The Difference Between Montessori School and Daycare
The right early childhood education can make a world of difference for parents, their children, and the community. Whether you’re searching for an early education program for your child, or you’re looking to invest in a childcare franchise, there are a lot of options to consider. We’ll break down the differences between traditional daycare and Montessori schools to help you make the best decision for you and your child.
What is Daycare?
There are many forms of daycare for children, but the most popular options for parents and caregivers are the center-based arrangements, such as preschools and childcare centers. They tend to provide half- or full-day services, which include meals, naps, activities, field trips, and before- and after-school care.
Montessori schools closely resemble daycares. Children are dropped off by parents to be monitored by a teacher for the day. Both environments cater to younger children with age-appropriate toys and learning activities. However, Montessori schools are different in that they’re based on a specific learning model called the Montessori method. This model impacts the way children learn, how their days are structured, and the relationship between students and teachers. Here’s how Montessori schools are different from other daycares.
1.) Self-Paced Learning
Montessori schools recognize that children learn at an individualized pace. The curriculum fosters individuality and independence as children develop skills as they’re ready. They’re not pushed or pressured if they need more time to learn. Additionally, Montessori schools contain mixed-aged environments to develop a spirit of collaboration within the classroom.
Daycares take a more one-size-fits-all approach, rather than acknowledging that everyone learns and develops differently. Children are separated by age, which forces children to fit into a particular mold of how they’re expected to act and progress.
2.) Flexibility
Access to affordable and high quality childcare can make a huge difference in the lives of parents. If you are someone with business savvy and a passion for children, opening a Montessori childcare center is the perfect opportunity to help fill a community need.
3.) Holistic Approach
In traditional daycares, teachers are concerned with entertaining children with toys and introducing them to basic educational topics. They often prioritize a specific area of development, such as academic achievement, disregarding others entirely. Montessori schools take a holistic approach, nurturing social, emotional, and physical development alongside academic success. Students are nurtured to develop social skills such as cooperation and leadership through collaboration and peer mentorship. Montessori teachers are dedicated to developing highly educated, well-rounded, and successful individuals.
4.) Preparation for Life After School
Montessori schools help set children up for future success by fostering a lifelong love of learning, and developing real-life skills. This differs from traditional daycare, which emphasizes rote memorization and reward / punishment systems. As children are given the power of choice and treated as individuals, they develop mastery orientation, or a desire for self-improvement. This helps not only improve academic performance but instills a self-motivating drive that can benefit their personal and professional lives as adults.
Let’s Build Something Great Together
At Montessori Kids Universe, our mission is to nurture, inspire and educate our children leading to a lifelong love of learning. Whether you’re looking for an early childhood education program for your child, or you’d like to start your own daycare, contact us today so we can build something great together.
