Learn And Play® Montessori School
Toddler, Preschool, Prek, Kindergarten and After School Programs
Enroll Now New Hercules Campus New San Carlos Campus
Exploring early education options for your child can feel overwhelming, but visiting schools and comparing what is available in your area is a great place to start. As you consider the Montessori approach, you’re likely to have some questions, and we are here to help answer them. [Read more…] about Montessori Myths vs. Facts: What You Should Know
Yoga isn’t just for grown-ups—it’s a wonderful practice for young children too! Practicing yoga with preschoolers at home can be a fun and calming way to support their physical, emotional, and mental development. At all of our Learn And Play Schools, we love incorporating movement and mindfulness into our day, and yoga is a perfect way to continue those benefits at home. [Read more…] about Stretch, Breathe, Play: Doing Yoga at Home with Preschoolers
A mother’s love is unique. It’s full of care, strength, and warmth, and Mothers are our first image of the world. Indeed, we all realize that mothers shape who we are. There is nothing like “Mom!” This Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 11, 2025), we want to thank all the mothers and others who blessedly play the role of “Mother” in kids’ lives and who are in the Learn And Play community. Thanks, “Moms!” Your love and support make our school a better place every day. [Read more…] about Creative Ways to Celebrate Mom: DIY Crafts from the Heart
This week, which is “Teachers’ Week,” we have worked hard to honor our teachers! Teachers don’t just teach. They shape the future (via the children) with their hands, hearts, and minds. Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to recognize the passion, creativity, and dedication our teachers bring to each school daily. At Learn And Play Montessori, we see how our teachers impact the students —not just in teaching letters, numbers, and colors, but in helping children grow as curious, confident, and kind individuals. [Read more…] about Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week: Honoring the Heart of Learning
At Learn And Play® Montessori School, we have a unique approach: we combine Montessori with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). We aim to get the “best of both worlds,” the passionate “love of learning” that comes from Montessori and the practical, forward-looking career skills that STEM provides. In this post, let’s explore some of the Montessori aspects of our best-in-class preschool programs from Sunnyvale to Hercules, Fremont to Milpitas, Pleasant Hill to Moraga and everywhere in between (as we are opening new campuses all the time). [Read more…] about Teaching the Montessori Way
At Learn And Play Montessori School, we believe in nurturing not only your child’s academic growth but also their social and emotional development. One of the key components of the Montessori philosophy is the emphasis on grace and courtesy—a set of social skills that help children interact respectfully and empathetically with others. These skills are crucial for building a positive and harmonious community, both within the classroom and beyond. [Read more…] about The Importance of Grace and Courtesy in Montessori Education
At Learn And Play® Montessori School, we are passionate about providing quality education and care for every child, recognizing that financial considerations can be a significant hurdle for many families. We are committed to making our Montessori program accessible to all, and to support this mission, we have diligently researched and partnered with various subsidy programs in the Bay Area. Our website features a dedicated tab that serves as a comprehensive guide to the different financial aid options available for parents seeking affordable childcare. [Read more…] about Learn And Play’s Comprehensive Guide to Childcare Financial Aid
Embarking on a new journey in the realm of Montessori education can be both exciting and challenging. For teachers joining our team, the corporate office onboarding serves as a crucial initiation into the world of Montessori philosophy and practices. Many educators may enter without prior Montessori experience, making this introduction an invaluable foundation for their future classrooms.
Cultivating a Montessori Culture: The Core Purpose of Onboarding
The primary goal of our onboarding program is to immerse teachers in the unique ethos of Montessori education. Beyond a set of teaching methods, Montessori is a holistic approach that values each child’s individuality, fosters independence, and encourages a love for learning. By bringing teachers into the corporate office for training, we provide them with an opportunity to not only understand the principles but also to become acquainted with our organizational culture.
Hands-On Learning: Montessori Materials and Techniques
During the onboarding process, teachers experience firsthand training with Montessori materials. These materials, carefully designed to engage children in self-directed learning, become the tools that teachers use to guide their students. This interactive experience allows educators to familiarize themselves with the materials they’ll be utilizing in their classrooms, ensuring a seamless transition from training to teaching.
