Early Childhood
The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six. MARIA MONTESSORI
We know from experience and research that the first six years of life provide opportunities, never equaled again, to open intellectual and emotional pathways in a child's life. In that sense, choosing a preschool has become nearly as important as choosing a college. Within the nurturing atmosphere of BMS' Early Childhood program, children aged two+ to four naturally work with interest and focus, developing a habit of concentration and love of learning that will last them all their lives. The close attention paid to each child's interests and needs sometimes means that a child will begin reading or writing quite early; however, it's a myth that Montessori education "pushes" early academics. Each child develops according to his or her own natural rhythm.
Each of the four multi-age classrooms at BMS' Early Childhood Campus has two full-time teachers, many of whom have been with us for years, who provide a rich program of Montessori education enhanced by newer practices such as those found in Italy’s Reggio Emilia schools. In obedience to our commitment to observe and honor children's developmental rhythm, beginning in fall, 2009, our ECC classrooms will begin accepting slightly younger children -- older two-year-olds -- and move the developmentally ready kindergartners to our Elementary program at our other campus.
At the ECC, we honor the parent/child bond of attachment which you've carefully nurtured for the first years of your child's life, and we "follow the child" when it comes to separation. We believe our responsibility extends beyond the child; we strive to serve you in your role as parent by offering monthly parenting groups to allow parents to come together and support one another with wide-ranging discussions on child development and parenting concerns, facilitated by a staff member.
Please contact us for more information on our ECC program.
