For many families, the school day schedule does not coincide exactly with the parents’ workday. This means that many children need to attend before and/or after care so parents can be at work when needed. When that before and after care is available from the school or nearby it makes everything much easier logistically. But, convenience is not the only factor parents consider when looking for before and after care options. The quality of the care and the potential benefits to the child are also elements parents consider when looking through the options. If you are considering a Montessori education for your child you will find that many Montessori schools offer both before and after care.
Each Montessori school is unique but you will find that many offer before and after care. For example, Fountainhead Montessori School offers before care for students starting at 7a.m. until classes begin and after care anywhere from 6 to 6:30 p.m. depending on the campus. This schedule provides most families with the flexibility they need to get to work on time and be back for pickup before the campus closes. Check with the particular campus you are considering for a detailed schedule of the before and after care options.
If you want your child to attend before or after care at Fountainhead Montessori School you can expect the same level of care that they receive in the classroom. The before and after care setting is set up like a classroom with its own head teacher and planned activities. The head teacher plans and posts activities at the beginning of each week so you and your child will know what to expect. The teacher and support staff in before and after care are trained and experienced at the same level as those in the classroom during the day.
The before and after care programs at FMS are designed to be an enriching extension of class time. Students have circle time and get the opportunity to participate in activities such as cooking, music, and many others. Students are able to explore various areas of potential interest which complements the type of learning they do in the classroom. Because parents get off of work at different times there will be students coming and going from the before and after care environment.
The Montessori method is one that can be applied effectively during regular classwork as well as during before and after care. The time that students spend in Montessori before and after care is planned proactively to supplement classroom learning and provide enrichment. Fountainhead Montessori School has four campuses that offer before and after care for students in Dublin, Danville, Livermore, and Orinda.