waiting list, or if a parent wishes to reserve a space for a time period to begin after the first day of the school calendar, the non-refundable application fee must be received in the office prior to the child's placement on the list.
After the first day of classes, new children will only be enrolled until November 1, after this date enrollment will take place on a space-available basis.
Tuition will be prorated and a tuition schedule will be set up to assure full payment by March 1.
Standard school policies regarding withdrawals, dismissal, and refunds apply.
Withdrawals and Refunds
The Director must be notified in writing of any withdrawals, giving one month advance notice. For students withdrawing from any MAB program when at least a month advance notice has been given, refunds will be made in accordance with the following policy:
The Yearly Registration fees are not refundable;
Withdrawal before August 1, any tuition paid in excess of the non-refundable fees and dues will be refunded;
Withdrawal after August 1, in addition to the non-refundable fee, MAB will retain a prorated tuition for the month/months (or partial months) attended.
Since MAB staffs classrooms based on enrollment, the penalty for early withdrawal [if no advance notice is given] will be payment in full for the remainder of year's tuition agreement, minus months already paid, and minus any discounts for early payments that may have been applied.
Re-enrollment Procedure
Application fee is required for all re-enrolling and new students.
Re-enrollment of current students and their siblings takes place between January 15 and February 15.
The Tuition agreement and enrollment fee is due by February 15.
After the February deadline, no space will be reserved for a returning student until the current year's tuition has been paid in full.
NOTE: Space availability for the following year cannot be guaranteed after this date.
Sick Children
Your child's health form must be filled out by your physician and must be returned before the first day of school. Children must have a complete physical examination each year. Required inoculations and immunizations must be up to date, and a lead-screening test is mandatory as well. Immunizations required by the Department of Health and FDC&F are Hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), poliomyelitis, and measles.
If your child's medical information should change during the course of the year (s/he develops an allergy, is put on medication, etc.) you must notify your child's teacher in writing.
If your child will not be attending school because s/he is ill, please notify the school.
Children attending MAB are expected to be well enough to participate in all activities including outdoor play.
Children who become ill during the day will be allowed to rest in the office until the parent arrives. One staff member will be assigned to observe the child and be sure of her comfort and safety. If and when a child displays a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, he/she will be required to be retrieved from the school. Parents will be contacted to rely this, and have them pick up the child in question.
Please do not send your child to school on days when any of the following symptoms are present
fever
rash
cough
discharge of discolored mucus from nose or eyes
diarrhea
vomiting
sore throat
Administering Medication
No medication, prescription or non-prescription, may be administered to a child without specific written permission from the parent and the physician. The prescription must be specific for the child in care and in the original bottle with the written order of the physician not more than one year old. The physician's instructions for dosage must be followed exactly as prescribed on the label of the medication.
Medications must be properly stored out of the reach of children. All unused medications will be returned to the parent or disposed of in a way that is completely safe and out of the reach of children at any time. MAB will keep a record of all medications administered to children. This medication log form will be kept and put into the child's permanent file. Do Not send any medication in your child's school bag or lunch box. If a medication is to be administered by an MAB staff member, you are responsible to bring it to the front office, with the corresponding forms.
Topical medications such as lotions, petroleum jelly, and sun screens require written permission which is valid for one year.
Allergies
Parents must notify the office of all known allergies.
Managing Infectious Disease
Children attending MAB are expected to be well enough to participate in all activities, including outdoor play.
If a child becomes ill at the program with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, the school will call the parent or emergency contact person to pick up the child as soon as possible.
Children with symptoms of other contagious diseases, including strep throat, conjunctivitis, or impetigo will be excluded from the program until 24 hours after prescribed treatment has begun.
A child with symptoms of contagious disease will be given a place to rest, separate from other children until he/she is picked up by a parent or someone designated by his/her parents to do so. One staff member will be assigned the responsibility to monitor the child in accordance with FDC&F ratio requirements.
Children with head or body lice must be treated by a physician before they may return (All clothing and belongings must be sent home for treatment).
Notification of Contagious Disease
MAB will notify parents of any contagious disease at school. Notification will be made via use of form letters from the Health and Safety in Child Care book and posted in the lobby and by the classroom doors. Parents must remember to notify school officials if their child has a contagious condition.
