Little Friends Daycare & Preschool 

   What is Montessori education? 

Little Friends ATL, used the a Montessori based curriculum, this method fosters rigorous, self-motivated growth for children and adolescents in all areas of their development—cognitive, emotional, social, and physical

For more than a century now, the child-focused approach that Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, developed for educating children has been transforming schools around the globe.

As soon as you enter a classroom, you know that something different is afoot. Montessori classrooms are immediately recognizable. You will see children working independently and in groups, often with specially designed learning materials; deeply engaged in their work; and respectful of themselves and their surrounding.

Within the community of a multi-age classroom—designed to create natural opportunities for independence, citizenship, and accountability—children embrace multi-sensory learning and passionate inquiry. Individual students follow their own curiosity at their own pace, taking the time they need to fully understand each concept and meet individualized learning goals.

Given the freedom and support to question, probe deeply, and make connections, Montessori students grow up to be confident, enthusiastic, and self-directed learners and citizens, accountable to both themselves and their community. They think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly and with integrity. What better outcome could you wish for your children?

A Montessori classroom is thoughtfully designed to offer children opportunities to develop their own capabilities, whether it is learning how to dress themselves independently, multiply a multi-digit equation, communicate their needs effectively, or problem solve with others. Each classroom is filled with developmentally appropriate activities that encourage children to interact with specific learning materials, as well as to work cooperatively with others.

The classroom is intentionally prepared with only one of each activity. Students are free to choose the activity they wish to work with, so they learn to make choices based on what they are interested in and what is available. While some children will naturally choose to work with others, often the youngest students focus on solo activities. As children mature, the curriculum intentionally provides small group instruction and collaborative activities. The combination of independent, partner, small-group, and whole-group lessons and activities introduces children to different learning relationships and interpersonal dynamics—valuable skills for their interactions outside the classroom!

Allowing children to make their own choices based on internal motivation rather than adult direction sets a strong foundation for developing capable children.

Specialized Care

Our program is for children ages 18 months to 36 months. We offer varied experiences using an emergent curriculum to give your child a well-rounded education and experience. There are clearly defined "centers".  The children are taught to put toys away in the correct place before they get more out.  They enjoy many opportunities to practice their language skills, learn how to cut, and hold a pencil.

Children become interested in potty training at this age, and most already are!  We encourage them, along with you, to begin potty training when they are ready.  We do not push potty training but with consistency on both the parent and teacher's part your child will be successful. 

Your child is also forming their personality so we also teach them about integrity, honesty, friendship and appreciation of diversity. The skills they develop will give them more confidence to enter Kindergarten and succeed. We target the expected outcomes of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Public School Kindergarteners and make sure each and every one of our graduates are prepared for kindergarten and beyond.  We prepare our children to be ready academically, socially, and emotionally, for their first day of school.

Children begin to learn about sharing, walking in a line, taking turns and circle time. Through our emergent curriculum, they increase their socialization skills!

 We recognize that every child is unique and has their personal needs and routines.  We work with you to support and develop your child's daily routines.  We provide a "Daily Report Card" to provide feedback regarding your baby's growth and development.  This provides specific details on the times your child is fed and when, and whom, changed their diaper or took them to the potty.  The "Daily Report Card" helps everyone communicate for your child's benefit.  

At pick up, we make time for a detailed conversation about your child's day. Our teachers not only feed and diaper your babies, but they LOVE them, and it shows!

Benefits of a "in-home" program