PARENT

HANDBOOK
Mountainside Campus
9215 N. 14th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85020
(602) 943-7672

www.mdpsc.org
www.montessoridayschools.org

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 “Education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the
human
individual and is acquired, not by listening to words, but by
experiences in the environment.”

“Education is the help which we give to life so that it may develop in

the greatness of its powers. Before we can give, we must
understand…If we can understand, we can help, and this help must be
the plan of our education: to help man to develop, not his defects, but
his greatness.”

Maria Montessori
London, 1946

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“The real essence of the Montessori method is to help the natural

process of human development, to create integrated personalities…that
is..

PEOPLE …

- who have a sense of responsibility

- who know their limitations, and their greatness
- who have a sense of duty toward themselves and society…and…
- who, having a clear vision, can make a positive contribution to
solving social problems.”

Maria Montessori

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Dear Parents,

Welcome to the Montessori Day School community! The MDS staff is

pleased to be working with you and your children. We realize that you,
as parents, are especially sensitive to your own child’s needs and we
appreciate your choosing MDS for your child’s educational needs.

Studies show that children do best when the family is engaged in their
learning and schooling. It is our goal to form a partnership between
you and the school that will enrich your children’s educational
experience and your family’s life. Your close association with the school
will benefit both you and your children. Your children’s growth and
learning will be greatly enhanced as you learn more about Montessori
principles and apply them in your home.

At MDS, we stress parent participation and provide many ways for you
to become involved: parent education meetings, classroom
observations, conferences, community events, school support and
fundraising activities, and family oriented events. By participating, you
will get to know the Montessori philosophy and curriculum, your child’s
work, the school staff, and other families in our community. Your
participation is vital for your child’s success and for the ability of the
school to thrive. It truly does take a “village” to raise a child. Our
School-Parent-Student Compact outlines basic partnership
responsibilities to support our students’ success.

Please read this Parent Handbook carefully. It will answer many

questions about the school and the various aspects of our program.
Keep it accessible for reference during the year. If you have any
additional questions or concerns, please call us, send us an email, or
write us a note and we will get back to you.

We look forward to growing and learning with you and your children in
the upcoming school year.

Sincerely,

Margaret “Peg” Huffman

Executive Director

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Philosophy of Montessori Day Schools 05

Important Phone Numbers 06
Enrollment Procedure 06
Classroom Placement and Parent Requests 07
Daily Class Schedule 07
Extended Care Schedule 07
The First Day of School 08
Every Day 08
Dress Code 10
Lunch 10
Napping 11
Dismissal/Late Pick Up Fees 11
Attendance 11
Field Trips 12
Birthdays 12
Student Health 12
Classroom Observation 13
Your Child’s Work 14
Discipline Policy 14
Cell Phones 16
The School Office 17
FERPA 17
Special Education 17
Title I Services 18
English Learners Program (EL) 18
Childfind 18
General Information 18
What is Montessori Education? 20

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THE PHILOSOPHY OF MONTESSORI DAY SCHOOLS

At Montessori Day Schools (MDS), we strive in every way to uphold Dr.

Maria Montessori’s time-tested philosophy of education, which is based
on “a harmonious growth of all potentialities of the child, mental and
physical, according to the laws of its being…” (Montessori, 1945). We
believe that everything we do should reflect respect for each child, their
potential, their individuality, and their humanity.
Maria Montessori stated that children have a natural tendency toward
learning, and that stages of learning exist for which there should be
corresponding educational environments and trained teachers who
“prepare the environment.” Children then enjoy learning independently,
using the materials within the environment. The teacher structures
presentations, coaches and directs the children, and observes as they
become more capable of choosing their own activities and initiating their
own learning. In this way, the teacher becomes the guide, the link
between the child and the environment. The learning environment
cultivates individual potential, the ability to make sound choices,
concentration, independence, personal responsibility, problem-solving
abilities, social interaction, interdisciplinary breadth, and competencies
in basic skills.
Montessori said that children’s play is their work. In this same spirit,
we believe that children learn through doing, experimenting, making
choices and making mistakes. In this way, they gain mastery of their
physical bodies, their emotions and their minds. As children gain
mastery in these areas, they learn to use knowledge not as an end goal
but as a tool in the process of becoming independent thinkers, creative
problem solvers and self-actualized individuals.
We believe that a school should be a learning community of educators
and families working in partnership to create the best environment
possible for the children’s growth and learning as well as their own. As
members of a community, we help and support each other in all ways
that we are able, through our knowledge, labor, talents, time and
creativity.
Finally, we believe that quality education should not drain a family’s
financial resources nor waste the resources of our planet. Thus, we are
committed to providing the highest quality educational programs and
services for the lowest possible cost. To do this successfully requires
the active participation, assistance and cooperation of every member of
the school community, working together to keep costs down and quality
high. This is true at every level of the program and in every area of
school operations, whether private or chartered.