Return to the Program
Children who, in the opinion of the staff, may have a contagious condition will be excluded from the program until a physician indicates in writing that it is safe for the child to return. Should there be additional questions about treatment; Department of Public Health may be contacted about the decision on a child's return to the program. Children beginning antibiotic treatment for contagious disease should have treatment for 24 hours before returning. MAB requires that children be free of fever and vomiting for 24 hours before their return to the classroom. This DOES NOT mean overnight, but a full 24 hour period.
Handwashing Procedures
Handwashing is the first line of defense against infectious disease. Staff and children are required to wash their hands at the following times:
Upon arrival at school,
Before eating or handling food,
After going to the bathroom or assisting in toileting,
After touching body fluids (blood, mucous, feces, urine, vomits, etc.),
After handling pets or their equipment, and
After any cleaning activities.
Sanitation Guidelines for Infection Control
The following items will be disinfected daily:
Toilets and Toilet Seats,
Sinks and Faucets,
Non-porous Floors,
Cloth Towels,
Mops,
Countertops, and
Eating Tables.
Personal items such as blankets, fabric toys, or hats will be sent home at least monthly to be washed thoroughly with a disinfectant bleach solution. Personal items, such as bedding, combs, and towels should not be shared and must be labeled. Soiled items going home will be sealed in a plastic bag and kept out of reach of children.
Monitoring the Environment
ANY POTENTIAL HAZARDS WILL BE REMOVED BEFORE CHILDREN ARE ALLOWED ACCESS TO THE SPACE. CHILDREN WILL BE SUPERVISED BY A STAFF MEMBER AT ALL TIMES. ALL TOXIC AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (INCLUDING CLEANING MATERIALS) WILL BE KEPT AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND FROM ANY FOOD ITEMS.
Accident Report Form
An MAB accident report form [Number 4 form] is completed after all emergencies or accidents. A staff member will talk with a parent or guardian about each accident or injury their child experienced in the program. One copy is given to the parents; one copy is kept on file.
First Aid Equipment
The main first aid kit at MAB is kept in the office at the Teacher’s Lounge. In addition, each classroom has a small first aid kit. The Administrative Assistant is responsible for keeping the kits supplies at all times, which include the following items: adhesive tape, Band-Aids, compresses. Gauze pads, rolled gauze bandages, disposable latex gloves, instant cold packs, ipecac, scissors, tweezers, and a thermometer.
Use of First Aid Supplies
First Aid equipment may be used by MAB staff members trained in emergency first aid by an approved instructor in an FDC&F approved first aid course. Volunteers should not administer first aid. The First Aid kit must be kept out of reach of children at all times. When administering first aid for cuts and abrasions, latex gloves should be worn.
Emergency Transportation/Notification of Parents
Emergency Ambulance/Rescue is called at 911. Parents are to be notified of emergencies immediately by telephone. Their work and home numbers are on the student's Face Sheet. When parents cannot be reached, a teacher will accompany the child in the ambulance. A staff person at MAB will continue to try to reach a parent and/or emergency contact designated on the Face Sheet by the parents.
Fundraising and Annual Fund
Fundraising activities organized by the P.T.O. provide for the school's extracurricular events [Pumpkin Patch, Winter Fest, School-Wide Picnic, etc.], while tuition provides the school with a sound financial base for major capital expenses associated with program development and expansion. Major fund-raisers are held each year. Each family is strongly encouraged to participate in the fund-raisers.
Classroom Observations
Classrooms are open to parents beginning in mid-October. Parents are asked to schedule any in-class observations in advance and this should be done through the office. There are procedures for these observations that need to be followed. Teachers give their full attention to the children during class time and will be unable to talk with you during your observation. If you have questions please call your child's teacher, or make an appointment to meet with her.
Conferences and Reports
MAB holds regularly scheduled conferences twice a year, in the fall and in the spring. This gives the parents an opportunity to meet with the teachers to discuss their child's activities and progress. A written report of each conference is maintained in the child's records and a copy of the report is sent home prior to the conference. All conferences are confidential conversations between the parents and staff. Both parents are urged to attend the conferences. Conferences are scheduled after daily school dismissal.
Parents are encouraged to call the teachers if they need to speak to them. Except in emergencies, all calls to teachers should be made at lunchtime or before or after school hours.
