Programs at Hazel Creek Montessori
Hazel Creek Montessori’s objective is to develop the whole child. Our programs offer a variety of daily activities to promote growth in the areas academic, physical, social and emotional development. We also include race equality and social justice in our curriculum. The Montessori philosophy and method of educating young children was developed by Maria Montessori. She believed that children learn by actively manipulating interrelated materials. Dr. Montessori observed that children have critical learning periods (sensitive periods) for each new level of learning. During these sensitive periods, children absorb the lessons easier and faster than they ever will again. It is imperative that the child not be discouraged during one of these periods. The materials; both traditional, the extensions and contemporary, and environment in our Montessori classroom are designed to promote and nourish the sensitive periods. These periods are what create, in the child, a love of learning and self confidence that is so essential to a healthy development. To ensure that these objectives are met, continual observation and screening of each child’s development is an on-going process.
The education at Hazel Creek Montessori strives to link academic studies with the direct outdoor experiences in nature. Since our inception, the children have participated in hiking, daily outdoor exploration, dining outdoors, gardening, harvesting, cooking, swimming and forest bathing. As a result of constant exposure to the natural world around them, our students feel more confident and secure in an outdoor setting. By providing this meaningful contact with nature, our goal is to expose children at a young age to help create future stewards of the environment.
Toddler Program
Our Toddler Program provides a safe, welcoming environment for children ages 1 to 2.5 years. This classroom is supplied with basic Montessori materials for all children to use. In this classroom, the children are encouraged to explore the world around them and experience age-appropriate social interactions.
Napper Program
Our Napper Program provides a creative learning environment for children ages 2.5 to 4 years. In this program, the students have access to fully equipped Montessori spaces that integrate academics, art, fine and gross motor skills, creative play, and socialization.
Preschool Program
Our Preschool Program provides an active learning environment for children ages 3 to 5.5 years. This program allows the students to explore with all of their senses through the use of our creatively designed Montessori materials. The integration of focused academics (math and reading), creative play, nature exploration and continued socialization both in the classroom and outdoors, will prepare your child for entry into Kindergarten.
In order to make your child’s experience the best possible, we do require the following:
Participants need to bring a backpack with a full change of clothing, a swim suit and towel, as well as a labeled water bottle and lunch box (no paper bags, please). Please remember to pack all necessary utensils for your child’s lunch and to pack foods that do not require heating. We are a nut-free facility, but do allow soy butter and sun butter to be used in sandwiches. Every child needs to wear sturdy shoes (no sandals or open toed shoes are allowed), as we hike and have daily outdoor adventures. Please also provide labeled sunscreen to be applied to your child throughout the day, as it tends to get very hot during the summer months.