Childhood Programs
Making A DifferenceOr programs are designed to create a unique learning environment that fosters holistic development, independence, critical thinking, and a love for learning in students
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, 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
Before/After School
Transportation is provided by our First School bus to and from Manhattan Public Schools for the Before and After School-age Program. During this program, students have homework time, snack time, and activities.
Summer Camp
First School’s Summer Camp program is jam-packed with educational activities for entering first grade-12 years aged children. The program promotes independent learning with rich language and exploration with onsite and travel experiences. First School regularly has weekly field trips, splash days, library visits, and time at our local parks. A few of our many off-site adventures include: Urban Air, Perry Farm Exploration Station, bowling, Elwood Children Garden… 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 at First School is a two-fold process and is designed to give parents an opportunity to learn about the school, our philosophy and policies, and to meet our faculty.
Call With Questions
815-478-6001
Mail For Inquiry
admin@firstschoolinc.com
Non-Discrimination Policy: First School Montessori School has no religious affiliation and welcomes students of every race, sex, color and national or ethnic origin.
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Prospective parents please contact the school office and schedule a tour. Admissions information is available by calling 815.478.6001 admin@firstschoolinc.com Sarah Stoliker; Director
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After contacting First School you’ll be provided with the next steps and guidance to make registration a snap.
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If First School is a good fit for you and your child we’ll let the learning begin!
Schedule a Tour! See First School in Person!
815-478-6001
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