Program Information

The Program

The Under 3's Program, with parent/carer in attendance with the child, runs for two hours, and may be attended up to two times a week, depending on available places. Presently there are three sessions, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:30 - 11:30 am. Each session is taught by a qualified and experienced Montessori teacher.

A parent or carer attends with their child for each two hour session, in a Montessori environment specifically set up to facilitate the child’s growing need for independence. The prepared environment contains child-sized furniture and activities that cater to the child's interests.

The range of activities offered includes language enrichment materials, activities to refine eye-hand co-ordination and visual discrimination (manipulatives), practical life exercises, including food preparation activities, and art and music (expressives).

All work is set out in such a way that children can use the materials with a minimum of adult assistance, and parents are made aware of the importance of allowing their child to complete and repeat tasks without interruption or interference. In this way children build up their competency and attention span (concentration).

These, and other principles of every Montessori environment, provide parents with hands-on experience of the practical application of the Montessori philosophy of education.

A further objective of the Under 3's Program is to increase the parent's awareness of the child's capabilities and need for independence with a view to transferring the understanding of the child’s stage of development to the home environment and subsequent Montessori environments, e.g. 3-6.

Montessori Under 3's differs from a 'playgroup' because the emphasis, supported by the prepared environment, is on catering for the child's urge towards independence and on faith in the child's capabilities.

We welcome you to schedule an adult only observation (by appointment) before making a decision to enrol.

Who are we?

The Mosman Montessori Under 3's Program is a non-profit parent run incorporation. It is imperative that parents of enrolled children lend their support to the program. This may be achieved by either taking a position on the Parent Committee (see below) or through active support in planning for and volunteering at various events. Without your support, this wonderful Program will cease to exist.

Parents of children currently enrolled in the program are responsible for the running of the administration of the program which is done through a committee. Key roles in the committee include the President, Treasurer and Enrolments Officer. Some of these roles are currently filled but on an ongoing basis will need to be replaced by parents of children who are in the program. These positions, and other supporting roles, will be advertised in our Newsletter as existing parents prepare to move on with their 3 year old child. As previously mentioned, we encourage and require parents' participation and support.

Other important information