Montessori pre-school observation - what to ask?

I am going to a local Montessori pre-school next week as I'm considering putting Ben in there when he is three (it's a 3-6 yr pre-school). I have absolutely no idea what to ask when I go?!?! I've read up on the Montessori program and really agree with their philosophies and way of teaching and encouraging learning. I'm actually quite nervous about this! :lol:

DS is currently cared for by my mum while I'm at work and has never been in any kind of care outside of the family, so I haven't had to do this before. Any hints, tips or advice on what things I should ask or look out for will be appreciated!

Ummm, I'd just soak up the 'feel' of the school. You might have some questions once you are there, and I'm sure they wouldnt mind you ringing again later to clarify some things if you need it.

Good Luck!

Will they call if he is unsettled?
Will they allow him his comfort toy/dummy/blanket whenever he wants it?
Will he be looked after by the same couple of people all the time? If not, what are the hours of his main carers?
Will they allow you to take him for short visits before starting? (staying with him)
Do they inform you of his eating/sleeping/toileting at the end of the day?
What is their policy for giving panadol for a temperature?
What is their discipline policy?
Do they welcome you as a visitor to the classroom unannounced?
Do they have a food/drink policy?
How do they assist with settling at sleep time?
How do they go about providing age-appropriate resources in a mixed age group?
What happens if he is away sick or you go on holidays? Do they do make-up days or discount fees?
They should have some kind of policy book describing lots of different areas. You could ask to see it. Good luck, hope it goes smoothly for you!

Which Montessori are you looking at? My DD goes to the Montessori up in Brissy & we are moving to the Northern Beaches in Sydney. I've been looking into the Montessori in Forestville & its got a fantastic reputation.

Sacha's questions are good to ask any care centre to send our children too.

I love the fantastic Montessori system. I love the way Montessori works with children. Matilda has thrived in that environment. I love the director and teachers there and they have even contacted the director of the centre in Forestville to talk about integrating Matilda to the next centre.

HTH!

hiya hun,

dont really have the time to reply properly, but if you visit the NCAC website wwwdotncacdotcomdotau there is some greqt info about quality childcare. hth :D

Thanks for the replies :) I am totally in love with this pre-school and really want to send DS there. The cost might be an issue as he'll be going when he's 3 and I'll probably not be working. Still, it looked so amazing and I think DS would really thrive there.

Im not sure if all montessori schools do this, but the one my dd goes to offers the child care benefit through centrelink.Maybe ask & just find out.

Yeah the under 6yrs old should benefit from the CCB. Mine does :)

That's really good to know, thanks!