MCH's Parent and Child Program, Discover Me, is designed for primary caregivers and children from birth to 18 months.  The program provides caregivers educational instruction and support to help children become independent, respectful and self-assured. 
Goals of the Discover Me:
1. To foster healthy and joyful relationships between caregivers, their children and others.

2. To assist caregivers by providing information that will help them understand and guide their children toward optimal growth and development.

3. To teach the importance of observation, respect, and independence as it relates to the development of “intrinsic motivation.”
How does a child achieve independence? 
 “He does it by means of a continuous activity. How does he become free? By means of constant effort. …we know that development results from activity. The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct his own experiences." 

- Maria Montessori
How does the child benefit? 
  • The child is stimulated to explore age appropriate materials in a beautiful environment. 
  • The program supports the growth of each child in all areas of development – Physical Motor, Cognitive, Social-Emotional, Language, and Spiritual.  
  • The child is given the opportunity to participate in a short group activity involving song and movement. 
  • The child has the opportunity to explore nature.  
  • The child interacts with other children.  
  • ​The child has a caregiver that will learn how to set up a home environment that best supports the needs of the child.   

How will the caregiver benefit? 
  • The caregiver (parent, grandparent, nanny) learns about the importance of observation as it relates to the development of the child. 
  • Learns about the importance of self-soothing and freedom of movement as both relate to optimal child development. 
  • The relationship the caregiver has with the child grows stronger.
  • The caregiver learns how to set up an environment at home that will be safe, stimulating and nurturing; an environment that cultivates freedom of movement and independence. 
  • The caregiver engages in a 20 to 30 minute group discussion at each class on a topic regarding child development. ​

DISCOVER ME has been postponed but we look forward to welcoming you as soon as possible. Thank you!
​
Kim Berude, Infant/Toddler Program Director and Discover Me Leader
As the Director of MCH’s Infant/Toddler program, Kim Berude brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the school. Montessori-trained with over 30 years of experience, Kim has a BA in Special Education for early childhood through elementary, a Master‘s Degree in Infant Development and Special Ed, and American Montessori Society certification. Kim is an instructor for MEIPN and teaches child development and infant environmental design from in utero to three years old. In her career, Kim has started an Early Childhood program for handicapped children on a USA Naval Base in Yokosuka, Japan. Kim’s nurturing personality and gentle disposition makes her a valued member of the MCH family.