1907-2025 Welcome to the 119th Montessori School Year!

If you’ve tried to hire a preschool teacher in America in the last year or so, you know it’s not easy. Great early childhood educators are in high demand—and in short supply. And even when you manage to hire someone wonderful, keeping them can be just as difficult.

Low wages, burnout, and competition from better-paying industries have pushed many talented educators out of early childhood altogether. As school leaders, we find ourselves navigating a tough reality: the mission we believe in is only as sustainable as the team we can build and retain.

But there is hope—and there are strategies that work. This article is meant to serve as a practical guide for school owners and directors across Florida who are determined to build stable, joyful, mission-driven teams—even in a competitive market.

The Realities We’re Facing

I live in Florida, where this is a state-wide challenge, but we’re not alone in our staffing crisis; we’re feeling it intensely. Early childhood teachers are leaving the field for better pay and more predictable hours. Many work two jobs. Some leave mid-year, overwhelmed and under-resourced.

A Wall Street Journal feature by Anne Tergesen and Veronica Dagher laid it out clearly: child care centers are facing a national workforce emergency. The article points to five areas of systemic breakdown—but also offers several forward-looking solutions that are worth our attention.

Why Retention Matters More Than Ever

When a teacher leaves, it disrupts far more than the schedule. Children lose the sense of consistency that’s foundational to trust and emotional development. Remaining staff absorb the stress and often begin thinking about leaving, too. Parents grow uneasy. The learning community suffers.

The cost of turnover isn’t just financial—it’s cultural.

What You Can Do: Six Strategies That Make a Real Difference

Here’s what the most resilient programs are doing to attract and retain great educators in a high-pressure environment.

1. Build a Culture of Respect and Belonging

Educators stay where they feel seen and supported. According to Teaching Strategies’ national survey, over 60% of teachers cite a respectful workplace as the top reason they would stay in a role long-term.

This doesn’t cost money—but it does require leadership. Be visible. Listen actively. Say thank you often. Create space for input and ideas. Celebrate small wins. And above all, make sure your teachers know their work matters.

2. Provide Competitive Compensation (and Creative Benefits)

We all know the financial limits of running a preschool. But the Wall Street Journal article reminds us that compensation isn’t just about the hourly wage—it’s about the whole package. Some programs are thinking creatively:

• Offering paid professional development days
• Giving staff discounted or free child care
• Providing stipends for classroom materials
• Offering extra paid days off around holidays or birthdays
• Contributing to healthcare stipends or mental health wellness plans

You may not be able to offer everything—but even a few thoughtful perks show that you value your team and are invested in their well-being.

3. Offer Flexibility Where You Can

One of the Journal‘s key points was that burnout is driving many educators away—not just low pay. Long hours, little planning time, and a lack of schedule control all contribute.

Consider:

• Job sharing or part-time roles
• Floaters to give lead teachers breaks
• Weekly planning time built into the schedule
• A clear PTO policy that’s actually respected

Small adjustments to how time is used can make a big difference in retention.

4. Create Career Pathways

Another insight from the WSJ article: many states and school systems are beginning to offer tuition-free CDA and fast-track credentialing programs. Why? Because when early educators see a future in the field, they stay longer.

Connect with your local community college or workforce board. Offer to host practicum students. Support your assistants in getting their credentials. Celebrate professional milestones publicly. Build a culture where teachers grow with you—not outgrow you.

5. Build a Mentorship Model

Don’t let new teachers feel like they’re on their own. Create a system where new hires are paired with experienced mentors. Hold monthly reflection circles. Check in regularly. Sometimes a single conversation can prevent a resignation.

Strong teams don’t just form—they’re nurtured.

6. Invest in Tools That Help Teachers Succeed

Teachers are more likely to stay when they have what they need to do their job well. That includes a high-quality curriculum, practical assessment tools, and streamlined communication systems.

Avoid overloading them with disconnected apps or disorganized systems. Streamline, simplify, and ensure your tools support—not hinder—the classroom day’s flow.

BTW: I consult with a few software providers. If you run a childcare center, I warmly encourage you to look into Illumine (https://illumine.app/). It is new to America, but strikes me as being much more powerful and user-friendly than other ECE software that I have found. If you run a Montessori school, I warmly recommend the Montessori Growth Suite, which is the best match that I have found for our schools (https://www.montessoricompass.com/growth-suite/).

A Sample Retention Rhythm You Can Adopt

If you’re looking to build retention habits into your leadership rhythm, try this:

Weekly:

• Check in with your team informally—how are they really doing?

Monthly:

• Offer one hour of paid planning time or peer sharing.
• Recognize staff contributions publicly—in meetings, emails, or parent newsletters.

Quarterly:

• Hold a one-on-one review focused on support, not evaluation.
• Ask for feedback on what would help them thrive.

Annually:

• Conduct a formal survey on satisfaction and workplace culture.
• Revisit compensation and consider where you can improve—even incrementally.

Wrapping Up

Yes, the market is tough. Yes, there are factors outside of your control. But there are also many things within your reach.

Hiring and retaining teachers in today’s Florida preschool landscape starts with building a school culture that respects educators, supports their growth, and treats them as the professionals they are.

And as the Wall Street Journal put it, the future of early education will depend on how we reimagine our approach—not just with funding, but with leadership and care.