Comprehensive Training: Beyond Montessori Principles
Our onboarding day is more than just an introduction to Montessori. It serves as a platform for teachers to undergo essential training sessions that are crucial for their roles. This includes mandated reporter training, pesticide training, and anti-harassment training. These sessions not only comply with legal requirements but also equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.
Building State Files: Onboarding Requirements for Schools
A significant aspect of the onboarding day is the completion of requirements that contribute to the teachers‘ state files. These files, a prerequisite at our schools, encompass all necessary documentation and certifications, streamlining the administrative process and ensuring that teachers are ready to step into their classrooms with confidence.
Montessori Overview: Understanding the Foundations
To ensure a strong foundation in Montessori principles, the onboarding includes an overview covering the following key areas:
Navigating the Learn And Play Systems: Paylocity and Employee Handbook Training
In addition to Montessori principles, our onboarding extends to the practical aspects of our organization. Teachers receive training on the systems we have in place for Learn And Play, including:
In conclusion, our onboarding day is a pivotal step in the journey of our educators. By integrating Montessori principles with practical training and administrative requirements, we strive to equip our teachers with the knowledge, skills, and cultural awareness necessary for success in their classrooms and within our organization. Together, we nurture a community dedicated to providing the best possible educational experience for our students.
The decision to send your child to a Montessori school is important, and the transition from being at home to attending a Montessori school is a significant milestone for both you and your child. Our Montessori school programs run currently in Fremont, Danville, Dublin, and Milpitas. The Montessori method of education is known for its unique approach to fostering independence, creativity, and a love of learning in children. To help ease this transition, we’ll explore some valuable tips for parents and what to expect during the first few weeks of Montessori school.
Prepare Your Child Emotionally. Emotional readiness is crucial for a smooth transition. Start by discussing the upcoming change with your child. Explain why they’ll be going to school and the exciting experiences they will have. Encourage their curiosity and enthusiasm, reassuring them that school is a fun place to learn and make new friends.
Familiarize Your Child with Montessori Principles. Montessori schools have a unique philosophy focusing on child-centered learning, freedom within limits, and mixed-age classrooms. Introducing your child to these principles before their first day is a good idea. You can read books or watch videos about Maria Montessori’s ideas, which will help your child understand the learning environment.
Tour the School Together. Before the first day of school, arrange a tour of the Montessori classroom with your child. This will help them become comfortable with the physical environment, the materials, and the teachers. You can also introduce your child to some of the other students to make them feel welcome.
Click here to Schedule a Tour of any of our Learn And Play Montessori Schools
Establish Routines. Montessori schools emphasize independence, and it’s helpful for children to have a structured routine at home. Encourage your child to dress themselves, tidy up after activities, and take care of their personal belongings. These skills will make the transition to the Montessori classroom smoother.
Encourage Grace and Courtesy: Beyond academic development, Montessori education places a strong emphasis on cultivating grace and courtesy. Introduce your child to the values of respect, kindness, and consideration for others. Emphasize the importance of polite interactions and the joy that comes from being part of a supportive and respectful community. By instilling these social skills early on, your child will seamlessly integrate into the Montessori environment, fostering positive relationships with peers and teachers alike. Incorporating grace and courtesy into their daily routines at home will further nurture these essential qualities, contributing to a well-rounded and emotionally intelligent educational experience.
Build Confidence. In the Montessori environment, children are encouraged to make choices and decisions. Help your child build their confidence by letting them make age-appropriate choices at home, such as selecting their clothing or deciding what snacks to eat. This will prepare them for the independence they’ll experience at school.
Transitioning from home to a Montessori school can be an exciting journey for both parents and children. By preparing your child emotionally, introducing them to Montessori principles, and building their confidence and independence, you can help them adapt to this enriching learning environment. During the first few weeks, embrace the unique aspects of Montessori education, including mixed-age classrooms and individualized learning, and maintain open communication with your child’s teachers. With patience and support, your child is on their way to a fulfilling and transformative Montessori experience.