Carpools
A list of each carpool, including signed parental authorizations, must be submitted to the office before carpooling begins. If someone other than a carpool member or an authorized pick-up person is to get your child at school, a written authorization must be sent to your child's teacher. Please be sure that an adult is responsible for getting the note to your child's teacher at the beginning of the session. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE WILL CHILDREN BE RELEASED TO AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON.
Snacks
Children need to have access to a nutritious snack daily.
Suggested snacks: vegetables, fruits (bite-sized), crackers, crackers with peanut butter, nutritious breads, mini muffins, etc.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND: Candy or other very sweet foods. Chocolate is strongly discouraged. Sheet cakes and other high sugar content foods are not appropriate.
Lunch
If your child is eating lunch at school, please pack a well-balanced meal, excluding candy and other highly sugared foods or food containing excessive quantities of additives and preservatives (i.e. Lunchables and other pre-packaged, processed foods). Such foods do not sustain a child throughout the day and often cause adverse side-effects in attention and behavior.
Suggested lunch foods: milk or 100% fruit juice, whole grain bread, high protein sandwich filling (meat, fish, bean, peanut butter, or cheese), and a fruit and/or vegetable. Refrigeration for individual lunch boxes and microwaves are not available. Children are not allowed to share their lunches.
Birthdays
MAB children may celebrate their birthdays by bringing in a birthday treat. Since we at MAB are concerned with nutritional awareness by the children, we ask that you please keep the sugar content to a minimum and keep the servings small. Choose your child's favorite from the suggested snack list found above. (Fruit Kabobs are always a hit!) Parents are asked to inform the teachers in advance whenever they intend to provide a birthday treat.
Birthdays' celebration are done once a month for all of the children in the specific classroom, as scheduled with the room teacher. Schedule the date with the teacher and bring one cupcake for the Birthday child.
If you are planning a home party for your child, please consider the other children and do not distribute invitations in school. We also ask that children do not bring gifts for after-school parties.
Holidays
The following holidays are celebrated by the children at school:
Fall Fest in October,
Thanksgiving in November,
Winter Celebrations in December [Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanzaa],
Friendship Celebration in February, Earth Day in April, and
Family Day in May.
Most other holidays are not formally celebrated in the classroom, that is, children do not wear costumes to school at Halloween, nor are there classroom parties to celebrate religious holidays. However, holidays are recognized within the social, seasonal, educational, and community environment in which they occur. The children may do craft projects, listen to music, or read books pertaining to all aspects of the holiday occurring at the time.
Clothing and Personal Belongings
ALL CLOTHING SHOULD BE CLEARLY LABELED. All children must wear school Polo shirts, sweatshirts, or jackets, and kahki shorts or skorts [for girls]. Shoes that are appropriate for outdoor play are recommended. In cold days the school’s sweatshirt or jacket is suggested.
Please provide a complete change of clothing for your child including underwear and socks. The clothing should be labeled with your child's name and packed along with a plastic bag in a plastic box. The extra clothing must be brought on the first day of class and must be replaced as used; if not used, it will be returned on Fridays.
Notices and Advertising
Notices that are posted in the lobby must first be approved by the Director and should relate to entertainment, educational programs, etc., for MAB aged children.
No advertising or demonstrations of products or books is permitted in the classrooms or on or about the school premises, unless specificaly approved in writing by the administration.
No notice may go in the children's school bags without prior approval by the Director.
Parents may use the newsletter to inform others of services or goods they offer.
All correspondence with people or organizations in MAB's name must first be approved by the Director.
Problem Solving Procedure
A parent should first approach the teacher regarding concerns about his or her child, the classroom environment, or the teacher or assistant.
With problems requiring further study, the teacher or parents should consult the Director for help with a resolution.
If the parents, teacher and Director agree, an outside clinician may be asked to observe the situation.
The mission of Montessori Academy is to prepare students to be life-long learners and responsible citizens of the world community. Through the use of Montessori methods and philosophy, an individualized approach in multi-age groupings encourages developmentally appropriate learning of academics, and social and life skills. All children are given the freedom - in a structured environment that is nurturing, child-centered and supportive - to develop their gifts and pursue their interests while also learning the incumbent responsibilities. 