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 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Mountainside Campus - Pat Freeman, Director
602-943-7672
Geidy Ochoa – Administrative Assistant
602-943-7672
MDS Billing -Debi Reed, Bookkeeper
602-943-7672

ENROLLMENT PROCEDURE

Children are accepted into the programs at Montessori Day Schools in

the following order: current students, siblings of current or past
students, and new enrollees. New enrollee applications are accepted
during open enrollment. Should there be more applicants than available
spaces in any particular level during open enrollment, available positions
will be filled by lottery and those applicants who are not selected are
placed on a waiting list.

The following items are needed to complete enrollment:

- An enrollment application that has been signed and dated
- A completed emergency form
- A current copy of immunization records
- Proof of child’s identity and residency
- A signed and dated copy of the School-Parent-Student
Compact
- Supply Fee/Enrollment Fees

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CLASSROOM PLACEMENT AND PARENT REQUESTS

Student classroom placement is based on multiple inputs and

considerations and is team-based. Parent requests for a particular
teacher must be made in writing and presented to the Campus Director.
Consideration will be given to such requests but the final decision for
classroom placement is made, in the best interests of the child, by the
school team members. Changes in classroom assignments will only be
made if the team determines that the well being of the child is negatively
affected by not making those changes.

DAILY CLASS SCHEDULE

CLASS PROGRAM TIME

Half Day 8:30am - 11:30am

Primary (3 – 4 yrs)
Full Day 8:30am - 2:45pm

8:30am – 11:30am
Kindergarten (5 yrs by Sept. 1)
11:30am – 2:45pm

Elementary 8:30am - 3:15pm

Academic Day

Middle School
8:00am - 3:15pm
(Mountainside Campus) Academic Day

EXTENDED CARE SCHEDULE

CLASS PROGRAM TIME

Primary (Pre-school & Extended Day 8:00am – 4:30pm

Kindergarten All Day 7:00am - 6:00pm

Elementary Extended Day 8:00am - 4:30pm

All Day 7:00am - 6:00pm

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Extended care (Extended Day and All Day Programs) is available on non-
class days as indicated on the School Calendar.

THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

The first day of school is an important event in any child’s life.

Adjustment to entering a school program for the first time depends a
great deal on the attitude of the parents and their cooperation with the
school staff. School should be seen as a normal and natural part of
growing up and an extension of the child’s home life. A few days before
classes start, begin teaching your children the names of their teachers.

School Supply Fee - You will not receive a Supply for your child. Our
teachers will do the shopping that al receive a list of items your child
supply needs either when your child is enrolled or, if your child is a
returning student, in July following the previous school year. It is
important to bring ALL items that your child will need for the first day of
school. This may include bedding for children who nap, changes of
clothing, and classroom supplies. Make sure all personal items (such as
clothing and lunchboxes) are very clearly marked with your child’s
name.

EVERY DAY

Sign-In and Sign-Out - All Pre-K students MUST be signed in and out in
accordance with Arizona Daycare Licensing requirements. This applies
also to Kindergarten and Elementary students enrolled in Extended Care
programs. A FULL SIGNATURE (FIRST AND LAST NAME) IS REQUIRED.

Upon arrival, make sure you sign in your Pre-K or Extended Care
child/ren on their page in the Sign In/Sign Out Book with your full name.
Stay with your child/ren while they put their lunchbox in the designated
cooler. If you have young children, help them put extra clothing and
nap items in their appropriate places. Then accompany your child/ren
to the extended hours area or the playground and check your child/ren
in with the staff person on duty in that area. Supervise your child/ren
at all times they are not formally in the care of school personnel.

