Philosophy
Montessori is an education for life – a learning process where children are encouraged to develop at their own pace in a safe and caring environment. Between the ages of birth to 6 years, children have what Montessori termed “an absorbent mind”…the ability to absorb life and the world around them. It is therefore a critical time for building solid foundations for living and learning into the future.
We work to develop culturally literate children and nurture their natural curiosity, creativity and intelligence. We are committed to creating a prepared environment designed to foster individual thinking and encourage independence, therefore enabling all children to actively participate in their own learning process.
Our environment promotes individual growth in the foundation areas of persistence, organisation, confidence and social interaction while engendering the values of respect and patience. We value genuine community spirit by building rapport and strong relationships among the staff, parents and children.
Goals for Our Community
Goals for the Children at IMCH
- Children will develop a level of responsibility and ownership within their environment based on Maria Montessori’s concept of The Children’s House.
- Children will develop physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually as a result of the environment and the experiences provided.
- Children will feel physically and psychologically safe and secure in a caring and positive atmosphere.
- Children will be comfortable in the knowledge that staff are there to encourage, support and nurture them.
- Children will be confident to try without fear of failure in a non-judgemental atmosphere.
- Children will acquire life-long skills for dealing with their feelings in a positive way through working with materials and socialising with other children.
- Children will be able to work at their own pace and level of development so they will feel a sense of satisfaction and enrichment.
- Children will be supported in developing their own style of learning and understanding of how they can participate in and connect with the world around them.
- Children will be encouraged to respect themselves, respect others and respect the environment.
- Children will be able to use materials as tools for creative thinking and problem solving.
- Children will work towards accepting and working with each other’s strengths and abilities, and
- Children will expect to be treated with the utmost respect and will not be discriminated against on the basis of gender, race, age, religion, language, ability, personality or culture.
Goals for the Families at IMCH
- Parents will feel comfortable observing, participating and asking questions.
- Parent participation will be encouraged at the Centre so that parents will come to appreciate and understand the environment and the activities available to their children.
- The lines of communication will always be open to allow a shared knowledge between staff and parents. This promotes mutual growth and understanding in ways that benefit the child, and
- Each family will be encouraged to feel a sense of belonging to the IMCH community.
