Toddler Program – 20 months-3yrs.
Primary Program – mixed ages 3-6yrs.
All programs are 5 days a week only to provide children with the most consistent and rich experience.
We go by the CT State cutoff date of September 1st. Therefore, a child is enrolled in a program based on his/her age by the end of the calendar year within the school year they are attending.
We are open each day from 8:45am-3pm for children ages 3-6. Toddlers have a shorter day. We have different program options for 3 & 4 yr. olds.
We do not offer before school care. For children ages 3 and up we offer a late day care program until 5pm.
No.
Snacks are provided by the school through classroom community shopping. Each family is responsible for grocery shopping for the class a few times each year. Lunch is to be provided from home each day. We are a nut-free school and accommodate special dietary needs accordingly.
A naptime is offered for 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in our Afternoon Program, but it is not mandatory.
The ratio for toddler is 1:4 and the ratio for primary is 1:10
Toddlers do not have to be potty trained to attend Great Beginnings Montessori School.
We require Primary children to be potty trained, or at least well on their way with experience in independent toileting.
Fees vary depending on the program. Please contact the school for further information.
Yes, we work to provide Financial Assistance to those families showing a need. Awards are pending budgetary limitations and demand.
Your child’s day is a mix of uninterrupted work and play time. Children acquire knowledge of practical living skills, sensorial education, math, language, and cultural subjects through hands-on materials and movement. Each child learns at his/her own pace and is guided by a teacher specially trained in observing and meeting the needs for developing the whole child. Each classroom is carefully prepared to foster independence, concentration, a caring community, and a genuine love of learning. All children get outdoor recess time each day.
Toddlers and Primary children receive weekly Spanish and Music instruction, in addition to their daily music and movement times. Children in their 3rd year of Primary (Kindergarten) also receive Writer’s Workshop, Art enrichment, and Yoga. In the past we have worked in coordination with SportsPlex @ Fairfield to have our students attend activities there after school, with transportation provided by SportsPlex.
We do not discriminate based on a child’s abilities and are willing to work with public school districts to ensure children receive services through their eligible district programs, while spending part of their day at Great Beginnings Montessori School. We do not have staff on-site to provide traditional special education services.
Our students are well prepared for the next step in their educational journey academically, socially, and emotionally. From early on we encourage self-directed learning, respect, responsibility, communication skills, and curiosity. Our Kindergarten program incorporates both the CT Common Core standards, as well as our rich Montessori education. Our unique materials really help children have a concrete understanding of concepts and ideas, before building on them with abstract thinking.
New students are offered a couple different one on one times with their families to build familiarity with staff and their classroom. Children brand new to their program will gradually build up their time in the classroom over the course of a few days. Young children staying for longer days may be asked to wait for a longer period before starting a full schedule in order to ensure success.