We have prepared a comprehensive outline of the basic characteristics of the Montessori programs approved by the American Montessori Society (AMS) and The Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators.

The Toddler Program Children 1-1/2 to 3 years old

• Toward independence and problem solving
• Toward the enjoyment of learning
• Toward the development of order, concentration, and control of movement
• Toward skills in oral communication
• Toward respect for oneself and others
• Toward responsible group membership

• Diverse set of Montessori and manipulative materials, activities, and experiences
• Schedule that allows for blocks of uninterrupted learning time
• Classroom atmosphere that encourages social interaction
• Space for individual, small groups, and whole class learning activities
• Lightweight, proportionate, movable child-sized furnishing
• Identifiable ground rules
• Aesthetically pleasing environment
• Outdoor space to accommodate rigorous physical activity

• Ungraded age span: 1.6 to 3 years old
• Parental commitment to a one-year cycle of attendance
• Five-day week with minimum daily three hour session
• Personal and group instruction
• Child-to-adult ratios meet local requirements
• Observational records of the child
• Regularly scheduled parent conferences
• Public observation policy

• To encourage intrinsic motivation, spontaneous activity, and self-education
• To provide sensory education for intellectual development
• To develop confidence and competencies through repetitive concrete exercises and experiences
• To encourage cooperative learning through peer teaching and social interaction
• To provide learning opportunities through physical activity and outdoor activity for small land gross motor development
• To provide learning activities for creative expression

• Certified Montessori teachers at the 1.6 to 3 year level
• Continuing professional development
• Observational skills to match students' development needs with activities
• Strategies to facilitate the unique and total growth of each individual
• Leadership skills to foster a nurturing environment supportive of learning
• A partnership developed with parents
• Supervision and education of auxiliary classroom personnel

• Organized as a legally and fiscally responsible entity
• Non-discriminatory admissions policy
• Written educational policies and procedures
• Adherence to provincial laws and health requirements
• Current school affiliation with CCMA and other professional groups

The Preschool Program Children 2-1/2 to 6 years old

• Toward independence and problem solving
• Toward the enjoyment of learning
• Toward the development of order, concentration, and coordination
• Toward skills in oral communication
• Toward respect for oneself, other people, and the planet
• Toward responsible group membership

• Diverse set of Montessori materials, activities, and experiences
• Schedule that allows for blocks of uninterrupted learning time
• Classroom atmosphere that encourages social interaction
• Space for personal, small groups, and whole class learning activities
• Lightweight, proportionate, movable child-sized furnishing
• Identifiable ground rules
• Aesthetically pleasing environment
• Outdoor space to accommodate rigorous physical activity

• Ungraded three-year age span: 2.6 to 6 years old
• Parental commitment to a three-year cycle of attendance
• Five-day week with minimum daily three hour session
• Personal and group instruction
• Child-to-adult ratios meet local requirements
• Observational records of the child
• Regularly scheduled parent conferences
• Public observation policy

• To encourage intrinsic motivation, spontaneous activity, and self-education
• To provide sensory education for intellectual development
• To develop competencies through repetitive concrete experiences
• To encourage cooperative learning through peer teaching and social interaction
• To provide learning opportunities through physical and outdoor activity
• To provide learning activities for creative expression

• Certified Montessori teachers at the 3 to 6 year level
• Continuing professional development
• Observational skills to match students' development needs with activities
• Strategies to facilitate the unique and total growth of each individual
• Leadership skills to foster a nurturing environment supportive of learning
• A partnership developed with parents
• Supervision and education of auxiliary classroom personnel

• Organized as a legally and fiscally responsible entity
• Non-discriminatory admissions policy
• Written educational policies and procedures
• Adherence to provincial laws and health requirements
• Current school affiliation with CCMA and other professional groups

The Elementary Program School-Age Children

• Toward greater independence and problem solving
• Toward the enjoyment of learning
• Toward a mature sense of justice and fairness
• Toward respect for oneself, other people, and the planet
• Toward understanding the patterns of the Universe
• Toward greater skills in oral and written communication
• Toward greater responsible group membership

• Diverse set of Montessori materials, activities, and experiences
• Schedule that allows for blocks of uninterrupted learning time
• Classroom atmosphere that encourages social interaction
• Space for personal, small groups, and whole class learning activities
• Integrated curriculum including areas of exploration
• Available library with resource books and multi-media equipment
• Identifiable ground rules
• Aesthetically pleasing environment
• Outdoor space to accommodate rigorous physical activity

• Ungraded three-year age span: 6 to 9 and 9 to 12 years old
• Parental commitment to a three-year cycle of attendance
• Admission policy of prior Montessori experience preferred
• Child-to-adult ratios meet local requirements
• A records keeping system
• Personal and group instruction
• Regularly scheduled parent and child conferences
• Diagnostic (standardized) testing periodically
• Public observation policy

• To encourage intrinsic motivation, spontaneous activity, and self-education
• To encourage cooperative learning through peer teaching and social interaction
• To encourage growth in cultural experiences and knowledge
• To encourage competencies through repetitive experiences
• To foster development from sensorial learning to abstract ideas
• To foster the development of the imagination and creativity
• To provide learning activities through physical and outdoor activity

• Certified Montessori teachers at the elementary level
• Continuing professional development
• Observational skills to match students' development needs with activities
• Strategies to facilitate the unique and total growth of each individual
• Leadership skills to foster a nurturing environment supportive of learning
• A partnership developed with the family
• Supervision and education of auxiliary classroom personnel

• Organized as a legally and fiscally responsible entity
• Non-discriminatory admissions policy
• Written educational policies and procedures
• Adherence to provincial laws and health requirements
• Current school affiliation with CCMA and other professional groups

The CCMA recognizes the support of the American Montessori Society (AMS) in the preparation of this this outline of approved Montessori programs. If you would like more information about the Montessori Method, please feel free to contact us.