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Pre-K and Extended Care students MUST be signed out on their page in
the Sign In/Sign Out book. UNDER ARIZONA STATE LAW, ONLY
PERSONS LISTED ON THE CHILD’S EMERGENCY FORM IN THE OFFICE
ARE AUTHORIZED TO PICK THE CHILD UP FROM SCHOOL. IF ANOTHER
PERSON MUST PICK YOUR CHILD UP, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE
AHEAD OF TIME (PREFERABLY IN WRITING) TO GIVE US THAT
PERSON’S NAME. WHEN THAT PERSON PICKS THE CHILD UP, HE/SHE
WILL BE ASKED TO SHOW A PICTURE I.D. BEFORE THE CHILD IS
RELEASED INTO HIS/HER CUSTODY.

Pick-up and Drop-Off are the busiest times of the school day. Please
observe safe driving practices and keep your eyes open for children and
parents in the parking lot. DO NOT PARK IN RESTRICTED AREAS. DO
NOT LEAVE YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE CAR UNATTENDED. DO NOT
LEAVE YOUR CAR UNATTENDED WITH THE MOTOR RUNNING. Do
supervise your children at all times they are not formally in the care of
staff on duty.

Drop Off - Keep good-byes short and sweet. Prolonged leave-taking

promotes insecurity. Children who cry when parents leave usually stop
very soon once their parents have gone, as they become interested in
their school activities.

Gate Security – For children’s safety, close and secure doors and gates
when entering or exiting the campus buildings and grounds. Stop ALL
children from standing, climbing, or swinging on gates and fences, since
this behavior causes breakage and needless, expensive repairs.

Folders - Check for messages in your family folder (or personal delivery
by elementary students) and in posting areas. Also be sure to check
your e-mail and Bloomz (or other app used by the teacher).

Concerns – Any concerns should be put in writing, in hard copy or by

email, and addressed to the campus director and/or to your child’s
teacher. Doing so is one of the best and most effective ways to help us
resolve problems together.

Lost and Found - Check for lost items on a daily basis. Unclaimed items
will be given monthly to the local thrift store.

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DRESS CODE

Primary and Kindergarten students should wear comfortable clothing

that is easy to slip on and off and which they can manage themselves
when going to the bathroom or changing. Do not send children in
costumes, party/dress clothes, boots or flip-flops. Shoes should have
soft, non-skid soles to help with good coordination and balance.
JACKETS, SWEATERS, LUNCH BOXES, AND ALL PERSONAL ITEMS MUST
BE CLEARLY MARKED WITH CHILDREN’S NAMES. Please send a name-
marked change of clothing to be kept at school in case of need and
replace it as needed. If your child has a toileting or other mishap and
has no extra clothing, you will be called to pick up your child or to bring
some clean clothes.

Elementary and Middle School (grades 1-8) students are required

to wear a uniform as described in the current Uniform Policy addendum.
Parents will be called to bring appropriate attire if necessary.

LUNCH
MDS does not provide lunch for students. Students are responsible for
bringing a lunch every day. Please mark your child’s lunchbox or bag
CLEARLY with the student’s name.

Do not send food that must be heated or microwaved. Soup, chili, and
other hot liquids can be sent in a thermos labeled “Hot Lunch” and kept
un-refrigerated. Only standard size rectangular lunch boxes or bags are
allowed in the lunchbox refrigerators.

Candy and soda are not allowed. If a child comes to school with either,
it will be sent home unopened.

Please pack your child’s lunch in reusable containers. We try to teach

the concept of reduce, reuse and recycle whenever possible. In
addition, support your children to help shop for and make their own
lunches. Begin this practice with your Pre-K child.

Help your child develop a sound, healthy body and mind by providing
tasty and nutritious lunches. Children work hard at school and need
“real” food to learn and grow. Fruits, vegetables, cheeses, raisins, nuts
and nut butters, whole-grain breads and crackers, and non-sugared

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granola bars are appropriate; highly sugared and processed foods are
not. Beverages should be 100% fruit juice, milk, or water. Small
portions of a variety of foods serve young students best. If your child
is in after-school care, please make sure they bring enough food for
their afternoon snack.

