Full Day Information Session Summary

In September, Aidan Montessori School announced its plan to offer Full Day Programming for Toddler and Primary children beginning in 2020-2021. On Tuesday, October 22, 2019, parents gathered in St. Thomas Church Auditorium to get more information about how we came to this conclusion and how we will ensure its excellence.

Here are some of the whys and wherefores of implementing this programming as inspired by the morning’s queries:

• Tuition rates for next year are currently being analyzed by the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees as they begin the SY 2020-2021 budgeting process.
• ASP will still be offered from 3:00-6:00 PM for Primary- and Elementary-aged children, and will still provide that beloved, neighborhood-y, play-based set up. The Discovery program will be as robust as ever.
• A child who begins the year as half day Toddler OR Primary can add Full Day at any time during the school year. However, there will be no option for partial week or drop-in care. 
• The entire Lower School Team will be working with experienced Montessori Trainers to assist us in the implementation of the afternoon work choices, materials, and cycle to meet the needs of all of the children. The staff is planning to visit schools in the area that are already meeting with success along these lines.
• The children will have the same Montessori teacher and assistant all day with additional help from designated support staff for lunch, recess, nap and any additional outdoor time.
• Giving lessons throughout the day to all children will provide important exposure to the entire curriculum for all students regardless of age. The younger children will be enticed by the “bigger” work of their older classmates and will learn what is yet to come.
• The word WORK in a Montessori context refers to the use of the materials, the happy building of skills and living in their community. It is not boring or dull or monotonous or tedious or backbreaking. Children approach their work with joy and curiosity and leave it with a personal sense of accomplishment.
• We recognize the importance and necessity of fresh air and space to move, especially outdoors. Additional staff will be available to accommodate the children's individual and group needs to channel their energies in appropriate manners. PE will be offered only to children who are five (5) years old as of a date which corresponds to our local jurisdiction’s definition of kindergarten.
• A Montessori prepared environment includes opportunities for music and art and therefore, unlike the Elementary, no specialties will be offered. 
• A typical Toddler day: 8:00-8:15 AM arrival; two-hour Montessori, independent work block with lessons; morning meal; outdoor time; 11:15 AM dismissal for half day children; (NEW) prep for and consumption of lunch; nap (in rooms); wake up then 3:00 PM dismissal.
• A typical Primary day: 8:15-8:30 AM arrival; three-hour Montessori work block with lessons and independent work; outdoor time, 12:00 PM dismissal for half day children; lunch; nap (place TBD); two-hour work block; 3:00 PM dismissal. ASP if chosen.

If you have any more questions, please contact Director of Education and Head of the Lower School Denise Merkel at d.merkel@aidanschool.org.