Here’s a Sample Staff Retention Survey that you can use with your preschool team. It’s written in a clear, respectful tone and structured to gather meaningful feedback while reinforcing a culture of listening and professionalism.

Staff Retention & Satisfaction Survey

Confidential – Your feedback helps us build a better place to work

Please take a few minutes to reflect on your experience at our school. Your honest input will help us understand what we’re doing well and where we can grow.

Your Name (optional): _______________________________ Your Position: _______________________________ Length of time at the school: _______________________________

1. Overall Satisfaction

1.1 On a scale of 1 to 5, how satisfied are you working at this school? (1 = Very Unsatisfied, 5 = Very Satisfied) ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5

1.2 What do you enjoy most about working here?

1.3 What frustrates you or makes your job harder than it needs to be?

2. Work Environment & Culture

2.1 I feel respected and valued by… (Check all that apply) ☐ My direct supervisor ☐ School leadership ☐ My fellow team members ☐ Families ☐ Not sure

2.2 I feel comfortable giving feedback or raising concerns. ☐ Always ☐ Usually ☐ Sometimes ☐ Rarely ☐ Never

2.3 I feel part of a collaborative team. ☐ Strongly agree ☐ Agree ☐ Neutral ☐ Disagree ☐ Strongly disagree

2.4 If you could improve one thing about our team culture, what would it be?

3. Compensation & Workload

3.1 I feel my compensation is fair for the responsibilities of my role. ☐ Strongly agree ☐ Agree ☐ Neutral ☐ Disagree ☐ Strongly disagree

3.2 The workload I carry is… ☐ Very manageable ☐ Manageable ☐ Sometimes overwhelming ☐ Frequently overwhelming

3.3 What type of support would make your work easier or more sustainable?

4. Growth & Development

4.1 I have opportunities for professional growth at this school. ☐ Strongly agree ☐ Agree ☐ Neutral ☐ Disagree ☐ Strongly disagree

4.2 I would be interested in: ☐ Earning a credential (CDA, FCCPC, etc.) ☐ Attending workshops or conferences ☐ Mentoring a new teacher ☐ Having a mentor or coach ☐ Leading a project or initiative ☐ None at this time

4.3 What would help you grow in your role?

5. Retention & Intentions

5.1 I see myself continuing to work here… ☐ Next school year ☐ For at least 2 more years ☐ For the foreseeable future ☐ I’m unsure ☐ I’m actively considering leaving

5.2 If you’re considering leaving, what factors are influencing your decision?

6. Final Thoughts

6.1 What’s one thing we’re doing well that you’d like us to keep doing?

6.2 What’s one thing we could do better to support our staff?

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. Your voice matters.

1907-2025 Welcome to the 119th Montessori School Year!

NOTE: I would like to acknowledge my colleague, Jonathan Wolf, with whom I have taught courses and presented on this topic. His wisdom inspired much of what we have to share. 

Every school leader has faced that moment: the knock on the office door, the email asking for a meeting, or the parent who catches your arm at pick-up and says, “Do you have a minute?” Often, what follows isn’t a quick chat at all, but a difficult conversation—one that carries the weight of a child’s future, a family’s fears, or the delicate balance of trust between home and school.

I remember a father who once sat across from me, arms crossed tightly, eyes narrowed, as I tried to explain that his daughter was struggling socially and academically. His words came sharp and defensive: “Are you saying my child isn’t smart enough?” It would have been easy to respond in kind, but in that moment, I had to remind myself: this isn’t about winning an argument—it’s about helping a child. What that father needed most wasn’t more data or sharper reasoning. He needed to know that we were on his side.

That’s what these conversations are really about. They aren’t just about problems; they’re about leadership.

Why These Conversations Matter

Every Montessori leader eventually has to step into these spaces:

• Conversations about neurodiversity or developmental differences

• Talking through disciplinary issues

• Helping parents process their child’s academic or social struggles

• Addressing resistance or outright denial

Handled poorly, these conversations can erode trust. But approached with clarity and compassion, they can strengthen partnerships and open new doors for children.

Quick Tips for School Leaders

• Don’t let the first call home be about bad news—share positives regularly.

• Choose the right time and place; never have these talks on the run.

• Enter with curiosity, not conclusions.

• End with clear agreements and follow-up dates.

Preparing Your Heart and Mind

The real preparation for these conversations begins inside of us. Before meeting with a parent, pause and ask:

• What emotions does this situation stir up for me?

• Am I approaching with openness or judgment?

• What outcome do I truly want for this child and family?

Parents pick up on our energy. If we carry frustration, they feel it. But when we arrive with empathy and steadiness, we make space for real dialogue.

The Importance of Trust Before Trouble

One teacher I worked with made it her habit to email parents every Friday afternoon with one small snapshot: a funny story, a kind act, or a proud achievement. These weren’t long notes, but they added up. Months later, when a sensitive issue arose, those parents already trusted her voice.

Trust is built in those small deposits. When it’s there, the hard conversations can begin on solid ground.

Language That Builds Bridges

• Instead of: “Your child is disruptive.”

• Try: “We’ve noticed some behaviors that seem to be getting in the way of her learning.”

• Instead of: “You need to fix this at home.”

• Try: “What have you noticed at home? Let’s look at this together.”