NAPPING

Children who nap at school need two fitted crib sheets and, if the child
wishes, a small (12”x10”) pillow with two pillowcases, all clearly marked
with the child’s name. Health Department regulations prohibit children
from sleeping on uncovered mats. Nap items will be sent home on
Fridays for laundering and are to return with your child the following
Monday.

DISMISSAL/ LATE PICK UP FEES

Children who are not enrolled in an Extended Care program are picked
up at the end of their class day. On early-release days, class dismissal
is at 11:30. Students in Extended Care programs must be picked up by
their designated pick-up times. At pick-up time, children must be
supervised by the adult picking them up.

Parents must call the office if they are going to be late for any reason.
If your child is not picked up within ten (10) minutes of their designated
dismissal time, you will be charged a late pick-up fee as indicated on
the school’s Tuition and Fee Schedule.

ATTENDANCE

Absences - Parents must call the school to report a child’s absence as

soon as possible so that we can inform the child’s teacher, report
absences accurately to the Arizona Department of Education, and avoid
truancy action taken by the State. Frequent absences will result in a
meeting with the teacher and/or campus director. Excessive absences
give cause for denying promotion to the next grade. Ten (10) absences
per academic year are considered excessive. In addition, charter
student absences diminish program funding for all students.
Tardiness - Children arriving after 8:30 AM* are late and must come to
the office to get a pass to class. Frequent tardiness will result in a
meeting with the teacher and campus director since it interferes with
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the child’s learning and jeopardizes consequent grade advancement.
Please understand that 3 tardies have at least the negative impact of
one day of absence. Tardiness also disrupts the child’s class and creates
needless busywork for office personnel. It is important to time your
arrival such that your child can enter the classroom with their
classmates. [*Middle School students are tardy after 8:00 AM.]

Appointments – If your child will be leaving school early for an

appointment, please notify the office in writing before the scheduled
appointment.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are planned throughout the year for students in grades 1-8
(less frequently for primary students) to enhance their educational
program. Permission slips are sent home in advance for the parent to
sign. NO CHILD MAY GO ON A FIELD TRIP WITHOUT A SIGNED
PERMISSION SLIP. Children aged five and younger must be in a car
seat and/or booster, as required by law, when traveling. Parent
volunteers are needed for driving and supervision on class field trips.

BIRTHDAYS

Children enjoy celebrating their birthdays in special ways. Since each

class develops special customs to honor birthdays, please check with
your child’s teacher about class traditions.

STUDENT HEALTH

The health of all our students and staff is of prime importance to us.
Please safeguard your children and others by keeping them home when
they exhibit any of the following symptoms:
- A temperature above 98.6
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Any rash
- Discharge from the eyes or ears
- A fresh cold with sore throat, runny nose or cough

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If a child becomes ill at school, they will be isolated from the other
children and parents will be called to pick the child up promptly. PLEASE
KEEP ALL EMERGENCY INFORMATION CURRENT WITH THE OFFICE SO
WE WILL HAVE NO PROBLEMS CONTACTING YOU. If a parent cannot
be reached, the office will call the alternate pick-up names on the
emergency card. If a parent or an alternate contact cannot be reached
after reasonable efforts have been made, the school must contact Child
Protective Services.

Contagious diseases - (including COVID*, strep throat, diarrhea, pin

worms, conjunctivitis, impetigo, head lice, measles, mumps, chicken
pox, and scarlet fever) must be reported to the school office
immediately. If your child has been exposed to a contagious disease,
please monitor the child’s health and keep him/her home if you suspect
infection. [*See Safe Return to In-Person Plan on website.]
Medication – If your child has prescription medication that must be
administered during the day, please give the medication in its original
bottle to the office along with written instructions for its use. The school
will NOT dispense non-prescription medication including cough drops,
vitamins and herbal supplements. PLEASE DO NOT SEND THESE ITEMS
TO SCHOOL WITH YOUR CHILD.
Immunizations – State law requires all students to have a current
immunization record on file for school attendance.
Accidents – If your child is in a serious accident, you will be contacted
immediately. If a parent cannot be reached, the emergency information
provided to the school and the authorization for emergency care is
utilized to provide medical care. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU KEEP
THIS INFORMATION CURRENT.

