The magic of Montessori education began in 1907 when Maria Montessori started the first House of Children in Rome, Italy. Her pedagogy and philosophy were far ahead of the times in which she lived, and continued to flow like a powerful river embracing cities, countries and continents. Head Start became a tributary of this river in 1984 and like many others across the world, flows with a purpose—to help build a community of children that grow into strong adults.

Head Start has been committed to serving the needs of children according to the spirit of Montessori and believes that this is a pedagogy that has survived over a hundred years because of its clarity, its ability to work at the pace of each child and its potential to include children with different abilities and interests. The method adapts to the present and can be built upon; it is beautifully articulated, being a way of learning that develops every sense and need.

What is significant about this pedagogy? It is timeless; though over a century old, it is still relevant and contemporary and makes us feel there is more to unfold with each generation. It follows the natural developmental milestones of the child, every child—as termed by Montessori, the Universal Child.

Children are naturally curious. We need not force them to learn; they learn when something spurs their interest. The focus is not on rewards or punishment. In a Montessori House, children engage in activities of their choice and learn to be responsible for what they choose. All materials in the classroom encourage learning in one way or another. The educator is a guide and a motivator who gives support when required. They introduce new challenges and concepts, based on when it is the best moment to do so, not as part of a fixed timetable.

The Montessori classroom is a community which encourages independent learning and progression, cooperation while working in a group of mixed ages and mixed abilities, and finding one’s strengths in the process. It gives children the opportunity to prepare to live meaningful, connected, and fulfilled adult lives.