A Framework That Works

1. Start with affirmation and shared purpose.
   Open by affirming the child: “We all care deeply about Sam, and we want him to feel successful and confident here.”
2. Ask, listen, ask again.
   Begin with open-ended questions, listen deeply, then ask clarifying follow-ups. This shows respect and genuine curiosity.
3. Explore, don’t diagnose.
   Frame the challenge as a shared puzzle, not a verdict. Admit what you don’t yet know, and invite parents’ insights.
4. Try “Feel–Felt–Found.”
   When parents are defensive: “I understand how you feel. Other parents have felt the same way. What we’ve found is…”
5. Know when to pause.
   If emotions boil over, suggest reconvening later. Protecting the relationship matters more than pushing through.
6. End with clarity.
   Summarize agreements, document responsibilities, set follow-up dates, and provide resources.

Sidebar: Reflection Prompts for Leaders

• What conversations make you most uncomfortable? Why?

• How do your own experiences as a parent or teacher shape your reactions?

• When was a time you left a conversation feeling proud of how you handled it? What made the difference?

A Montessori Lens on Leadership

Maria Montessori once wrote, “Purify your heart and render it burning with charity.” For me, that is the essence of school leadership.

These conversations aren’t interruptions to the “real work.” They are the real work. When we model honesty joined with compassion, we show parents and children alike that dignity and respect matter as much as academics.

Walking Away Stronger

That father I mentioned at the beginning? Months later, after his daughter had made great progress, he came back into my office. This time, his arms weren’t crossed. He leaned forward and said quietly, “Thank you for not giving up on us.”

That’s the lasting power of these conversations. When we lead them with honesty, courage, and compassion, we not only resolve immediate issues—we strengthen the bonds that hold our communities together.

So, the next time your stomach tightens before a parent meeting, remember this: you are not just managing conflict. You are leading with love. And that, in the end, is the heart of Montessori leadership.

1907-2025 Welcome to the 119th Montessori School Year!

One of the most meaningful ways to understand your child’s Montessori experience is to come and see it for yourself. Montessori classrooms are carefully designed learning communities, and when parents sit quietly and watch, they often gain a new appreciation for their child’s day-to-day world.

At our school, we invite—and encourage—you to observe. Visiting with open eyes and a calm presence helps you see what makes Montessori unique, and it deepens your connection to your child’s education.

When to Visit

Observations are most helpful once the class has settled into its routines. During the very first weeks of school, children are adjusting to new rhythms, new classmates, and a new environment. For that reason, most schools ask parents to hold off until those sensitive early weeks are over.

When you are ready to schedule a visit, please reach out to your child’s teacher. Advance notice allows the class to prepare for a smooth experience and ensures the teacher won’t feel pressured to interrupt lessons to talk with you.

When you arrive, sign in at the office to receive a visitor’s badge and an observation form. This helps us keep the school secure and provides a simple guide on what to look for during your time in the classroom.

How to Observe

When you enter, the teacher will direct you to a chair set aside for visitors. We’d like to ask you to remain seated and quiet so the children can stay focused on their work without distraction. Think of yourself as a gentle presence in the room—like a guest at a concert who is there to listen and take it in.

Patient observation often reveals far more than you expect. At first, you may notice the layout of the shelves, the calm hum of activity, or the way children move about the room with quiet purpose. On later visits, you’ll begin to pick up the subtle details that make Montessori learning so powerful.

What to Look For

Here are a few areas you might focus on:

• The Environment
  How is the classroom organized? Notice the shelves, materials, and child-sized furniture. Everything is arranged to invite independence and exploration.

• The Role of the Teacher
  Watch how adults interact with the children. Do they guide gently, offer lessons one-on-one, or step back to allow independence? You may notice moments of discipline handled calmly and respectfully.

• The Children at Work
  You can focus on a child other than your own for at least half an hour. How does she choose her activities? How deeply does she concentrate? What happens when she completes her work?

• The Materials
  Please take a look at which Montessori materials children are drawn to. Each material is designed with a built-in control of error, so children can discover and correct mistakes on their own. Can you spot a child quietly self-correcting?

• Peer Learning
  See how younger children learn from older classmates, and how older ones gain confidence by mentoring younger friends. These subtle exchanges are one of the great strengths of the multi-age classroom.

Why It Matters

Observation is not only about watching children; it’s also about discovering the deeper philosophy behind Montessori. You’ll see a classroom where independence, concentration, and curiosity are nurtured. You may even find yourself wishing you could join in!

By sitting quietly and noticing the details, you’ll gain new insight into how your child learns, how the teacher guides, and how the environment itself supports growth.

So, when you have the chance, take a seat in the visitor’s chair. Be patient. Watch closely. You’ll walk away with a richer understanding of your child’s world—and perhaps a renewed sense of wonder yourself.

Montessori Classroom Observation Form

Visitor Name: _____________________________________
Date: _________________________
Classroom/Level: __________________________________

Thank you for observing today! Please take a few quiet notes while you sit in the classroom. This form is designed to help you focus on what makes Montessori unique. You are welcome to keep it for yourself or share it with the school.

1. The Classroom Environment

• How is the room arranged?

• What do you notice about the shelves, materials, and furnishings?

• Does the space feel calm and inviting?

Notes:

2. Children at Work

• What do you notice about how children choose and use their work?

• Do they concentrate for long periods?

• Do you see them self-correcting or working together?

Notes:

3. Teacher Interactions

• How do the adults speak with the children?

