Family First Montessori Experience: Grown Up & Me Program

Family First Montessori Experience: Grown Up & Me Program will meet regularly every Monday in September to December from 10:30 to 11:30am, excluding holidays. It is a total of 12 classes. Classes take place in the 2nd floor gym with access to all our wooden equipment.

• Monday 9/16

• Monday 9/23

• Monday 9/30

• Monday 10/7

• Monday 10/21

• Monday 10/28

• Monday 11/4

• Monday 11/18

• Monday 11/25

• Monday 12/9

• Monday 12/16

• Monday 12/23

No, a parent or caregiver needs to be present. Family First Montessori is actually designed for both babies and toddlers ages 0 to 3 to enjoy alongside their grown-ups! It's a fantastic opportunity for grown-ups to learn about how Family Life Education (FLE) and introductory Montessori philosophies seamlessly work together at-home.

So, no need to worry about drop-offs – we're all about families having fun and learning together! If you have any more questions or want to learn more about how you and your little one can join us, feel free to ask!

At Family First Montessori, our Grown Up & Me program integrates Montessori principles with family life education to benefit both children and their grown-ups. Grown-ups actively participate in activities that promote independence, self-directed learning, and respect for each child's development pace, gaining practical tools for nurturing these principles at home. This partnership creates consistency between home and school environments, fostering a seamless transition for children and strengthening family bonds through shared exploration and celebration of milestones. Together, we cultivate a supportive community where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and positive family relationships.

Family First Montessori's Grown Up & Me program distinguishes itself by prioritizing holistic development and lifelong skills over traditional academic benchmarks (all while these are taught in the most age-appropriate, effective ways). Unlike programs that often focus narrowly on only certain areas of a child's development or solely on DOE curriculum, our approach integrates family life education and introductory Montessori philosophies to teach practical skills such as independent learning, healthy routines, effective communication, and positive family interactions that aid in a lifelong love of learning.

This holistic curriculum ensures that grown-ups are actively involved in their child's learning journey, providing crucial support and modeling behavior that reinforces these foundational skills. By nurturing independence, self-confidence, and a love for learning from an early age, our program not only prepares children for academic success but also equips them with essential life skills for navigating challenges with resilience and adaptability.

This comprehensive approach fosters well-rounded individuals who thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, setting them on a path towards lifelong growth and fulfillment.

No, the Family First Montessori Experience: Grown Up & Me program is not a traditional Montessori school. We are happy to provide recommendations if that is what you are seeking.

Instead, our program offers an engaging and informative introductory 1-hour weekly class designed for grown-ups and children eager to explore how Family Life Education and Montessori principles can enrich their home environment and prepare their child for future success across all areas of life, including traditional academia. This program is tailored to arm parents with practical strategies and insights that support their child's holistic development and pave the way for future academic success.

On Staten Island, options for traditional Montessori schooling are limited, especially within the 0 to 3 year range. Our program fills a crucial gap by providing families with an accessible opportunity to learn about and apply Montessori philosophy within their daily lives more easily. We believe in the transformative power of Montessori principles, promoting independence, self-directed learning, and respect for each child's unique journey in a prepared environment.

By integrating these principles with Family Life Education, we aim to equip families with tools that nurture not only academic growth but also social, emotional, and practical life skills in their children.

Through this innovative approach, Family First Montessori Experience seeks to inspire and empower families to create supportive home environments where children can thrive and reach their full potential.

If you're unable to make it to a scheduled class, don't worry! We understand that life can sometimes get busy. You'll receive a credit that you can use towards any walk-in Grown Up and Me class of your choosing. We want to ensure that you have the flexibility to still enjoy educational and fun family bonding opportunities whenever it suits your schedule. If you have any further questions or need assistance with rescheduling, feel free to let us know. We're here to help make your experience as enjoyable as possible!

Yes! We will still have regular fall classes happening starting in September on a new schedule. Rest assured, your family can attend both Family First Montessori Experience and other Happy Day Play classes concurrently. The curriculum is uniquely different and provides a different, still fun experience we are known for!

Participation is for the entire fall/early winter season and pricing is reflective of this in order to secure you and your child’s spot. This is a new program that will consistently have the same group of children and grown-ups in order to foster socialization and friendship building.