We give the child the opportunity to do things according to their interests at their own pace. As adults, our task is to observe and, based on our observations, offer equipment and activities suitable for each child, and to help if necessary.
The prepared learning environment offers the child the opportunity to explore, make observations, learn and realize. Children are guided in researching things that interest them.
The child does not necessarily have to learn things at a certain age. However, at different ages, the child has a sensitivity to learning certain things. Learning at the appropriate age becomes easy – it almost works by itself. The individual deviations happen in terms of schedule, intensity, growth environment and the child’s personality.
The child is individually guided to discover things by introducing them to the environment and showing them how to work with different tools and things. Thus, the child’s desire and curiosity are increased, while their self-esteem and courage to try new things and succeed in them are strengthened. No prior knowledge is necessary.
Children learn to take each other into account, older ones help their younger ones, and younger ones learn better from the older ones’ examples than from an adult’s instructions. Groups consisting of people of different ages reduce competition between children, because children (even at the same age) can be at different stages in their learning process.
No. Montessori education supports the child’s development for life. Each child should be allowed to progress peacefully at their own pace.
Private daycare centers operate independently, but within the same laws and official supervision as municipal ones. Our operation is completely owned by the non-profit Helsinki Montessori Association. The administration of the playschools is handled by the board and CEO of our company. The fees paid by the families cover salaries, facility costs, supplies and other expenses. Families can receive private care support for payments from Kela.
Our playschools operate on the basis of the same laws and regulations as municipal kindergartens. The regulations concern, for example, the number of staff and qualification requirements, as well as premises.
The heads of the city’s daycare areas supervise the appropriateness of the operation of private daycare centers through, for example, regular inspection visits. The Environment Institute, food authorities and rescue services regularly monitor the appropriateness of the premises.
Yes you can. However, if your child is in the queue for a Montessori spot, please remember to inform us if you choose another daycare solution or don’t want to accept the reserved spot.
Our staff has strong pedagogical skills and training. Montessori instructors, Montessori assistants, early childhood education teachers and child care workers all work in our playschools. The early childhood education teachers at our play schools are all schooled teachers or have a degree in social services. Our child care workers have training as a practical nurses, child instructors or nannies.
Our Montessori instructors have received 2 years ofs Montessori pedagogic training and most of them also have another degree in early childhood education or nursing.
In the case of temporary substitutes, the aforementioned training conditions may be deviated from, but their work experience and suitability for each task will be carefully assessed.
Most often it means the year-long (two years part-time) international A.M.I. (Association Montessori Internationale) training program, founded by Maria Montessori. Our instructors have completed it either in Finland or abroad.
As supplementary education, it has been possible to complete Montessori pedagogic studies, e.g. At the Universities of Oulu and Helsinki.
In a small playschool, cooperation between the guardians and the the playschool staff is natural. In daily situations, it is possible to quickly discuss the details of the day and, if necessary, arrange a separate telephone or meeting time.
For a more detailed personal conversation, we hold so-called early childhood education discussions 1-2 times per academic year. Before that we welcome the guardians to observe the child’s day at the playschool. We also organize parents’ evenings in both the fall and spring semesters.
No. Montessori education is built around ideological and religious non-commitment. This does not prevent us from acknowledging and participating in certain celebrations that belong to our culture; for example, we celebrate Christmas and Easter in the Finnish way.
For several day absences a substitute is always hired. Substitutes can be our former assistants or, for example, Montessori instructors on leave. The background information of the substitutes and things such as criminal records are always checked in accordance with the regulations.
The Herttoniemenranta, Herttoniemi, Myllypuro and Pakila playschools usually play outside in their own playgrounds. The other playschools go outside to the most comfortable and peaceful play area in a nearby park.
The Finnish Environment Institute investigates the safety of the outdoor recreation area before approving the facilities. Daily maintenance of the environment and play equipment is part of the staff’s routine. Children’s safety is based on knowing them well, clear rules and supervision, and the employees’ professional assessment of situations.
Small trips to the surrounding areas can be made (nature trips and especially for 6-year-old school-goers). Such excursions are usually done on foot, sometimes by public transport.
Depending on the group of children, once or twice a year we make a slightly longer trip (e.g. railcar museum, puppet theater, petting zoo). Transportation takes place by public transport or by charter.