• Did you notice a teacher presenting a lesson?

• How is guidance or discipline handled?

Notes:

4. Montessori Materials

• Which materials did you see being used?

• What concepts or skills did they isolate?

• Did you notice children teaching or modeling for one another?

Notes:

5. Community Life

• How do younger and older children interact?

• What do you notice about respect, independence, or collaboration?

Notes:

6. Reflections

• What surprised you about what you saw?

• What questions or insights do you take away from this visit?

Notes:

Optional: Feedback for the School

1907-2025 Welcome to the 119th Montessori School Year!

Inspired by Jordan McGillis, “Why child care costs so much — and how to fix it,” The Washington Post, August 18, 2025: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/08/18/childcare-cost-nannies-economy-labor/

Summary for Montessori Leaders

High-quality early childhood education (ECE) is structurally expensive because it is people-intensive, time-intensive, and resistant to automation. Prices are rising faster than inflation due to the Baumol cost disease, compliance expansion, facilities costs, and a shrinking domestic pipeline of qualified educators. Broad subsidies can shift who pays but often impose regulatory frameworks that conflict with Montessori principles (flexibility, mixed‑age groupings, uninterrupted work cycles). Sustainable affordability requires: (1) enlarging the educator workforce (including visas and apprenticeships), (2) right‑sizing credential rules to recognize Montessori pathways, (3) smart public co‑investment that protects pedagogical autonomy, and (4) stronger school‑level talent and finance strategies.

1) Why All Child Care Is Expensive (and getting more so)

People, not widgets. All child-care and early childhood education, including Montessori programs, depend on the presence of trained adults who observe, prepare, and connect with children when needed. Unlike traditional settings that assume a lower adult‑child ratio is always better, Montessori intentionally cultivates peer learning and independence. Guides must balance giving lessons, making space for autonomy, and investing time in children who need deeper connection. That still requires adequate staffing, not to overwhelm guides but to ensure they can observe, build relationships, and prepare the environment.

Baumol cost disease. When productivity rises in other sectors (software, manufacturing), wages increase economy‑wide. ECE productivity is intentionally flat—one adult can responsibly guide only so many children in a classroom community—so programs must raise pay to keep educators from leaving for higher‑paying fields.

Regulatory creep. Over time, well‑meant rules add paperwork, training hours, inspections, and record‑keeping. Each requirement may be reasonable; the cumulative cost is substantial, and the burden falls heaviest on small schools.

Facilities and insurance. Child‑sized fixtures, outdoor spaces, ADA compliance, security, and severe‑weather standards drive capital and operating costs. Premiums and deductibles have risen sharply in many regions.

Benefits and turnover. Inadequate salaries and benefits produce churn. Turnover creates hiring costs, onboarding time, and lost continuity for children—all of which are expensive and educationally harmful.

Montessori specifics. True mixed‑age communities, real materials, and uninterrupted three‑hour work cycles require prepared staff and ample space. You can cut corners, but you won’t have Montessori.

2) Why do so few Americans choose early childhood careers

• Compensation gap. Talented assistants can earn more in retail, health tech, or HR within a year. Lead guides often lack parity with K–12 teachers (and lack pensions/tenure).
• Status and career ladders. ECE is viewed as “babysitting” in the U.S. Clear advancement (assistant → associate guide → lead guide → program lead) is rare outside strong Montessori networks.
• Burnout risk. Demanding emotional labor with limited prep time, limited planning coverage, and scarce subs.
• Credential barriers. One‑size‑fits‑all degree mandates can exclude excellent practitioners and undervalue rigorous Montessori credentials (AMI, AMS, IMC, etc.). Coursework costs and time deter candidates.
• Friction costs. Background checks, fingerprinting, first‑aid, TB tests, food‑handler cards—each necessary, all time‑consuming. Without centralized onboarding support, good candidates drop out.

Implication for Montessori leaders: Without a bigger pipeline and better work design, tuition will keep climbing to maintain quality.

3) Subsidies: help with access, but watch the strings

Public funding can increase access, stabilize wages, and reduce family burden. But when dollars are tied to compliance frameworks that prioritize narrow inputs (seat time, scripted curricula, testing, short blocks), Montessori’s essential features—freedom within limits, individualized pacing, mixed ages, and long work cycles—are at risk. The goal is smart subsidies: fund outcomes and core quality elements while preserving pedagogical autonomy and multiple program models.

4) System‑level ideas that actually improve affordability

Drawing on McGillis’s piece and lessons from ECE research:

1. Expand legal pathways for caregivers and teachers.
2. Apprenticeships and paid residencies.
3. Right‑size credential rules.
4. Tiered program options with safety as the non‑negotiable.
5. Shared‑services alliances.
6. Targeted public co‑investment.

5) What Montessori schools can do now (a practical playbook)

Talent pipeline

• Partner with local colleges and workforce boards to create Montessori assistant pipelines; host paid practicums.
• “Grow‑your‑own” scholarships for assistants to earn Montessori diplomas; add service commitments.
• Create compensation ladders tied to observable competencies (presentations mastered, classroom management, parent partnership) with transparent pay bands.
• Build a regional substitute consortium and shared calendar of observation days.
• Offer predictable planning time and classroom coverage; reduce burnout.

