Our Programs
All programs follow the Montessori model of learning
Respectful Teaching
Respect for the child is the cornerstone of the Montessori philosophy. Allowing children to do things independently and to learn for themselves ensures that they will develop confidence and a love for learning that will blossom as they grow.
Prepared Environments
The Prepared Environment is a very important part of the Montessori classroom. It is a beautiful and orderly environment designed with children in mind. In this environment, children have the freedom and the safety to choose which encourages confidence and independence as they learn.
The Ability To Learn
The Absorbent Mind is the aspect of Montessori that acknowledges that children can’t help but learn. By absorbing the world around them, children learn simply by living. In the Montessori classroom, there is never a shortage of opportunities for children to explore and learn.
The Teacher's Role
In a Montessori classroom, the teacher serves as a guide. They are ready and available to help when necessary, but they are not an obstacle between the child and their experience. It is the teacher’s role to provide the ideal environment, model respect, and cue in to each child’s individual needs all while encouraging the children to educate themselves.
Infants
6 weeks to 16 months
Teachers will engage the infants in various activities that aid in their physical development such as tummy time, sitting on their own, crawling, pulling themselves up and eventually walking. The infants are allowed to play freely with the various materials in the room including soft blocks, sorting/stacking toys, musical toys and other small and large muscle materials. Teachers will spend time with the infants rocking, cuddling, talking to, reading to, singing to, etc. Infants will be fed, changed and napped according to their own individual schedule.
Toddlers
16 months to 3 years
As each infant reaches the age of 16 months and indicates signs of readiness, they will begin the transition into the toddler program. The goal of toddler teachers is to continue to provide a safe environment for each child to explore while offering opportunities for them to gain confidence in various self-help skills such as eating at a table, sleeping on a cot, playing and sharing with their peers, communicating their wants and needs, etc.
Pre-School
3 years – Kindergarten
Preschoolers are entering a time when independence is flourishing and their curiosity about the world around them makes them eager to learn. The Montessori philosophy seeks to encourage a child’s desire to learn as well as to help them develop confidence in their own individual interests and abilities by preparing an environment full of opportunities for exploration.
School Age
Enrolled in Elementary School
Our school aged program is available to All Stars Montessori preschool graduates that attend Highland Elementary School or have been accepted into the District 196 magnet program. District transportation is provided from All Stars Montessori.
During the summer, and on days when elementary schools are closed, your school ager will be kept actively engaged in special projects, field trips and more!
Questions & Answers
What are your hours of operation?
All Stars Montessori is open year round, from 7:00 am-5:30 pm
What ages of children attend the center? What is the teacher-child ratio for each age group?
We care for children ranging in age from six weeks to school age. For our infants (6-weeks to 16 months) we maintain a ratio of 1 to 4; for our toddlers (16 months to 36 months) we maintain a ratio of 1 to 7; for our preschoolers (36 months to pre-K) we maintain a ratio of 1 to 10 and for our school aged children (Kindergarten and up) we maintain a ratio of 1 to 15.
What is a typical day like?
The content of our program consists of various activities, such as: Montessori exploration, arts & crafts, reading, dancing, building, washing, counting, sorting, problem-solving, cooking, talking, sharing and listening. Each age group has age appropriate activities and materials that they can explore at their own pace while under the supervision of trained teachers and support staff.
Breakfast is served for each class upon arrival up until 8:15. A morning snack is served as part of each age groups morning class time. After group time, work time, and other structured activities – children will head outside to expend their energy. (In the event of inclement weather, indoor large muscle activities will replace outdoor time.)
When children come in from outside, they will have lunch in their classrooms. Because we believe that adequate rest is important for children – and because their busy mornings will tire them out – each age group will have nap time. After nap time, children will participate in a variety of structured activities that include music & movement, dramatic play, arts and crafts, Montessori exploration, etc. As each day ends, children will have another opportunity to play outside or to participate in other indoor large muscle activities.
When you pick your child up, they will have a lot to share with you about their busy day!
What types of “extra” activities do you offer?
We have various “on-site” field trips including visits from the Fire Chief during Fire Safety Month and dental professionals during Dental Health Month. We also take many off site field trips to theaters, farms, apple orchards, bowling and other places that will enable the children to “learn on the road”. And each Friday, we have a Carbone’s pizza lunch. Each week, Ms. Gina and her Jumpin’ Jax Fitness comes to the school and does health and fitness classes for our toddlers and preschoolers! Ms. Gina’s goal is to “To involve parents, teachers and caregivers in helping children develop healthy habits at a young age. To give them encouragement, self-esteem and a positive attitude. To empower them to make good choices about eating, staying safe and taking care of their bodies.”
We also have various extra-curricular activities for our families such as: Family Fun Night, Halloween Party, Preschool Graduation (complete with cap & gown and graduation cake), Family Picnic and other fun activities that enable all of our families to get to know one another.
What kind of communication system do you have with parents?
We believe that parent/teacher communication is imperative in order to ensure the most positive experience for the child. We encourage open communication between the parents and the teachers at all times. Parents will be provided with feedback at the end of each day. Our teachers will never hesitate to pick up the phone if they have any questions or concerns and we ask you to feel free to do the same. Progress reports and conferences will be provided to parents twice per year.
Brightwheel is a fun way to connect with your child’s classroom and teachers. It is a simple download to your phone or device, you will get pictures, updates (nap, bottles, bathroom for infant and toddler classrooms) and notes about the activities in your child’s classroom. Brightwheel gives you the availability to send a quick note to your child’s teacher as well! While we love (and prefer) face to face communication, Brightwheel is a great tool to stay connected, even while at work.
What is your policy regarding sick children?
We follow Minnesota state guidelines which require that children with communicable illnesses including fever, diarrhea, unexplained rash, etc. are to be excluded until they have been symptom free or have been on a dose of antibiotic after seeing a physician for 24 hours.
Am I welcome to observe my child in the center at any time?
Parents are always welcome to visit the center and see their children engaged in their daily activities. We do ask parents to be sensitive to the fact that some children handle these visits better than others, and to be mindful of how your child will respond. We also encourage parents to call to check on their child’s day at any time.
What types of meals and snacks do you serve?
Breakfast and healthy snacks are served daily. For your convenience, we have lunch delivered by a USDA approved company for a small fee. If you prefer, your child is welcome to bring their own lunch. Milk will be provided free of charge in either case.