CLASSROOM OBSERVATION

Observing your child’s classroom is one of the most effective ways to

understand the Montessori experience and can greatly benefit parents,
children, and the teaching staff. We encourage parents to observe their
child’s class at least twice a year starting in mid-October (once the
classes have developed a routine). Observation appointments can be
made through the office.

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YOUR CHILD’S WORK

Do not be discouraged if your child does not relate many specifics about
their school experience. Usually, children have been working with many
different activities throughout the day and learning a corresponding new
vocabulary. For the young child, specific recall can be difficult, while
older children often consider their work as very much their own
business.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the Montessori method emphasizes

process rather than product. That is, the effort and learning gained from
that effort is more important than the end result. Work with many of
the Montessori materials does not result in a “take home” product. It is
internalized and the “product” is the total child. You will need to be
patient as your child gradually reveals newly acquired skills and
knowledge. Listen to your child’s questions, engage in “hands-on”
activities with them (like hiking, cooking, yardwork, board and card
games) and support their interests. Monitor and limit all screen time to
no more than one hour per day – and never before school because of
the difficulty the brain has, for several hours, with post-viewing
engagement and concentration. The above is your – and their – true
“homework.”

DISCIPLINE POLICY

A sound Montessori program fosters understanding, care and respect for

all life. It is an educational approach for peace, beginning with peaceful
classrooms. Our goal is to minimize adult control by fostering students’
growth in respect, self-discipline, personal responsibility and positive
self-direction. To this end we employ specific processes and lessons to
assist children while protecting the mental and physical safety of our
students at all times. (See the “Responsible Thinking Process” handout
or go to www.responsiblethinking.com for basic guidelines
regarding disruptive behavior. We also recommend the book Discipline
for Home and School: Fundamentals by Edward E. Ford.) As a start, we
offer the following from Ed Ford’s book:
“For children to succeed, they must believe you care about them, that
you have confidence in their ability to solve problems, and they must
experience mutual respect. The stronger the relationship, the easier it
is to resolve differences. If done in a calm, respectful environment, this
responsible thinking process can help build that relationship. It also
teaches self-discipline through responsible thinking.” Remember:

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“’Ask, don’t tell’.” Ask questions in a calm, respectful, curious voice.
Never yell or tell, always ask. Avoid excuses by not asking why.”
Should a student’s behavior be repeatedly disruptive to others, they will
be required to leave the group, think about their behavior, make a plan
for what they will do if allowed to return, and negotiate their way back.
Please note: if a child must leave the group to create a plan, the parents
will be called, and a copy of the student’s plan will be sent home for
review with the student. Should there be further disruptions, a parent
conference will be scheduled to determine a common course of action.
Further disruptions will require more stringent measures, including the
child leaving school. Parents are strongly advised to be active
participants in helping their children to learn self-discipline and to work
with school staff when problems arise.

Suspension and Expulsion – Only the Executive Director or the

Campus Director may suspend or expel a child. Suspensions and
Expulsions become part of the child’s permanent record.

Suspension for up to five (5) days may result from the following
actions:
- Breaking the terms of the Behavior Contract
- Serious behavioral or safety infraction
- Malicious behavior, vandalism or extreme disrespect
- Possession of drugs, alcohol, weapons, tobacco, illegal
paraphernalia or obscene/offensive material

Expulsion is the most serious form of discipline and results in the

permanent removal of the child from the school. If a child is
expelled, no other public or charter school is required to accept
that child as a student. Two general questions are considered when
making the decision to expel a child:

1. Is the moral and/or physical well-being of individual

students or the student body endangered?
2. Is there a prolonged and open disregard for school
authority and/or does the student continually violate
probation?