Finance and pricing

• Cost every classroom using zero‑based budgeting (salaries & benefits, relief staff, materials refresh, PD, admin allocation, facilities, insurance). Price tuition to cover true cost plus strategic reserves.
• Diversify revenue: extended day, summer Montessori, parent education, space rentals (when mission‑consistent), philanthropic scholarships.
• Be radically transparent with parents: publish what tuition funds (wages/benefits %, PD %, materials %, financial aid %). Transparency builds trust.

Operations and program integrity

• Protect the long extended work cycle; schedule specialists and pull‑outs after core work periods.
• Keep class sizes at Montessori‑appropriate ranges and invest in assistant training; this is cheaper than chronic turnover.
• Use tech only to reduce admin friction (enrollment, billing, parent comms), not to fragment the work cycle.

Parent partnership

• Offer recurring parent education: observation days, short “why we do it this way” videos, and Q&As on mixed ages, independence, and freedom within limits.
• Provide a clear comparison of Montessori vs. conventional daycare requirements and why Montessori looks different—and costs what it does.

Data and outcomes

• Track and share: child attendance, concentration indicators (normalized work blocks), executive function rubrics, retention to K/Elementary, and alumni narratives. Funders and parents respond to outcomes, not slogans.

6) Talking points you can use with boards and parents

• “You’re paying for people.” Quality ECE is a professional service, not a product. The largest line item is wages and benefits, and that’s appropriate.
• “Montessori encourages independence.” Our classrooms are designed so children learn from each other as well as adults. Ratios matter less than well‑trained guides who know when to step in and when to step back.
• “Montessori is prevention.” Strong early executive function reduces later remediation and behavior costs.
• “We welcome smart public support.” We support funding that preserves mixed‑age communities, long work cycles, and Montessori credentials.

Selected references & further reading

(Representative sources you can cite in parent education, grant writing, and board work.)

• Jordan McGillis (2025). Why child care costs so much — and how to fix it. The Washington Post (op‑ed).
• William J. Baumol & William G. Bowen (1966). Performing Arts: The Economic Dilemma (origin of the cost disease concept; widely applied to labor‑intensive services like ECE).
• James J. Heckman & colleagues (2006–2019). Research on returns to early childhood investment and the “Heckman curve.” See Heckman’s synthesis papers and policy briefs.
• Angeline S. Lillard & Nicole Else‑Quest (2006). “Evaluating Montessori Education.” Science, 313(5795), 1893–1894.
• Angeline S. Lillard (2017, 2021). Peer‑reviewed studies and meta‑analyses on Montessori outcomes (executive function, academic and social benefits).
• National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). The State of Preschool annual reports.
• OECD (various years). Starting Strong reports on ECE systems and workforce.
• District of Columbia OSSE (2016 onward). Early childhood credentialing regulations and subsequent commentary/litigation; debates on degree mandates for child‑care workers.
• Child Care Aware of America. Annual data on child‑care supply, deserts, and affordability.

Closing thought

Montessori can—and should—help lead the national conversation about affordability. Our task is twofold: tell the truth about why great care and education cost what they do, and build smarter systems that expand the educator workforce while protecting the essence of Montessori. If we do both, more families will be able to choose the environment we know changes lives.

1907-2025 Welcome to the 119th Montessori School Year!

Recently, I read an opinion piece by Jordan McGillis, published in The Washington Post on August 18, 2025, titled “Why child care costs so much — and how to fix it”. It raised important points about the rising cost of child care in America and sparked me to reflect on this issue from a Montessori perspective.

Why All Child Care Is Expensive

High-quality child care is costly everywhere. Caring for young children is labor-intensive. There are no shortcuts when it comes to babies, toddlers, and very young children. A nurturing environment depends on adults who can give children their full attention.

Economists call this the “Baumol effect.” In most industries, productivity rises with technology—machines and software help people do more with less. But children still need the same love, guidance, and supervision they always have. That means labor costs remain high, and tuition rises as programs try to keep pace with wages in other fields.

Meanwhile, fewer Americans are pursuing careers in early childhood education. The pay is modest compared to other professions, even though the work is demanding and highly skilled. That shortage of willing caregivers drives up costs further.

The Limits of Subsidies

As McGillis pointed out in the Post, subsidies help parents but don’t reduce the underlying cost of child care. Instead, the cost shifts to taxpayers. Large-scale subsidies often come with heavy regulation: standardized curricula, rigid requirements, and compliance-driven oversight. While intended to ensure safety and accountability, these rules can make programs less flexible and less personal. They often don’t look much like Montessori, which thrives on individualized learning, freedom within limits, and respect for each child’s natural development.

Ideas That Could Help

The Washington Post opinion piece highlighted some ideas that are worth serious consideration:

• Expand visa programs: The U.S. could allow more qualified caregivers from other countries—people who love working with children—to enter as au pairs, nannies, or early childhood teachers. This would expand the supply of caregivers and help families access more affordable options. Many Montessori schools already seek highly qualified teachers from Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

• Rethink credential barriers: In some places, even those caring for toddlers must hold college degrees. Training matters, but overly rigid requirements drive good people away and raise costs unnecessarily.

• Give families choices: Not every family wants or needs the same model of care. Allowing flexibility in program design—while still protecting children’s safety—would make space for Montessori and other approaches parents value.

Why the Investment Pays Off

These discussions matter because the first six years of life shape everything that follows. A child’s ability to focus, regulate emotions, build relationships, and love learning develops in these early years. The quality of those experiences pays dividends for a lifetime.

