Our Program
Our program, both in philosophy and pedagogy, is based on the scientific research work of Dr. Maria Montessori and our AMI Montessori training. Her approach to education is based on the tenets of universal human development. Dr. Montessori provided a model for how to guide the learning of children of different ages and for what is important to present and make available to them at each level.
The classrooms are set up in an open style, with work areas throughout the rooms and materials openly displayed and available on accessible shelving. Lessons are given to individual children, and in some instances, to a small group of children, while other children are working independently. We use stories, Montessori materials, things of nature, treasures from the wealth of cultures around the world, and sometimes, conventional tools to teach the children. All the classrooms share these traits and the children learn by means of self-directed activity guided by the teacher.
The Montessori curriculum is broader based than that found in a more traditional setting.
Primary (3 - 6 years old)
Dr. Maria Montessori’s observation of a child’s development guides our Primary Program, which consists of a mixed-age grouping of children between 2 ½ and 6 six years old. During this developmental stage Dr. Montessori acknowledged that a child’s need is accompanied by “sensitive periods” in which a child exhibits an interest, and is able to focus at a task given to him/her. Our program will provide an opportunity for each child to grow, learn, and become a well functioning member of his social age group using Montessori’s awareness of a child’s predisposition towards self motivation and independence.
| Primary Morning | 8:30am - 11:45am |
| Primary Extended | 8:30am - 3:15pm |
Toddler Program (2 - 3 years old)
The toddler environment is a place that allows a child to become independent. It is an extension of home that offers possibilities of order, communication, movement, socialization and exploration using all the senses. Children will learn to do real work that is performed in everyday life.
Days: 3 days/week |
Time: 8:30am - 11:30am |
Parent-Infant (Birth – 2 years old)
The Parent-Infant Class provides an environment in which parents and children interact alongside a Montessori-prepared adult who uses the environment to facilitate their interaction. The focus of this unique program is to aid parents as they experience the earliest period of their child’s life, using Montessori methods and materials. The parents learn to observe their child and emphasis is made on their valuable role as their child’s first teacher.
| 1 day/week | 3:00pm - 4:30pm |
After School Programs
The classes in the After-School program include Art, Piano, Spanish, Cooking, and Movement. These classes are taught by experts in their field. We offer these classes as options, and as opportunities to further enhance the growth of the children in our programs. We welcome the siblings of MMA children and students from the community as well. There is a separate fee for each of these classes.
Classes and schedule vary during the school year
Summer Program
The summer program is made up of two 3-week sessions, and is open to the children of MMA, and to the community, who are 3-6 years old. We also offer this as a way to transition new children who will be enrolled in the fall. The program continues the lessons of our children, incorporating field trips and outdoor activities. The children bring their own lunch. There will also be one-week intensive sessions in art, one in cooking, and another in science, in between the sessions. Please call for dates for the 3-week sessions and the one-week intensive classes, as they vary each year.
| Monday - Friday | 9:00am - 1:00pm |
Download Summer Program registration form (PDF) >
Administrative Information
| Co-founder/Directress: | Maria Carandang |
| Office Manager: | Mel Tabayoyong |
| School Location: | River Forest United Methodist Church 7970 West Lake St. River Forest 60305 |
| Mailing Address: | P.O. Box 5620 River Forest IL 60305-5620 |
| Telephone: | 312-351-0074 |
| Email: | info@mosaicmontessori.org |
| Website: | www.mosaicmontessori.org |