Which is Better For A Toddler, A Montessori School Or Emergent Daycare?
These thoughts and points are based on my own experience and observation from working over 2 years within a toddler Montessori school and 6 years within different Emergent toddler classroom settings.
Montessori Or A Emergent Daycare?
First of all, let me say that this decision is one that parents need to make, but it should be based on the type of child you have. The program should be based on your child’s skill level, skill ability, focus level, ability to follow directions, temperament, and energy level.
Montessori School
It does not work well for these kinds of toddlers
I found that a Montessori school structure is not for every type of toddler child. These are my findings after working for two years in a Montessori toddler room.
For toddler children who are overly energetic and are very busy with their movements, a Montessori program does not give them enough free playing or outside time to move around.
A Montessori framework is too limited in creativity for toddler children who are out-the-box thinkers.
Toddler children who are incredibly stubborn, do not have self-help skills, do not have home motivation, or are unwilling to try doing anything on their own. A big part of every Montessori program is to help build independence within your toddler, so if a child refuses to do anything for themself, they will not succeed within this form of framework.
Does work well for these kinds of toddlers
If your toddler enjoys doing a lot of things independently.
If your toddler has a slight learning disability.
If your toddler needs more one-on-one help.
If your toddler like using real-life materials and like doing practical tasks.
If your toddler can work and play independently.
If your toddler has strong fine motor skills.
If your toddler is somewhat social.
If your toddler understands and can follow two-step instructions.
An Emergent (play-based) Daycare
It does not work well for these kinds of toddlers
Toddlers who have severe learning and developmental disabilities.
Toddlers with a teacher who does not understand learning through play, or one who is too passive, don’t follow through and lets the kids get away with anything within the classroom.
A toddler who has no structure or rules at home.
A toddler who does not know how to be social or independently play.
Toddlers who need to be told how and when to do everything.
A toddler who has not been exposed to a group setting or any diversity.
Works well for these kinds of toddlers
A toddler who is overly energetic and enjoys moving.
A toddler who enjoys using their imagination and creativity can think outside the box.
A toddler who has parents that collaborate with the classroom teachers.
Toddlers who enjoy being social.
A toddler who enjoys being social, exploring things, playing, and building on their knowledge.
A toddler who does not always need one on one help. They have some independent skills.