Choosing a high-quality early childhood program may feel like a heavy financial burden. But it is not just another bill—it’s an investment in your child’s future. And as the Post article emphasized, finding creative ways to expand the pool of caregivers and make child care more affordable can make this investment possible for more families.

“I usually dread workshops… but this was engaging and fun. I got so much out of it.”

That comment, offered by one of the thirty staff members at Ghent Montessori School in Norfolk, Virginia, meant the world to me. Workshops can easily become another item on the back-to-school checklist—another day in a packed week of CPR training, classroom setup, and policy reviews. But when a day of professional development leaves people feeling reenergized, seen, and more connected to the values that brought them into Montessori education in the first place, it’s something worth sharing.

Why This Workshop Mattered

Ruland Gagné, the school’s Head of School, reached out to me earlier in the summer. Like many leaders, she felt a need to bring her team together—not just physically, but emotionally and philosophically. The school had experienced remarkable growth since COVID. Their programs were strong. The parent community was loyal. Yet under the surface, they were feeling some of the all-too-common challenges: communication issues among staff, negativity seeping into team dynamics, and moments where tone or language strayed from the ideals of Montessori. They wanted a reset. Not a lecture. A reset.

The result was a full-day, on-site workshop I led on behalf of the Montessori Foundation. It wasn’t about adding more rules or fixing people. It was about rediscovering what it means to be a Montessori school—not just in curriculum, but in culture.

The Structure of the Day

Earlier in the week, the Ghent team opened their work week with a quote from The Bear

“It’s the people they remember.”

It set the tone. Our materials and routines matter—but what stays with children and families is how we make them feel. That’s the heart of Montessori.

The Decalogue as a Mirror

We moved into a conversation around Montessori’s Decalogue—a beautifully simple yet powerful list of ten commitments for adults in Montessori environments. We explored each one through practical examples: How do we treat mistakes? How do we correct a child’s behavior without shame? What does it really mean to wait to be invited?

The Decalogue served as a mirror. It reminded us what Montessori called us to do—not just in theory, but in the way we show up every day.

Naming Our Beliefs, Values, and Behaviors

Next, we engaged in small-group work using a framework I adapted from another organization’s social norms document. We explored three questions:

• What do we believe about children, learning, and each other?

• What do we value as a school community?

• What behaviors show those values in action?

Each group shared their thoughts, and the insights were powerful. It gave the team a language to name the culture they wanted to cultivate, and to gently acknowledge where they may have drifted off course.

The School Covenant

In the afternoon, we co-created a Ghent Montessori School Covenant—a short, clear statement of shared professional commitments. Things like:

• We speak about children, families, and one another with respect.

• We offer guidance privately, not publicly.

• We listen first, assume best intentions, and support each other’s growth.

This wasn’t a top-down document. It was built together. And when we concluded the day, every staff member had the opportunity to sign it.

Real Talk: Case Studies from the Field

We also worked through case studies drawn from real scenarios: What do we do when a colleague speaks negatively about students? How do we respond when someone shares a personal diagnosis that feels outside our role? These conversations were honest, respectful, and solution-focused.

Why You Might Want to Do This at Your School

You don’t need a major crisis or a new program to make this kind of day worthwhile. In fact, the best time to run a workshop like this is any time you’re ready to take a fresh look at who you are as a school and recommit to your core values.

Whether it’s before the school year begins, mid-year when fatigue creeps in, or after a leadership transition, this kind of reflective day can do more than “train staff”—it can reawaken your community.

You can run something like this yourself. We are happy to share the structure, handouts, and prompts. We would also be honored to work with your school directly. The Montessori Foundation offers tailored workshops like this one—whether on-site or virtual—designed to fit your unique team, challenges, and aspirations.

Final Thought

Montessori is more than a curriculum. It’s a commitment to who we are and how we treat one another. A single day, thoughtfully planned, can remind your team why they chose this path and help them walk it together—with grace, humility, and renewed joy.

If you’d like to bring a workshop like this to your school, reach out. There’s no bad time to hit pause, look inward, and start fresh.

1907-2025 Welcome to the 119th Montessori School Year!

Montessori planning is not about racing through a checklist. It’s about understanding where each child is on their unique learning journey and preparing lessons that truly meet them where they are. Montessori Compass 2.0 gives you the tools to do this with precision and flexibility.

Responsive
In Montessori, planning begins with observation. What did you notice today? Is a child showing new interest in number work, or struggling to complete a Practical Life activity? With Montessori Compass, you can log these observations immediately, then plan lessons that respond to the child’s needs—rather than following a fixed schedule that may not fit.

Individualized
No two children progress at the same pace or in the same way. Montessori Compass allows you to create and track lesson plans tailored to each child’s development, interests, and readiness. You can assign lessons to individuals or small groups and see at a glance where each child is in their learning sequence.

Flexible
Even the best plans need room to breathe. Children may be absent, disinterested, or ready for something more challenging than expected. Montessori Compass lets you adjust on the fly—moving lessons forward, postponing them, or swapping them out without losing track of your original plan.

Reflective
Good planning doesn’t just look ahead; it also looks back. Montessori Compass makes it easy to review what has been presented, practiced, or mastered. This history helps you spot patterns, celebrate growth, and decide what’s next. You’re not just planning for tomorrow—you’re learning from yesterday.

