Little Hands Montessori

I am confused about what M. Brown referring to, as there is no pool or second story at Little Hands Montessori. Little Hands is a program for 18-36 month-old toddlers. It has developmentally appropriate Montessori materials, play equipment in a homey atmosphere. There is a maximum of 12 students with 2 teachers and an administrator. Children are thriving in this sweet environment that Little Hands has created.

Our son Ethan started at MCDC, his first formal school experience, at 3 1/4 years old. I toured a number of Montessori and non-Montessori schools before I saw MCDC, and was impressed by the home-like feel of the classrooms and wonderful outdoor space. We had just moved to the S.D. area and I was late signing him up for school, so I toured the school during it's August break, when no staff or students were present. Despite not being able to meet the staff, I felt that this was someplace where my son would love learning, would be able to enjoy the gardens and animals, and would be safe and well cared for during the day.

I'm glad I trusted that instinct, as the school has proven to be all of those things. Ethan is now in his second year at MCDC, and as his main teacher, Ms. Vanit says, he's a real Montessori child. His tendency to help without being asked, to wipe up and try to fold things neatly, and to demand that I listen carefully to him and his detailed explanations all attest to the learning environment at MCDC. The staff at this school are educated, compassionate, have a sense of humor, and are obviously dedicated to their work. The administration supports the teachers and runs a "tight ship", which enhances the overall sense of independence within structure that the children enjoy.

The school affords numerous opportunities for parental involvement during the school year via parent education nights with special speakers, individual parent-teacher conferences twice a year. mothers' and fathers' nights where parents get a firsthand look at the work their child most enjoys, parent-catered lunches, and chaperoning on field trips. Children have the opportunity to organize, rehearse, and perform for families at least twice a year at adorable holiday and spring "sings" and plays.

When young children start at MCDC they are paired with a student "mentor", generally a Kindergartener, who helps them get oriented to the school schedule and facilities. This experience benefits the younger child by providing and instant buddy, but probably is most crucial to the older child, who gains confidence and compassion as the mentor. The Kindergartners at MCDC are given real organizational responsibilities for school events, which gives them a much different experience than being at the bottom of the totem pole at an elementary school. In terms of academic skills, these kindergartners seem to be doing work at a much higher level than I have observed in elementary Kgartens. Ethan will be staying at MCDC for his kindergarten year, and we are looking forward to seeing him grow even more.

We love MCDC. They are very organized and responsive in administration for the parents and the school itself is great. Our son was potty trained before 2yrs and now has some reading and writing by 3yrs. The grounds are fantastic with multiple buildings for the different age groups, farm animals, a pool, and great people. We're looking forward to our daughter being old enough to go there as well!