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Grounds for immediate expulsion include but are not limited to:
- Carrying/bringing a weapon to school, or anything which
may be reasonably considered to be a weapon
- Using an object to threaten or behave in a threatening
manner to staff or other students
- Possession, use of, or being under the influence of any
alcoholic beverages or any form of illegal drug on campus
including giving or selling illegal drugs of any kind to any
person
- Flagrant insubordination
- Theft of or malicious damage to school property or the
personal property of staff or students
- Further misconduct after being placed on probation
- Violating civil law or any other unique action that is deemed
highly unsafe or abusive, or violating the reasonable rights
and dignity of others

Right to Search – MDS reserves the right to search and inspect

lockers, bags, etc., when those in authority deem it necessary to do
so.
Biting – An occasional biting incident is a normal part of toddler
development. However, as children develop language abilities and are
supported to express frustrations verbally, biting incidents are viewed
differently. Should there be a biting incident, parents will be called
and may be asked to remove the biting child from the school until the
problem is under control.

CELL PHONES

Students are NOT allowed to use cell phones on campus for any
reason. Parents may contact their children by calling the school office.
If a student is found to be using a cell phone, it will be held in the
Campus Director’s office until a conference is held with the parent.
The phone will NOT be sent home with the student and a discipline
notice will be placed in the student’s permanent file.

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THE SCHOOL OFFICE

The school office is a very busy place during school hours and, while we
will make every attempt to assist you immediately, we appreciate your
patience when the office is busy. The office telephone is NOT available
for personal calls by parents, children or staff except in an emergency.
Students may use the school phone only with express permission from
a staff member.

If you have any questions or concerns about admissions, class

placement, dismissal or other school related issues, please schedule
an appointment through the office to meet with the appropriate
person.

All messages regarding illness, a change in a child’s schedule,

appointments, etc., are to be communicated through the school office.
Please notify the office also if a child is going to be absent from school
for any reason.

Changes in address, phone number, emergency contacts, and/or

transportation arrangements must be communicated to the office
immediately.

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law
that protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA gives
parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records
including the right to inspect and review their child’s school record. All
MDS parents receive a handout at the beginning of the year, or at
enrollment, explaining their FERPA rights.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Montessori Day Schools provides special education services to those

students who qualify in accordance with all state and federal laws. A
copy of our Special Education Policies is available for review in the

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School Office. Please contact your Campus Director for more
information.

TITLE I SERVICES

Title I is a federal program designed to ensure that all children have a

“fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality
education.” (Title I statute) Any child who is academically challenged
and meets federally established criteria may receive Title I services.
These services are currently made available under a schoolwide plan
that includes extra instructional assistance and specialized materials
that help students achieve their academic potential. Please contact your
Campus Director for more information.

ENGLISH LEARNERS PROGRAM (EL)

During enrollment, all parents of charter students must complete a

PHLOTE form indicating the primary language spoken by the child.
Those children for whom English is not their primary language are
screened for English proficiency with a state-approved test. Children
who do not test out as fluent in English (this includes reading, writing
and speaking) are considered English Learners (EL). In alignment with
Arizona state law, MDS employs an Individual Language Learner Plan
(ILLP) within the regular classroom that assures 4 hours of daily English
language instruction and encourages English fluency as quickly as
possible. Parents are notified of the results of their child’s screenings
and, if the child is classified as an EL, they are also notified of their
child’s participation in our EL program.

CHILDFIND

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires all states
to have a "comprehensive Child Find system" to assure that all children
from birth through age 21 with delays or disabilities are located,
identified, and referred to appropriate services through the Arizona
Department of Education. If you or someone you know has need of
such services, please contact the school office for referral to the
appropriate agency.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Student Records – Student records are maintained in each campus

office. When students withdraw from MDS, the student’s records are

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sent to the new school once the new school has submitted an authorized
request for records. A copy of the records is kept at MDS for three years
in accordance with Arizona state law. Parents who wish to have their
child’s records released must fill out a Student Withdrawal form/Records
Release Authorization form.

Parent/Teacher Conferences – Parent/teacher conferences are held

three times a year, in August, October and February. Please check the
school calendar for exact dates. If you would like to have a
parent/teacher conference at another time, please contact your child’s
teacher to make arrangements. Teachers may also request additional
conferences if necessary.