With these four principles—Responsive, Individualized, Flexible, and Reflective—you can create a dynamic, child-centered lesson plan that grows and changes with your students, supported every step of the way by Montessori Compass 2.0.

Creating a Lesson Plan in Montessori Compass

In Montessori, lesson planning is both an art and a science. It blends your knowledge of the curriculum with your observations of each child’s unique progress and interests. Montessori Compass 2.0 makes this process intuitive, so you can spend less time wrestling with logistics and more time focusing on what matters—guiding your students.

Step 1: Choose the Curriculum Area
Begin by selecting the appropriate area—Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, or Cultural. If your school has customized curriculum strands, you can navigate those as well. This keeps lessons organized and makes them easier to find later.

Step 2: Select a Child or Group
You can assign a lesson to an individual or to a small group. For efficiency, consider creating custom groupings in Compass, such as “Early Readers” or “Golden Beads Explorers.” These groupings make it faster to plan for multiple children who are working at a similar stage.

Step 3: Set the Lesson Title and Date
Add the name of the lesson and the date you plan to present it. If the lesson is part of a series or a sequence, Compass will help you keep track of what has already been presented and what’s coming next.

Step 4: Add Notes
Use the notes field to capture your objectives, focus points, or any special considerations. For example, “Emphasize place value” or “Encourage peer teaching if interest is high.” These notes will help you stay intentional and provide valuable context for future reflection.

Step 5: Tag Learning Goals or Sensitive Periods
By tagging each lesson with relevant learning goals—or noting if it’s connected to a sensitive period—you’ll be able to pull reports later that show progress in specific skill areas. This tagging system also helps ensure you’re meeting developmental needs across the whole curriculum.

Tip:
You can create groupings such as “Early Readers” or “Golden Beads Explorers” to simplify weekly planning. This is especially useful for multi-age classrooms where several children may be working on the same concept at different times.

When you plan lessons in Compass with this step-by-step approach, you create a clear roadmap for the week that is flexible enough to adapt when children surprise you—which they always will.

Why We Recommend Montessori Compass 2.0

Among other assets, Montessori Compass contains the most robust and carefully designed Montessori curriculum scope and sequence.

Over the years, we’ve seen some Montessori schools drift away from Montessori Compass — often trying other platforms or piecing together multiple tools. Many later tell us they miss the way Compass was explicitly designed for Montessori. Now is the perfect time to take another look.

Montessori Compass 2.0 is not just an update — it’s a complete rebuild from the ground up, informed by over a decade of feedback from Montessori schools worldwide.

Why Montessori Compass 2.0 Is a Game Changer

• Faster, cleaner, and easier to use — redesigned interfaces for both web and mobile make lesson planning, observation, and parent communication far more intuitive.

• Teacher and parent apps — purpose-built for each audience, keeping daily records and updates quick for staff and crystal-clear for families.

• Deep Montessori scope and sequence — developed with the Montessori Foundation to ensure complete coverage of both Montessori materials and the developmental expectations of your country or region.

• Smarter recordkeeping — track progress with clarity, see who needs follow-up lessons, and plan your week with fewer clicks.

• Better parent communication — share photos, notes, and progress updates that help parents truly understand the learning happening in your classrooms.

Montessori Compass 2.0 makes it practical for teachers to plan, record, and report in real time — not at home in the evening or in a rush before conferences.

Enter the Montessori Growth Suite

For schools ready to connect classroom work with the rest of their operations, Montessori Compass 2.0 is now available as part of the Montessori Growth Suite — a partnership between Montessori Compass, AiMS, and the Montessori Foundation.

Growth Suite adds:

• Admissions management — inquiries, tours, and applications in one streamlined system.

• Digital contracts & online tuition — send, sign, and bill without paper or multiple logins.

• AI-powered marketing — manage Google, Facebook, and Instagram ads plus all your social media from one place.

• Multi-channel communication — newsletters, email, and text messaging, all integrated with your parent database.

Why We Recommend It

If you’ve been juggling separate tools for recordkeeping, admissions, billing, and marketing — or if you left Montessori Compass years ago — this is the moment to take another look. Montessori Compass 2.0 delivers the Montessori-specific classroom and parent communication experience you need. Growth Suite takes it further, bringing your entire school into one integrated system.

The Montessori Foundation is here to help your team not only master the technology, but also use it thoughtfully — so these tools strengthen your Montessori practice and help your school thrive.

https://www.montessoricompass.com/growth-suite/

1907-2025 Welcome to the 119th Montessori School Year!

Over the years, we’ve seen some Montessori schools drift away from Montessori Compass — often trying other platforms or piecing together multiple tools. Many later tell us they miss the way Compass was explicitly designed for Montessori. Now is the perfect time to take another look.

Montessori Compass 2.0 is not just an update — it’s a complete rebuild from the ground up, informed by over a decade of feedback from Montessori schools worldwide.

Why Montessori Compass 2.0 Is a Game Changer

• Faster, cleaner, and easier to use — redesigned interfaces for both web and mobile make lesson planning, observation, and parent communication far more intuitive.

• Teacher and parent apps — purpose-built for each audience, keeping daily records and updates quick for staff and crystal-clear for families.

• Deep Montessori scope and sequence — developed with the Montessori Foundation to ensure complete coverage of both Montessori materials and the developmental expectations of your country or region.

