Different from Daycare, More School than Preschool

Our Toddler and Preschool Programs share some similarities with regular childcare or preschool centres but we like to say we are different from daycare and more school than preschool.

Here’s what we have in common with other daycare and childcare facilities:

• Long hours: Toddler & preschool programs run from 8.30am – 3pm, with an on-site FMS-staffed after-school care program open until 5.30pm daily
• 3, 4 or 5 day program options
• CCS & Start Strong Funding for eligible families
• Preparation for school readiness

Now here’s where it gets interesting…

And here are 10 ways Forestville Montessori is Different from Daycare and more like School than Preschool:

1. Our lead educators are degree-qualified teachers each holding additional, intensive Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) qualifications.
2. All lead educators are supported an AMI trained classroom assistant.
3. All teaching and support staff are career teachers and carers; they are experienced, long serving and consistent.
4. Our toddler programs foster personal care, practical skills and independence, as well as social and developmental learning.
5. Preschool programs are intentionally academic.
6. We encourage curiosity and a love of learning by using materials designed to educate through play.
7. We offer a diverse range learning activities with a nature-filled campus and programs unique including horticulture, animal care and more.
8. We are part of a larger, vibrant school K-6 school community.
9. We are a non-denominational, not-for-profit school. Our objective is to support the academic, social and developmental wellbeing of our students.
10. Our preschool offers a seamless transition into our NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) accredited Kindergarten and Primary School programs.

Curious about Academics?

Beyond merely providing care for children, our preschool environments are designed to promote extensive academic learning and personal growth. The Montessori materials are meticulously crafted to achieve cognitive learning outcomes through play.  Our curriculum offers children activities that stimulate interest and intellect. Parents are often amazed at the academic prowess displayed by their children in our preschool classrooms. Forestville Montessori School preschool students can often:

• Read and write before kindergarten
• Understand numbers in the thousands at age four
• Grasp basic grammatical principles at age five
• Learn concepts from geometry, biology and geography from age three
• Add large numbers and understand maths concepts of tens and exchanging

This level of early academics surpasses what is generally found in daycare settings and exceeds the first-year expectations set by NESA, the NSW Education Standards Authority.

See it yourself! Book a school tour or observation here.

Want to know more about our staff?

At Forestville Montessori School, our lead educators are degree-qualified teachers who have are also Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) trained. AMI is the international gold-standard for Montessori teachers. The training is extensive, including thorough instructions on the Montessori curriculum and philosophy, as well as age and stage-based child development and the delivery of child-centred learning.  Our toddler and preschool support staff have qualifications in early childcare alongside AMI training. Many hold Bachelor degrees in other fields.

Importantly, FMS staff are experienced, committed, and consistent. Most have 5-10 years (or more!) of in-class experience. Many have worked at FMS upwards of 5 years.

Meet the team! Learn about our educators, assistants and leadership staff here.

Diverse activities and practical life skills

Our baby, toddler, and preschool students enjoy daily specialised activities. They learn animal care with chickens, guinea pigs, fish, turtles, and a school dog, gaining pet ownership experience. Children engage in horticulture, gardening, cooking classes, music, and cultural activities weekly. At FMS, toddlers and preschoolers participate in leadership roles or mentorship with older students, boosting confidence and social skills.

In addition to academics, practical life skills are a significant part of early childcare at Forestville Montessori. Our toddler and preschool students are supported to develop essential skills including:

• Toilet learning (for infants and toddlers)
• Food preparation
• Environmental care (cleaning skills)
• Tying and lacing
• Self-care (washing, brushing, etc.)
• Grace and courtesy: interacting appropriately and politely with others

Community Engagement

At FMS, we work with families to create an inclusive community where all families feel welcome. Throughout the year we offer school-wide events and annual traditions for parents, students, staff and families. These might be social, educational or purely for fun and connection! Some of our favourites are Harmony Day, Grandparents and Founders Day, school discos, concerts, and parent learning sessions.