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Faculty Members
Faculty members are all early childhood educators, artists, writers, performers and national experts on children and families. Their life’s energies are devoted to teaching and creating a rich learning environment in which children can have fun, expand their understanding, build competency, and grow to their fullest potential. All lead teachers are master’s prepared and have certificates from Montessori training programs. The Washington Montessori Institute of Loyola College (http://www.loyola.edu/education/Montessori/wmi.html) offers all assistants training. The Nido class, named for the Italian word “nest” is designed to meet the developmental need of babies from three to approximately 16 months of age. The program follows the Montessori principles of freedom within limits and opportunity for movement and independence. The environment is especially prepared to stimulate the young infant and encourage development in these areas. The Infant Community is designed for children who are walking securely through age three. New opportunities for movement and independence, along with the development of spoken language form the curriculum for this class. Group activities such as singing and stories provide young children with the experience of belonging to a community. Food preparation and outdoor play provide a framework to encourage social development. Each child is able to make choices and works alone or in small groups. Through his or her chosen activity, concentration and self-confidence grow. Primary Program In the Primary Program, mixed age groups of children ages three to six work together allowing independent development and enabling children to learn from one another. As a wide range of activities is available, each child is able to undertake projects suitable to his or her stage of development. Independent activities are encouraged and respected. The goal of early childhood education is to cultivate the child’s own natural desire to learn. The classroom encourages and invites the child’s development according to his or her own will and readiness under the guidance of the teachers. Children acquiring basic skills in a natural way gain an early enthusiasm for learning. There is also an accredited Kindergarten program in the afternoon. In addition to our Montessori programs, we offer Before and After School Programs. Summer Camp Crossway Community offers a fun, creative, and inviting environment for children who are Infant Community and Primary age, all with a Montessori emphasis. The full-day Montessori Nido Program is available to currently enrolled CCMS families. For more information call 301-949-0512 Curriculum The school offers a Montessori curriculum for children three months to six years. This individually focused approach to education enables young children to learn and develop at their own rate. Children spend each day exploring and building their competency in a wide range of activities, including language development, practical life, mathematics, grace and courtesy, music and movement. Major Points of the Montessori Method* -
It is based on observations of the true nature of the child. -
Its application is universal. The results can be successfully achieved in any country, and with any racial, social, cultural or economic group. -
It reveals the small child as a lover of work, both of the intellect and of mastery of the body (especially the hand). This work is spontaneously chosen and carried out with profound joy. -
Through her work the child shows spontaneous discipline. This discipline originates within her and is not imposed without. This discipline is real, as contrasted with the artificial discipline of rewards and punishments prevalent under other methods. -
It provides suitable occupations based on the vital urges of the child at each stage of development. Each stage is successfully mastered before the next is attained. -
It offers the child a maximum of spontaneity in choice of physical and mental activity. Nevertheless the child reaches the same, or higher levels of scholastic attainment as under old systems. -
Each child works at his or her own pace. The quick are not held back nor are the slow pressured. There is much opportunity for group work, and the children spontaneously offer help with work they have mastered to those children who have not. -
It enables the teacher to guide each child individually in each subject according to his own individual requirements. -
It allows the child to grow in biological independence by respecting his needs and removing undue influence of the adult. It allows the child a large measure of liberty based on respect for the rights of others. This liberty is not permissive license, but forms the basis of real discipline. -
It does away with competition as a major motivation for learning. The child competes with him or herself. It presents endless opportunities for mutual work and help – these joyfully given and received. -
The child works from his own free choice. This choice is preceded by knowledge and is thus a real choice. -
“The Montessori method develops the whole personality of the child, not merely her intellectual faculties but also her powers of deliberation, initiative and independent choice, with their emotional complements. By living as a free member of a real social community, the child is trained in those fundamental social qualities which form the basis of good citizenship.” *Adapted and quoted from: E.M. Standing. 1962. The Montessori Method: A Revolution in Education. Fresno, CA: The Academy Library Guild. Campus The campus is located on 14 beautifully landscaped acres, which include: - two age-appropriate playgrounds
- nature trails and gardens
- large, airy classrooms
- Montessori equipment including musical instruments
- kitchens for cooking projects
- two large community rooms for indoor rainy day play and arts performances
Application Procedures To register your child in our program you must complete the following steps: Please make an appointment to visit our campus by calling 301-949-0512 to come to an Open House. Pick up an Application Packet at the Open House and please read the enclosed forms. In order to continue in the registration process, please return the Application Form along with the $50 registration fee. Interview After the Application and registration fee are returned to Crossway Community Montessori School, please schedule a time for an interview with the office. At this interview your child will visit the classroom and the parents will meet the Head of School. Acceptance After the interview, you will receive an Acceptance Packet in the mail outlining the final steps for enrollment: payment of a $250 placeholder fee, completing a Financial Agreement, and returning final paperwork (medical form, emergency form, family/child information, and Childcare Administration paperwork). Enrollment After completing the above items by a specified due date – Welcome! Your family is enrolled in the Crossway Community Montessori School. You will receive additional information for your child’s first day of school. Throughout the enrollment process and afterwards, please feel free to call the Program Office at 301-949-0512, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Closings Crossway Community Montessori School follows Montgomery County Public School policies for closings and schedule changes due to weather or other emergency events. For up-to-date information on procedures and preparedness, visit http://www.mcps.k12.md.us. Parent Connection The Parent Connection is a network of CCMS parents who work together to support the teachers and staff and get involved in their children’s education. Meetings are the third Wednesday of every month from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. For more information contact the school office at 301-949-0512. Parent Chats At Parent Chats, teachers and child development specialists discuss common issues related to child development, (e.g., bathroom independence, morning and evening routines, making smooth transitions, and discipline) within a supportive community atmosphere. Accreditation The Crossway Community Montessori School is certified by the Maryland State Department of Education and affiliated with the Washington Monstessori Institute. Resources Contact Us Crossway Community Montessori School
3015 Upton Drive
Kensington, MD 20895
Phone: 301-949-0512
Fax: 301-949-4741
Email: ccms@crossway-community.org Head of School, Ann Byrne
abyrne@crossway-community.org |
