If you are the parent of a young child, you may be familiar with various schooling options for your little one. There are many early childhood curricula out there, each one guided by a different philosophy.
Children are unique in the way they grasp knowledge: what works for one child may not work for another. Moreover, the first five years of life are often the most formative, so choosing the right fit program can be a particularly influential choice.
We outlined three popular learning approaches applied in early childhood education programs: Montessori, Reggio-Emilia and Waldorf. Parents can also find lists of local school options following each philosophy.
The Montessori approach
Designed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, the Montessori Approach was first established in Rome in 1906. The first American Montessori school opened in New York in 1911. At its roots, the Montessori Approach aims to nourish the development of the whole child: physical, social, emotional and cognitive. Within Montessori classrooms, activities are child-led, and teachers are guides, rather than traditional instructors. Montessori education is holistic. Characteristic features of Montessori programs include:
- Multi-Age classrooms (0-3 years, 3-6 years, 6-9 years, etc.)
- Hands-on activities and specialized materials
- Five key subject areas: practical life, language, mathematics, sensorial development and culture & sciences
- Organized and traditional setting
- Child-led and Self-paced curriculum based on childrens’ interests
- Work periods/work cycles of uninterrupted blocks of time when children can explore their prepared environment
- Highly structured yet adaptable routines
- Empathy, respect and mindfulness are modeled
- Experiential learning occurs outdoors through gardening, outdoor reading areas, sensory math materials and more
The Michigan Montessori Society is a great resource to find quality accredited programs in the state. Accredited schools must meet specific requirements. Montessori programs serve students from infancy through secondary school. Parents can find a list of accredited schools with early childhood, preschool and kindergarten classes here.
Ann Arbor area montessori programs
Daycroft School: 1095 N. Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor Children’s House: 2309 Packard Street, Ann Arbor
Christian Montessori School of Ann Arbor: 5225 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor
Doughty Montessori: 416 South Ashley Street, Ann Arbor
OakTrails Montessori: 6727 Warren Road, Ann Arbor
Green House Montessori: 3613 Green Brier Boulevard, Ann Arbor
Ivybrook Academy: 5950 S State Rd, Ann Arbor
RELATED: 6 Top Montessori Schools in Ann Arbor
The Reggio-Emilia approach
The Reggio-Emilia Approach is a child-led educational philosophy where children are viewed as capable, curious and active learners. Originally founded in Italy after World War II, the philosophy was inspired by prominent psychologists Lev Vygotsky and John Dewey. Reggio Emilia programs feature small class sizes, sensorial and play-based experiences, environmental stewardship and outdoor learning. Children learn in small family groups. The curriculum is framed by the following principles:
- Emergent curriculum (based on a child’s interests)
- Representational development (integration of language and social development)
- Collaboration and group work, and documentation of a child’s work.
- Parents, teachers and the environment are all seen as integral to a child’s learning.
Reggio-Emilia-inspired programs originated at the early childhood level, but there are some programs for elementary age students, as well. Parents can find a list of schools affiliated with the North American Reggio-Emilia Alliance (NAREA) here.
A2 Area Reggio-Emilia programs
Allen Creek Preschool: 2350 Miller Avenue, Ann Arbor
Green Apple Garden: Several Locations, Ann Arbor
Little Angels Preschool & Daycare: 850 S. Hewitt, Ypsilanti
Ivybrook Academy: 5950 S State Rd, Ann Arbor
The Waldorf approach
The Waldorf Approach emphasizes imaginative, artistic, project-based, experiential and low-tech education. Students typically have one teacher for several years, promoting a stronger student-teacher bond. Waldorf-inspired early childhood programs value the “whole child”, and weave storytelling, music and drama into learning. Waldorf Programs are characterized by the following principles:
- Holistic development (whole child)
- Arts integration (artistic activities are integrated into the curriculum)
- Rhythm and repetition (festivals, daily, weekly and yearly rhythms provide structure)
- Community and connection (value healthy social relationships among parents, teachers and children)
- Low tech approach (focus on real-world experiences over virtual experiences or technology)
Parents can locate a Waldorf School affiliated with the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America here.
