The Toddlin’ Tots & Tender Two Lite classes are for toddlers who love to sing, dance and pretend. A parent/caregiver participates along with the child as they explore song, movement, puppets, and pretend, thus enhancing the toddlers’ burgeoning language skills, refining their motor skills, and most importantly, stretching their (as well as the adults’) imaginations. This program is designed for children 20 months of age by September 1. Classes are 45 to 75 minutes long, depending upon the class, one day per week. The Tender Two's Program offers play and learning experiences for the two-year-old with a parent or caregiver participating as an integral element of the program. Our program includes stories, finger plays, songs, art experiences, and outside playtime. Parents or caregivers enjoy these activities with their children. This is a truly interactive program for both child and adult that encourage a smooth transition between home and school in the following year. Children must be 2 years old by September 1. Classes are 90 minutes and meet one day per week. To enter our preschool program children must be 2 ½ years old (30 months) by September 1. Our preschool classes include programs for 2 ½ -3 year olds, 3 year olds, and 4 year olds. While 50 percent of each classroom is based upon the Core Knowledge sequential learning curriculum, the additional 50 percent includes imaginative play and role-playing, music, computer, art, and individual activities designed by our experienced teaching staff which originate from the children themselves through their individual needs and creativity. The Montessori method of education is unique in its approach to learning. Dr. Maria Montessori was Italy’s first female medical doctor. Using her scientific background, she observed tenement children in Rome. Based on her observations, she developed materials, created a child-centered environment, and helped revolutionize educational thought. She stressed respect for the child, freedom of expression, self-education, and training by using movement and the senses. Rather than teaching the child concepts, the Montessori environment is designed to stimulate children’s interests, simplify their understanding and enhance their learning capabilities, with the highly experienced Montessori credentialed teacher acting as a guide or facilitator. Children aged three to six participate in the program. Ideally, children should remain in the Montessori program for two or three years. To complete the Montessori program, we encourage five-year-olds to complete their kindergarten year at Village Green. Montessori applicants must be 3 years old by September 30 of the first year of the cycle. First and second year students attend 5 days per week, 3 hours per day. Third year students attend 5 days per week, 3 hours on Monday, 6 hours on Tuesday through Friday at Lowes Island and 5.5 hours each day at Great Falls.