It is necessary for the teacher to guide the child without letting him feel her presence too much, so that she may always be ready to supply the desired help, but may never be the obstacle between the child and his experience.
MARIA MONTESSORI
Building Blocks' students are welcomed into a prepared environment designed especially to meet the needs of sensitive periods of 3 and 4 year olds. Initial steps towards independence begin for 3 and 4 year olds with practical life exercises, including, care of the person, care of environment, social relations, and movement. The Emphasis is placed on age-appropriate exercises targeted at developing concentration, self confidence, development of the pincer grip, left to right orientation, integration of the body's movements with will, and self direction. The classroom environment is filled with unique equipment which has been specifically designed to both involve and develop these skills in young children.
The Building Blocks 3-4 year old program was created as a transitional program. It offers the perfect Montessori environment for children born late in the year or who are not quite ready for a five day program. Enrollment is limited to 16 children with a child to staff ratio of 8:1. For the child who is experiencing his first separation from his primary caregiver, the smaller class offers more opportunity to gradually bond with his new teachers and become more self confident to interact with classmates.
Children may be enrolled to attend 2 or 3 days a week.
