If you work or want to give your child a head start on learning, you may be looking to put your child into a daycare program of some type. One of the questions that parents often ask is how a Montessori school differs from traditional preschool or daycare learning programs. Read on to learn some of the key differences between Montessori programs and traditional daycare or preschool programs. 

Montessori Teachers Tend to Stay With Their Group of Children

One of the major differences between Montessori schools and traditional preschool programs is that teachers tend to stay with their group of children the whole time they are at a Montessori school. For example, if you enroll your child at the age of three, your child will have the same teacher the entire time you stay with the program. Many preschools have your child change teachers at different ages. Having a teacher stay with the same group of kids helps a teacher to better recognize what their children already know and what they need to learn, as well as learn the individualized needs of a child. 

Children Are Taught Based On Where They are Personally At

Another key difference between traditional preschool or daycare programs and Montessori schools is that at Montessori schools, children are taught based on where they personally are. Activities and lesson plans may be modified for each child. If one child is more advanced in math, they may have a different lesson plan than a child that is a little behind in math. Traditional preschools and daycares teach the same lessons to kids, regardless of whether the child is ahead or behind in that subject. 

Montessori Utilizes Hands-On Learning Approaches

The final major difference between Montessori schools and traditional preschool programs is that Montessori focuses on hands-on, play-based learning. Instead of having books and worksheets, Montessori schools try to use toys and activities to teach. This helps to better engage children and helps to reinforce what they are learning. 

Montessori programs offer some key differences between traditional preschool and daycare programs. However, it is important to note that every Montessori school, preschool, and daycare program is slightly different, and as such, the way they operate may be different too. If you are interested in finding the best childcare program or learning facility for your child, it is important to sit in on a couple of classes and watch the way the school operates, as well as ask a director or supervisor about the curriculum. All of this information will help you select the child care center that is ideal for your child.

For more information, contact a daycare near you.