Toddlers are some of the cutest, funniest, most adventurous, and creative humans on the planet. The time spent beginning to navigate through life is vital for their development. During that time, toddlers are learning to differentiate between what's right and wrong, discovering and exploring the big world around them. If you want to help your children in this journey, consider toddler daycare services in Mclean, VA. Understanding The Importance of Daycare The concept of daycare itself is a very important facet of a child's life. In most cases, its purpose is purely utilitarian: children are enrolled to be watched and cared for while the parents are at work. However, it has moved far beyond simply being a place to leave your kids while you earn your paycheck. In fact, daycare is also a place for your toddler to practice their socialization skills. These skills are very valuable, giving your toddler...

Selecting toddler daycare services in Mclean, VA is an important process. You want to be sure that your child will get the most out of their daily time in daycare, offering vital skills that will prepare them for kindergarten. The question, however, is how you'll know that you've selected the right daycare for your child. If you're thinking about a Montessori-based daycare, there are several benefits that your child will reap as early as kindergarten. Montessori-Based Daycare Will Improve Concentration It's hard for any child to sit and concentrate on a task they aren't interested in--especially when that task involves filling out a worksheet or completing another educational assignment they don't understand or have no interest in. When your child attends Montessori preschool, however, they'll gain the pieces to enhance their concentration in several different ways. They'll be encouraged to continue the learning process when something catches their interest, rather than...

At the Brooksfield School, we understand that our responsibility as educators extends to aspects of our students’ lives that take place outside of our classrooms. We do all we can to make sure our methodology is flexible for both parents and students. After all, as Montessori educators, we know that education is more than just imparting knowledge; it’s growing a person. Therefore, it’s our responsibility as early childhood educators to be aware of the many different choices, concerns, and issues that parents face during their young student’s early education journey. Ensuring our young students have access to quality after-school care is as important to us as it is for our parents.   Due to the difficulty of synching weekday work and school schedules, managing pickup and dropoff times for students can be a rather imposing responsibility for parents. As an assist in this regard, we assembled an after-school care program, known as...

If your child is in Montessori childcare, you clearly value their education. Most parents who sign their children up for a Montessori education do so very deliberately, and you are likely no exception. Good for you! The Montessori approach provides an amazing foundation for students to build upon, and you can rest assured your child will be getting an excellent start in life when they attend a Montessori based daycare. In order to ensure your child's Montessori education is as effective as possible, you can provide them with activities at home that are just perfect for expanding upon what they are learning in school. Here are a few simple ideas of activities you can do at home to help your child get the very most out of their Montessori childcare experience. Toddler Education: Letter Matching Letter identification is the first step to reading. You can help your child learn to identify numbers by...

The Montessori experience differs from mainstream educational philosophies, and that's one of the keys to its success. By eliminating the mindless busy-work and allowing children to engage with all of their senses, Montessori toddler child care successfully allows kids to continue loving learning throughout their education. The Montessori philosophy exposes children to nature, the arts and critical thinking skills through conversation and play. Maria Montessori herself said that "play is the work of children" and the fruit of this labor can be seen in the creative thinking, relationship skills and ingenuity that Montessori kids use to succeed as adults. If you're looking at enrolling your child in our toddler program, here's what you can expect: Toddler Child Care Has Outdoor Time The natural world is filled with shapes and colors and seasonal events that can't be duplicated in a classroom. Montessori toddlers are given plenty of time in nature to watch...

You may think you have years to pick an educational path that’s right for your child. He or she is still a toddler, why rush them into a pre-K program? The fact is, this may be the MOST IMPORTANT time for your child’s educational growth. Toddlers are information sponges. They soak up everything around them. You want to know that your child is as prepared as possible for their coming educational experiences. You may worry that your child will be missing some of the vital skills other students their age have already had the chance to gain. What skills can a Montessori pre-K program give them to best prepare them for educational and life success? Montessori Pre-K Teaches Independence If your child still cowers behind you and needs you to do everything for them, it's time to start working on their independence. Your child should be able to ask questions when...

If you've got a special toddler in your life, there are probably times when you want to buy him or her a gift, whether it is for the holidays, a birthday, or just because. While there are a lot of choices that make noise, light up, and seem like fun, those are often the toys that are quickly discarded. Sometimes some of these simple gifts are used the most, and they complement a toddler Montessori education, based on the premise that children learn through hands-on, self-directed learning. Blocks. Any type, whether they are small wooden ones, large cardboard ones, or even some you make yourself out of milk cartons are terrific for toddlers. Not only can they have a blast making simple structures, they will love knocking them down too. They will also use them in a variety of ways, lining them up, grouping them, and pretending they are something else...

When you choose a school with a Montessori approach to childcare, you are choosing to give your child many advantages over other types of preschools and daycare environments. Here are three big boosts you are giving your toddler when you choose the Montessori method. The Montessori approach builds self confidence. Kids in a Montessori environment are taught to focus on what they can do rather than what they can't. The Montessori education model encourages teachers and other adults to allow children to try new things and not be afraid of failure. Kids and their parents are often surprised by how much children can accomplish when they are given the opportunity. The Montessori approach encourages working together. A Montessori classroom is set up with several different age groups learning together. This is important because older children learn to teach and younger children get the benefit of the experience of older kids that...

Your toddler is your world. Yes, the sun does rise and set in him, at least in your universe. He is walking, starting to talk, and gaining a degree of independence. Now is the time to consider enrolling him in a daycare program. Many reasons present themselves for considering a toddler daycare program. Mclean offers a wide variety of choices. Sorting through each one is both time-consuming and essential to the health and well-being of your little one, as well as to your personal peace of mind. No reason for this process is more important than assuring you choose a quality program that fits your goals for your child and your child's future. Look for quality indicators in these areas: health and safety considerations, appropriate teacher-child interactions, child-directed learning, aesthetically pleasing environments, parent involvement and program philosophy. It is always a good idea to seek references from like-minded parents. How will...

Brooksfield School is happy to announce that it will be opening up a two year old toddler program beginning in the Fall 2016-17 school year!  We are really excited to offer another wonderful Montessori program to our families that will incorporate the Montessori curiculum as well as the arts and the outdoors!  The program will consist of a 5 day a week schedule with 9am to 12pm, 9am to 3pm and 7:30am to 5:55pm options. The best part about the program?... the child does NOT have to be potty trained!   If you have a two year old or a rising two year old who you would like to be considered for the program, please contact Sarah Krawchuk, the Admissions Director.