BLACK mobile logo

california

education

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