THE PARENT-INFANT COMMUNITY
four to eighteen months — Fridays (6 sessions)
From the very beginning, Montessori encourages a child to explore the world around him. The Parent-Infant Community offers children an environment designed just for them that is an extension of life at home. This program, which parents attend with their children, provides an introduction to Montessori education and initiates the child’s transition from the world of the family to a school community.
THE TODDLER COMMUNITY
eighteen months to three years Monday to Thursday · 8:30 am to 11:30 am
At this age, the child is moving toward greater independence. The Toddler Community offers the child a bridge between home and the outside world in a gentle, nurturing way. Here, the child is free to explore this beautiful and interesting environment with a teacher as her guide. The daily preparation of food is an important part of the child’s work as she begins to gain practical skills and develop social awareness
THE PRIMARY CLASS
three to six years Monday to Friday · 8:30 am to 11:30 am / 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Our three-year primary program begins when a child is about 3 years old and is toileting independently. The mixed-age classroom provides an opportunity for younger children to learn from older peers. Ideally, the child will then remain with the same teacher in the same classroom for the three-year program, which includes completion of the traditional “kindergarten” year. This allows the child to work at his or her own pace, learning from a variety of activities offered in the 4-core areas of the primary classroom: practical life, sensorial, language and mathematics.
Fundamental academic concepts are presented through hands-on materials building a strong foundation for later learning.
SUMMER PROGRAMS
Our Summer Primary Program is for registered Prairie Flower children only. Children enrolling into the Primary Class at the beginning of the next school year are also eligible. This program is a more relaxed continuation of our Montessori curriculum. The children are able to take advantage of our beautiful outdoor environment and can do more outside work in the garden, go hiking, and explore all the flower and fauna in our pond, woodland and meadows.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EXTENDED-DAY WITH A HOT LUNCH: 8:30 to 3:00: Prairie Flower offers an extended-day for children 3 and 4 years old. Kindergarten-aged children also attend five days a week, 8:30 to 3:00.
All extended-day children are required to have a hot-lunch that meets DCFS standards. With documentation from your doctor or religious leader, exemptions are permitted so children can bring their lunch from home. These meals are prepared in our certified kitchen in compliance with State of Illinois food handling and health guidelines. Organic, fresh fruits, vegetables, yogurt & whole milk are also provided.
OUR OUT-DOOR ENVIRONMENT: Prairie Flower has a beautiful outdoor environment with ample space to run and play among mature pine and hickory trees. Gardens, sandboxes, and classic playground equipment complete our fenced-in area. A wetland comprising a small pond and stream, a woodland with ravines and wild bramble, and prairie meadows not only enrich our curriculum, but also offer opportunities for the children to experience nature first hand.
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: prairieflowermontessorischool.org
Prairie Flower does not discriminate in admissions or employment on the basis of gender, race, religion or creed.