Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Best of Pre-Schools

 
There is only one place to go to for a pre-school with heart and that is the International Montessori Preschool.   The name isn’t the most creative, but you get the point.

The heart comes from the Founder of the school, Mrs Dekleva.   She is so gentle, so caring and just embodies the soul of an educator.   Her loving hand touches everything at the school.   She was the first educator for Zayne and Aiyana.

At the IMP the emphasis is not so much on WHAT they learn, but HOW they learn.   The idea is to empower children to learn, to infuse learning with joy and a sense of personal accomplishment and most importantly, a sense of social awareness.   Learning is not an individual sport - it is a team sport.   The most important lessons learned are not necessarily those from books, but those you learn from others and those you learn FOR yourself.

As for the basics, they do learn them, but it is done in relation to the world around them.  

Mrs. Dekleva and her caring team, know each child by name, give individual attention and love with firm guidance when needed.    She does not believe in whip discipline, so if you are looking for a boot camp this is not the place for your child.   Children are given the freedom to be children to a large extent.

I just want to give you an example of their level of attention by describing a parent teacher conference.   First of all there is a detailed report card with over 30 metrics.   Then there is a written component and then a discussion.   There was no doubt that they knew my children’s strengths and weaknesses and they laid out a plan to encourage the strengths and address the challenges.

And frankly I get a full report of their daily activities at pick up.   If they know you care enough to know, they care enough to tell.   Mind you sometimes ignorance is bliss.   I really didn’t want or need to know that the boys are showing each other their willies to see which one has the biggest.   Really?   From now?

They currently have space for January, so if you are the slightest bit dissatisfied with their current school, call them!   You and your children will be nourished and enriched by the Deklevas.

ps.  Personally speaking I LOVE the community of mothers and fathers at the school.   We meet for coffee after drop offs on Monday and our time together has been filled with laughter, support and love.   You will not find a warmer circle of friends.

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