Childhood Programs
Making A DifferenceOur programs are designed to create a unique learning environment that fosters holistic development, independence, critical thinking, and a love for learning in students
Our Programs
We offer weekly and three-days/week programs.
Infants: 6 Weeks - 15 Months
Montessori for infants involves creating a safe and interactive environment that allows them to practice skills such as grasping, crawling, and walking. By providing age-appropriate toys and materials, teachers guide infants develop their sensory and motor skills, as well as their cognitive abilities.
Twos: 24 - 36 Months
In our classroom for 2 years olds, children begin to do more complex multi-step work. This prepares them for our preschool class. They learn a basic sense of quantity and numbers and simple research into animals. Teachers also create station learning for many sensory and motor materials, which focus on identifying and continuing patterns
Toddlers 16 - 24 Months
A Montessori classroom for toddlers safely supports a child’s drive to do things independently, developing confidence and a sense of competence. This is the time for children to explore and discover through active play. In addition, our educators give toddlers responsive, individualized attention to help build skills in:
- Sensory and Perception
- Self-help
- Language
- Physical and Motor Skills
- Social and Emotional Growth
Pre-Kindergarten: 3, 4, 5 Year Olds
The Montessori Pre-K program offers a unique, mixed-age classroom environment, for children approximately 3 to 5 years old. Children engage in individual learning experiences, as well as one-on-one interactions.
As children get older, they tend to see things that adults find ordinary as very interesting and special. Practical life exercises like sorting, pouring, or washing dishes absorb them completely.
We recognize this as the beginning of control and coordination of mind and body. That’s why Pre-K teachers focus lessons around tangible, hands-on experiences.
Children use concrete materials to learn math; movable alphabet letters to explore language; and cubes, cylinders and other objects to categorize, find spatial relationships, learn the phonetic sounds of each letter and more. Practical learning experiences explore key subjects including:
- Science and Nature
- Music and Movement
- Sensorial
- Cooking and Nutrition
- Cultural Awareness
- History
- Geography
- Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Physical motor skills both large and small
Before/After School
During this program, students have homework time, snack time, and activities. Public school buses transport children before and after school.
Summer Camp
First School’s Summer Camp program is jam-packed with educational activities for entering 1st-grade – 6th-Grade children. The program promotes independent learning with rich language and exploration with onsite and travel experiences. First School has weekly field trips, splash days, library visits, and time at our local parks. A few of our many off-site adventures include:
- Prairie Farms
- Lake of The Woods Museum and Botanical Gardens.
- Planetarium
- Gibson City Pool.
… and more! As a result, your child will never be bored.
Registration
How To Register Your Child for First School
We are excited to begin this process with you and look forward to getting to know you and your family. First School offers open enrollment, so students can be accepted at any time during the year while space is available.
The admissions procedure is designed to give parents an opportunity to learn about the school, our philosophies, policies, and to meet our faculty.
Call With Questions
Mail For Inquiry
Non-Discrimination Policy: First School Montessori School has no religious affiliation and welcomes students of every race, sex, color and national or ethnic origin.
01.
Prospective parents please contact the school office and schedule a tour. Admissions information is available by calling 217-586-9990 frstschl@frontier.com Jane Stublefield; Director
02.
After contacting First School you’ll be provided with the next steps and guidance to make registration a successful process in enrolling your child.
03.
2. At this time we will have your child visit the classroom, and see our facility. If First School is a good fit for you and your child we’ll let the learning begin!
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