Preschool Programs
Integrated Preschool Program
Our preschool program strives to provide children with an environment that meets their needs and challenges of each child. We support the belief that it is beneficial to have a classroom that nurtures children with diverse abilities and backgrounds. Our likenesses and differences are respected, appreciated, and celebrated. We feel children learn best from a combination of direct instruction and from each other through exploration and play, in a stimulating environment.
Our classroom is also a therapeutic preschool where we provide age-appropriate activities for our students in a peer group setting. We work on social skills, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, communication, and cognitive skills. Problem-solving and self-regulation are essential components of our preschool program. Modifications for each student will be made to accommodate them in our preschool setting. We will use cooperative games, small group table time, large group time, art, and outdoor play to encourage our students to grow and learn.
In our classroom, we use a positive approach to discipline as we work to develop a strong sense of self and self-control. All children are treated with respect and dignity and, in turn, are expected to treat others, as well as their environment, in the same manner. We encourage children to talk about their feelings, listen to others, use words to resolve conflicts, and develop problem-solving strategies. We help children understand the consequences of their actions so they can begin to take responsibility for those actions.
Our peer models are an important part of our classrooms - we provide age-appropriate activities for our students in a peer group setting. We work on social skills, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, communication, and cognitive skills. Problem-solving and self-regulation are essential components of our preschool program. Peers should be able to follow multi-step directions, regulate their emotions, and work together with other peers. Peer models are able to use cooperative play skills that include sharing, negotiation, and/or trading. We believe strongly in the benefits of children learning best from their peers. We hope we can help make your child's first introduction to the school experience a positive one. Most importantly we have so much fun in preschool.
KinderReady Preschool Program
We believe that children need ample opportunities to play, to question and explore, to practice social skills with other children in a safe environment, and to gain self-confidence. We believe that children can be guided to develop self-regulation by learning to express and regulate their bodies and emotions. We believe that helping children develop a positive self-image and become socially competent is the best foundation for their future. We believe the role of teachers is to be a guide to help children meet developmentally appropriate milestones through inspired learning activities and experiences. Our student-centered curriculum is supported through stories, songs, play, art, science experiments, learning letters and numbers, loosely-structured activities, and guided group activities. In accordance with State of Alaska Early Learning Guidelines, we observe and assess each child’s Approaches to Learning; Social and Emotional Development; Physical Growth and Health; Language, Literacy, and Communication; and Mathematics knowledge throughout our school year and work to achieve the best learning outcomes for each child.
MONTESSORI BOREALIS CHILDREN'S HOUSE
Montessori Borealis Children’s House serves students ages 3 to 6 in a multi-age program. It is located in the upper level of the Marie Drake Building. The program for preschool age students includes before and after school care, running from 7:30am to 5:30pm. Kindergarten students attend only during the school day which runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Preschool students pay tuition, while kindergartners don’t. State of Alaska Child Care Assistance is accepted and scholarships are available through SEAFOM (Southeast Alaska Friends of Montessori). The Annabel Rondeau Preschool Scholarship applications can be downloaded from their website at ww.seafomfriendsofmontessori.org. Space is limited. All applicants go through a lottery
process. The majority of openings are for the youngest children. Families who are
eligible to receive free or reduced lunch have preference.
The Optional Programs Application forms are available at the Montessori Borealis School website at https://mont.juneauschools.org/