Under 3's program

The Under 3's program, with parent/carer in attendance with the child, runs for two hours (9.30am to 11.30am), and may be attended up to twice a week (Thursday and/or Friday), depending on available places.

Montessori Under 3's differs from a 'playgroup' because the emphasis is on catering for the child's urge towards independence and on having faith in the child's capabilities.

A parent or carer attends with their child for each two hour session, in an environment specifically set up to facilitate the child's growing need for independence. The prepared environment contains child-sized furniture and activities that cater to the child's interests.

Sibling babies are welcome (free of charge) until they are crawling.

The range of activities offered includes language enrichment materials, activities to refine eye-hand co-ordination and visual discrimination (manipulatives), practical life exercises including food preparation activities, and art and music (expressives).

All work is set out in such a way that children can use the materials with a minimum of adult assistance, and parents are made aware of the importance of allowing their child to complete and repeat tasks without interruption or interference. In this way children build up their competency and attention span (concentration).

These, and other principals of every Montessori environment, provide parents with hands-on experience of the practical application of the Montessori philosophy of education.

A further objective of the Under 3's program is to increase the parent's awareness of the child's capabilities and need for independence with a view to transferring the understanding of the child's stage of development to the home environment and subsequent Montessori environments, e.g. the 3-6 classroom.

Would you like to find out more?

Please join us for an observation in the classroom or come to one of our information sessions. Call us on (02) 9973 1422 to find out more.

Application form and fees

Find our more about enrolment and fees or download the Under 3s wait list application form (PDF 19KB).

Note: Enrolment in Under 3's is not a pre-requisite for entry to a 3-6 Montessori program, nor does it guarantee a place for your child on any school's waiting list for 3-6. Separate application forms are required for Under 3's and 3-6 programs.

Parent information evenings

Join us at 7.30pm at our school for an interesting evening of Montessori insights and discussions with our teachers. All parents and interested people are invited to attend - call us on 9973 1422 for more info.

• Visit our calendar for the full list of dates

Join our team!

Barrenjoey Montessori School is looking for a visionary Head of School, committed to the highest principles of Montessori education. Apply now!