In-Home Childcare compared with the Montessori education

It has been very interesting for me to see 1st hand the differences between in home childcare and the Montessori school setting. I had 2 in home preschools. One was in Virginia Beach and then another in Georgia. Even between the 2, there were a lot of differences. After moving to Georgia I had learned a lot from my experience in Virginia and I had also by this point learned about the Montessori schools. When I moved to Georgia I was fascinated to watch the Montessori concepts play out. Because I dealt with using Montessori ideas (though I didn’t know half), and I am and was the teacher in both of the environments, I don’t see as many differences as there may actually be. The most difficult transition for me into the classroom setting is that it loses a little of the at home comfort for the children, but it seems that the positives much out weigh this. Because I am aware of this, I do try to bring some of the soothing at home aspects into the classroom but it can be a challenge. Being in a more structured school environment is good for the kids. They know the rules and what is expected and not accepted here. They see the older children learning and know that this is not just for children their age and they are becoming better prepared for school. It also seems easier for the children to become use to the idea of independence. I think the best part is the structure for the teacher. You are not a babysitting, which I personally never wanted to be.  I loved teaching and playing with the children, but it was still hard to stay structured and on track, so I can imagine if I thought differently how unstructured it could have been. Sometimes I would honestly wake up 5 min. before the kids were to arrive and start breakfast. This seems fine but it put me at a slow pace in the morning, and in the morning was usually when the children seemed to be the most alert and ready for the day. I really like that I am up and going well before my class arrives. Also, I would have loved to have all the materials that a school has, but my finances would have never allowed for it. Having the right materials may be more important than you think, especially for early learning, visual and hands on. Here at the school we have more than adequate materials. The children are exposed to many different ideas. The teachers, director, and parents work together to create an all around program for the children. One person will not be able to think of all the ideas or notice all the needs that a group working together will achieve. One more difference I want to point out is that the school is established. Most in home daycares last less than 6 months. I learned this when I was going to my training to become licensed and it was shocking. The gentleman told us this and asked us all to make sure this is what we wanted to do. He told us the effects it can have on children going from one in home to another and even another after closing. By the time the training was even over, it seemed like half the class had changed their mind. That can be upsetting for a child. There are great in home schools out there, and I for one believe it can be a great opportunity for a child to grow. It may take a lot of research and patience to find the right one, but a loving home can be so touching in a child’s life. There are many aspects to consider with in home and school. This is all just my opinion and my observations over the years. Thanks
                                                                                Mrs. Kara