1005 Fifth Ave NW Issaquah, WA 98027 - (425) 392-4087
Early Pre-School • Pre-School • Pre-Kindergarten • Elementary
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Montessori different from other educational philosophies?
In a Montessori classroom, the child guides the learning by selecting "work" from the shelves that peaks his/her interest. The teacher then teaches to the child based on the child's selection, rather than dictating to the child what he/she should learn that day. In a traditional classroom, the teacher will spend a majority of the time teaching to the group, whereas teaching is highly individualized in the Montessori environment. This is a fundamental difference. Additional reading on the Montessori philosophy can be done at www.montessori.org, www.montessoriconections.com, and by reading the written works of Maria Montessori herself, including The Secret of Childhood and The Absorbent Mind.
Who was Dr. Montessori? Are you religiously affiliated?
The Montessori method was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900's and refined throughout her lifetime. Dr. Montessori was the first female physician in Italy and spent many years studying children between the ages of 0-6 years. Her careful observations of children and how they learn and develop inspired her to develop an educational philosophy and methodology based on their development. The result is the Montessori method. We are not a religious school, nor are we affiliated with any religion. We teach tolerance for all religions, cultures and viewpoints.
What are the qualifications of your teachers?
Our teachers are Montessori certified and have a wide variety of backgrounds. Some hold Bachelors degrees and some hold Washington State teaching certifications. All have previously taught in the public and/or private school sector. All have been teaching for a minimum of 2 years.
When are parent conferences held?
Conferences provide an opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss student's progress and set common goals. Parent conferences are held each November and March. Parent attendance at conferences in a requirement.
What are your admission procedures?
Potential families are invited to tour our school, to meet the teachers and see the program in action. These tours can be scheduled between 9:30-10:30 daily, and are individualized as to control the number of visitors each day. Potential students are welcome to come with their parents to meet faculty and staff. Upon, a decision to enroll, families will be placed upon the waiting list for the next available opening and contacted when the space becomes available. Enrollment is made in February for the following academic year. Summer session enrollment also opens February 1st. Please feel free to contact he admissions office for more information.
Is your kindergarten Washington State accredited? What is the age cutoff for your kindergarten class?
Yes, our kindergarten is Washington State accredited and is taught by a Washington state certified teacher. The age "cutoff" for Kindergarten enrollment is August 31st.
How do you manage challenging behavior?
The Montessori principal of teaching and modeling respect for self, for others and for the environment gives children opportunities to make appropriate choices in behavior. Routines in school and childcare encourage self-discipline in children and social skills are acquired and developed at Sunnybrook.
Our trained staff will use a variety of developmentally appropriate behavior management techniques to direct/redirect your child in a positive, clear and relaxed manner. These management techniques, called positive discipline, help children:
Staff will manage inappropriate behavior with re-direction of alternative activities, and verbal conflict resolution while promoting and teaching Montessori values and techniques of positive discipline. Sunnybrook Montessori strictly prohibits spanking or any form of corporal punishment, physical or mechanical restraint, the withholding of food or water or any form of emotional abuse.
Staff are trained in positive discipline management techniques to achieve student success. Staff speak of desired behaviors directly to children. Repetition of requests is made calmly but firmly. "Please use walking feet so that you don't fall down" or "This is a one person work. Let's find something else to do." Discipline is always age appropriate. The words "time out" have evolved to mean different things to different people. Consequently, at Sunnybrook Montessori, we use "thinking time". During thinking time, the child sits quietly to think and returns when they are "ready" to rejoin work/group or when invited back to the activities of the classroom or extended care by the teacher.
Do you provide lunches/snacks with your program?
We do provide snacks each day. A monthly snack calendar is sent out in advance to parents. Students bring their own lunches the majority of the time and Sunnybrook provide milk with each meal. Students can bring hot or cold lunches, as we do have the equipment to warm up last night's leftovers. We strongly encourage all parents to introduce all new foods at home, so as to watch for any allergic reactions. As some students have severe food allergies, Sunnybrook is a "nut free' facility, and families are asked to refrain from sending any foods containing peanut or other nut products. On Wednesdays and Thursdays a small hot lunch program is offered, please contact the school for details.
How do you encourage parent involvement?
Parents are always welcome to observe in the classrooms and their help is appreciated. In addition, may school events aid in the families participation in the educational process. For example, the Fall Carnival provides an opportunity for students and their friends to visit during a social event. The Mother's Day Tea, Dad's Pumpkin Carving, Thanksgiving Feasts, and Earth Day celebration all provide opportunities for socialization and participation at school. Parent conferences are regularly scheduled, however, parents are encouraged to contact the teacher at any time to address questions and concerns.
