The Montessori name is famous, however it is not a trademark and is associated with more than one organization. Some schools are "influenced by Montessori" but bear little resemblance to Dr. Montessori's teachings and learning premises. Other schools have been founded that closely resemble Montessori's teachings.
Step by Step Montessori Schools is a group of Montessori schools and child care centers founded in 1991. The Step by Step school have eight locations in the Twin Cities metro area. These schools serve children 6 weeks to 6 years of age and offer a variety of programs, either full-time or part-time, before and after school. Step by Step also offers a full day kindergarten program and a summer program for school-aged children.
Step by Step schools use the Montessori materials that allow children to explore practical life, sensory perception, reading, writing, math, geographical interests, some elements of botany, music and foreign language. Fine arts are an important part of the curriculum. In addition to the regular school day, families can elect to have their children participate in dance, gymnastics, computer, swimming and field trips.
Maintaining a high quality staff is important to the Step by Step Montessori schools. The staff turn-over rate is among the lowest in the pre-school industry. The Lead Montessori Teachers are Montessori Certified and many of the Assistant Teachers and Classroom Aides have either a 4-year degree or are working towards a degree.
The Step by Step Montessori school philosophy is very similar to that of its founder, Dr. Montessori whose ideas and methods have continued to spread throughout the world. Her message to teachers today would be "to turn one's attention to the child". The Montessori method is a "hands-on" approach to learning that encourages children to develop their observation skills by doing many types of activities. These activities include the use of all give senses, small and gross motor skill coordination, spatial relationships and concrete knowledge.
"Scientific observation has established that education is not what the teacher gives; education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the human individaul and is acquired not by listening to words but by experiences upon the environoment."
Dr. Maria Montesori, Education for a New World.
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