In Montessori Kindergarten, children are developing an astonishing array of essential life skills. Learning is uninterrupted and self-regulated. Children work purposefully on projects for as long as they wish, developing concentration, perseverance, independence, and an ever increasing understanding of their sense of self.​
A child’s unique Kindergarten experience at MCH is the culmination of the three-year Early Childhood experience. All Kindergartners attend school for the full day: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00am-3:30pm and Wednesday 9:00am-1:00pm. Before and After School Care is available (see details below).

Our certified Montessori teachers have a profound understanding of children’s changing development. The Early Childhood program supports each child’s growth from early childhood to school age. MCH’s specially designed Kindergarten program nurtures the child’s emotional, physical, social and cognitive development.

During the Kindergarten year, literacy takes center stage in the child’s life, both the classroom environment and during individualized lessons, which include handwriting, journaling, reading and word study.

The social life of the five and six year old begins to take precedence. This is the time for children to begin experiencing true cooperation, collaboration, compromise, and compassion. Individual and small group instruction is experienced daily. Kindergartners collaborate and are a source of inspiration for each other. As natural leaders in their class of two-and-a-half to six year olds, Kindergartners develop patience, tolerance, and self-confidence which lead to enhanced self-esteem. 

The Kindergartners and Elementary students interact through a buddy system where they visit each other’s classrooms for book reading and to share lunch time together. Periodically, throughout the school year, the Kindergarteners and Elementary students attend field trips together related to music, theater, science and nature. Building relationships between younger and older peers helps to broaden learning experiences between multi-age groupings of children to create a companionable community.
What makes Kindergarten at MCH extraordinary?
  • Close teacher-child relationship
  • Low teacher-student ratio
  • Mixed age grouping creates opportunities for leading and following
  • Learning is uninterrupted
  • Teaching is personalized
  • Each child works and learns at their own pace
  • A wide range of multi-sensory materials lead to excitement and discovery
  • Freedom of movement and choice
  • Individual, small and large group lessons provide a variety of learning opportunities and social settings
  • The teacher supports the Kindergartner’s time management and personal accountability
  • Behavior management is created through peace education and self-regulation
Working with the teacher, the child begins to set and attain academic, social and emotional goals for themselves. Children choose their own work according to their goals and their personal interests. Time management, self-discipline and personal accountability are emphasized through frequent, regular check-ins with the teacher. 

Instead of being “taught,” each child is led towards self-discovery of concepts through use of materials. Multi-sensory materials are plentiful for physical, scientific exploration. Rewards are intrinsic through success with materials as children spot their own errors. A wide range of materials are used for a wide range of capabilities. 

Eligibility

Washington State guidelines require that children must turn five years old by August 31st to be eligible for Kindergarten. Early Kindergarten entrance at MCH is dependent upon early acceptance in a local public school Kindergarten or is at the discretion of the child’s lead teacher and the Early Childhood Program Director.

Kindergarten Extended Day Schedule

We believe that consistency is imperative to a child’s well-being.  Nowhere is that more valuable than in our Extended Day program.  Run by our knowledgeable Assistant Teachers, our Extended Day program is designed for all students to have access to a highly trained staff member that knows and works with your child everyday.
 
During before/after care, our Montessori Curriculum continues to be available.  We also bring in age appropriate enriched materials such as manipulatives and art extensions, allowing for more imagination and dramatic play.  All programs spend a great deal of their extended day schedule outside, where they are encouraged to explore and discover the natural world around them.  This also presents a great opportunity for practicing gross motor and social thinking skills.  After spending time outdoors after school, all extended day students come back to their program’s extended day classroom. 

8-8:40 - Outside Time
8:40-9:00 - Transition to and Assist Setting Up Classrooms
9:00-3:30 - Regular School Hours
3:30-4:30 - Outside Time
4:30-6:00 - Snack/Work Time
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