Parent Participation –Studies show that parent involvement is a critical

factor in a child’s success, in school and in life. It is the responsibility
of ALL parents to get involved. Our School-Parent-Student Compact
outlines parent participation opportunities. You might attend parent
committee meetings, volunteer for field trips, wash classroom laundry,
make classroom materials, be a homeroom parent or events
coordinator, or substitute in the classroom. The opportunities to be
involved are many and varied, and are communicated in many ways -
postings, emails, flyers, sign-up sheets, newsletters, personal contact,
and other means unique to each campus and classroom. We count on
parents to watch for them, to get involved, ideally with committees
explained at Parent Orientation events.

Campus Visitors – All visitors on campus must sign in and out at the
office and wear a visitor name badge during their visit.

Insurance – MDS carries an insurance policy that complies with the

requirements of the State of Arizona.

Transportation – Transportation to and from school is the full

responsibility of the parent, excepting transportation for a student
qualifying under the McKinney-Vento Act.

Teacher and Assistant Qualifications – You may ask in the school office
to see qualifications of your child’s instructors.
State Health Regulation – MDS facilities are regulated by the
Department of Health Services located at 150 N. 18th Avenue, Phoenix,
Arizona, 85007. The department phone number is (602) 542-1000.
Inspection reports are available from the Campus Director at each site.

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WHAT IS MONTESSORI EDUCATION?

Dr. Maria Montessori wrote that the most important period of life is not
the age of university studies but the years before, “for that is the time
when man’s intelligence itself, his greatest implement, is being formed.
But not only his intelligence, the full totality of his psychic powers…At
no other time has the child greater need of an intelligent help and any
obstacle that impedes his creative work will lessen the chance he has of
achieving perfection.”

Maria Montessori believed that no human being is educated by another

person. Rather, they must do it themselves or it will never be done.
Truly educated individuals continue learning long after the hours and
years they spend in the classroom because they are motivated from
within by a natural curiosity and love for learning. Dr. Montessori felt
that the goal of education should not be to fill children with facts from a
pre-selected course of studies, but rather to provide an environment
which cultivates their own unique potential and desire to learn.

In the Montessori classroom, this objective is approached in two ways:

first, by allowing children to experience the excitement of discovery
through work of their own choice, and second, by helping them to
perfect all their natural tools for learning so that their abilities will be at
a maximum in future learning situations.

Sensitive Periods

Another observation of Dr. Montessori, which has been reinforced by

modern research, is the importance of the sensitive periods of learning.
These are periods of intense fascination for learning a particular
characteristic or skill such as going up and down steps, putting things
in order, writing, forming moral judgments, and nurturing. If these skills
and characteristics are not given the wherewithal to flourish, they
sometimes do not develop at all (language, for example). The energy
is misdirected, and the individual is left weakened for life (drug use
versus nurturing, for example). The Montessori classroom takes
advantage of nature’s timetable by allowing the children the freedom to
select activities that correspond to their own period of interest and need.
Individualization
Children mature at very different rates and their periods of readiness
for academic subjects vary a great deal. Because interest is stimulated
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and materials are at hand whenever children are ready, many children
in Montessori classes work at levels far beyond what is generally
expected of children who are the same age. However, early “advanced”
learning was never Dr. Montessori’s objective. The ideal was that the
learning experience should occur naturally and joyfully at the proper
moment for each individual child. “It is true we cannot make a genius.”
Dr. Montessori wrote, “We can only give each individual the chance to
fulfill his potential possibilities to become an independent, secure and
balanced human being.” Because the Montessori program is designed
to meet individual needs, it is successful with children of diverse
backgrounds and abilities, both handicapped and gifted.
The vastness of individual potential and the depth of Dr. Montessori’s
vision is confirmed daily by studies in scientific areas, particularly that
of brain/mind research. We strive to further the application of her
vision, using and sharing the emerging new scientific knowledge. With
parents as our partners, we will grow together in our ability to serve the
unlimited potential of each child.
Learn More about Montessori Education
To learn more about Maria Montessori and her educational philosophy
and methods, we recommend the following:
Books:
- Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius, by A. S. Lillard
- The Secret of Childhood, by Maria Montessori
- Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work, by E. M. Standing
- To Educate the Human Potential, by Maria Montessori

Some websites: there are many:

http://www.montessori.org/parents-information
www.montessoriguide.org
www.mdpsc.org

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