What Is Montessori Education?

September 18, 2025

The Montessori approach to education emphasizes the critical developmental period from birth to age three, when children's brains develop most rapidly. Montessori Infant & Toddler programs provide much more than basic childcare, offering environments designed by specially trained teachers to foster independence, exploration, and development across all areas. These programs also support families through parent education and group experiences.

Who is affected

Infants and toddlers (children from birth to age 3)
Parents and families of young children
Teachers trained in Montessori methods
Students in public Montessori programs (preschool through high school)
Families applying to public Montessori schools
AMS member schools

What action is being taken

Montessori Infant & Toddler programs are creating supportive environments for young children's development
Teachers are providing nurturing environments that foster independence and exploration
Montessori programs are offering parent education and parent/child group experiences
The American Montessori Society is accrediting schools that meet their quality standards
Public schools are incorporating Montessori programs as parent choice options
Public Montessori schools are admitting students through lottery systems

Why it matters

The birth to age 3 period represents the most rapid brain development in a human's life
Many parents don't seek formal education until after the toddler years, potentially missing this critical developmental window
Montessori education helps develop critical thinkers who are confident, enthusiastic, and self-directed learners
Public Montessori options make this educational approach accessible to more families
The demand for Montessori education exceeds available spaces in many public programs
Only 15% of American Montessori Society member schools achieve their accreditation standards

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint