FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions from parents like you:
Q. Do you offer a part-time Montessori program, 2-3 days a week or less?
A. For our toddler program we offer a 4- and 5-day week option. Our part-time preschool program includes a 5-day week, Monday – Friday, 8:30am to 11:30am (Half-days), or 12:30pm (Mid-days, after lunch). We also have a Full-day Montessori option until 3:00pm, and extended care until 5:30pm. In order to offer an authentic Montessori education to our families, we strive to be consistent with the Montessori school standards set forth by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). We hope you will consider the benefits your child will receive from a 5-day week Montessori program.
Q. How many teachers per child?
A. We have two adults – one lead guide and one assistant – in our Toddler Community for a ratio of 1:6 (less than the state licensing requirement of 1:7).
We have two adults – one lead guide and one assistant – in our Children’s House (preschool ages 33 mo – 5 yrs) for a ratio of 1:10.
Q. At what ages do your programs start?
A. Our Toddler Community is made up of children ages 16-months to 33 months. We can accept a child as young as 14 months so long as he/she is steadily walking and ready for a school environment. Likewise, a child may be ready to join our preschool as young as two and a half. In both cases, we will follow the child’s development and our staff will work together to make a determination about the child’s readiness. And with parent’s permission, we will get an exception from our state licensor.
Our Children’s House is a mixed age class of children ages 33-months to 5 years (through Kindergarten). Children may be as young as 2.5 to join our preschool, so long as they are using the toilet independently and have demonstrated a readiness to advance.
Q. Does my child need to be potty-trained before entering the Children’s House (preschool)?
A. Yes, we do require that children are using the toilet independently before entrance into our Children’s House. This means that children must be in underwear during the day, as we do not have the facilities or the staff to accommodate diaper-changing or toileting issues (beyond the age of 33 months, per state licensing guidelines).
Q. Is Cathedral Hill Montessori School a licensed childcare facility?
A. Yes. CHMS is a licensed child care program through the Minnesota Department of Human Services. You may check our licensing status by visiting http://licensinglookup.dhs.state.mn.us/.