• Smarter recordkeeping — track progress with clarity, see who needs follow-up lessons, and plan your week with fewer clicks.

• Better parent communication — share photos, notes, and progress updates that help parents truly understand the learning happening in your classrooms.

Montessori Compass 2.0 makes it practical for teachers to plan, record, and report in real time — not at home in the evening or in a rush before conferences.

Enter the Montessori Growth Suite

For schools ready to connect classroom work with the rest of their operations, Montessori Compass 2.0 is now available as part of the Montessori Growth Suite — a partnership between Montessori Compass, AiMS, and the Montessori Foundation.

Growth Suite adds:

• Admissions management — inquiries, tours, and applications in one streamlined system.

• Digital contracts & online tuition — send, sign, and bill without paper or multiple logins.

• AI-powered marketing — manage Google, Facebook, and Instagram ads plus all your social media from one place.

• Multi-channel communication — newsletters, email, and text messaging, all integrated with your parent database.

Why We Recommend It

If you’ve been juggling separate tools for recordkeeping, admissions, billing, and marketing — or if you left Montessori Compass years ago — this is the moment to take another look. Montessori Compass 2.0 delivers the Montessori-specific classroom and parent communication experience you need. Growth Suite takes it further, bringing your entire school into one integrated system.

The Montessori Foundation is here to help your team not only master the technology, but also use it thoughtfully — so these tools strengthen your Montessori practice and help your school thrive.

https://www.montessoricompass.com/growth-suite/

1907-2025 Welcome to the 119th Montessori School Year!

In Montessori education, every interaction is an opportunity to model respect, independence, and joy in learning. At home, it’s the little things—small, consistent gestures—that let your child know they are valued and loved.

Building Connection Through Everyday Gestures

Begin the day with a warm greeting – Make your first words and expressions calm and welcoming.

Make real eye contact – Get on their level and truly listen when they speak.

Leave a kind note – A short message in a lunchbox or by their work mat is a tangible reminder you care.

Acknowledge effort, not just results – Praise persistence and creative thinking.

Invite their opinion – Give them real choices and value their perspective.

Share an inside joke – Humor builds intimacy.

Tell stories from your own childhood – Connect through shared humanity.

Say “I love you” often – Make it a natural part of conversation.

Welcome their friends – Show respect for their social world.

Create small family rituals – Predictable traditions help children feel grounded.

Fostering Independence and Responsibility

Let them contribute to real work – Cooking, gardening, or folding laundry builds skills and pride.

Use their name with kindness – Your tone can invite cooperation.Sit quietly near them while they work – Show you value their concentration.

Encourage them to solve problems themselves – Offer guidance, not quick fixes.

Let them set up their own workspace – Ownership of space encourages order.

Give them age-appropriate tools – Child-sized brooms, pitchers, or rakes say, I trust you to help.

Teach them how to care for their belongings – Part of the Montessori respect for the environment.

Let them prepare their own snack – Builds confidence in daily life skills.

Encourage them to greet people politely – A grace and courtesy lesson in action.

Invite them to help plan a meal – Practical life meets family bonding.

Nurturing Emotional Security

Laugh together often – Joy builds resilience.

Tuck them in with care – A peaceful end to the day signals safety.

Keep your promises – Trust is built in small follow-throughs.

Learn about their passions – Follow the child into their interests.

Let them overhear you speak proudly of them – Authentic affirmation is powerful.

Offer hugs for no reason – Love without conditions.

Listen to their music or stories – Respect their tastes.

Ask about the best part of their day – Encourages reflection.

Say you’re proud—specifically – “I’m proud of how gently you treated the kitten.”

Remember details they’ve shared – Shows they matter to you.

Encouraging Curiosity and Wonder

Share moments of natural beauty – Rainbows, moonlight, birdsong.

Look things up together – Model how to find answers.

Invite them to teach you something – Reverses the roles and builds mastery.

Explore your neighborhood on foot – Observation is a Montessori core skill.

Visit new places together – Museums, libraries, gardens.

Include them in planning trips – Gives them a sense of agency.

Try new recipes side by side – Sensory learning at home.

Collect treasures from nature – Shells, leaves, pinecones for display.

Share your own wonder – “Look at those clouds! What do you see?”

Make time for open-ended play – Follow their lead in pretend or construction play.

Modeling Respect and Kindness

Apologize when you’re wrong – Teaches humility and repair.

Thank them sincerely – Gratitude works both ways.

Use polite language with them – Please and thank you aren’t just for adults.

Speak to them as you would to a respected adult – Montessori dignity at home.

Avoid interrupting their concentration – Respect their flow of work.

Ask permission before borrowing their things – Models respect for property.

Be patient when they’re learning – Mistakes are part of mastery.

Include them in family decisions that affect them – Builds ownership and trust.

Speak calmly even when you’re frustrated – Emotional regulation is learned through example.

Celebrate who they are today – Affirm their worth in this moment, not just their potential.

1907-2025 Welcome to the 119th Montessori School Year!

The end of summer brings its familiar rhythm: back-to-school shopping, earlier bedtimes, and the gentle hum of anticipation—or, for some families, a little nervousness. Whether your child is stepping into a Montessori classroom for the first time or returning for another year, transitions can bring big emotions for both children and parents.

The good news is that with a bit of preparation, you can help your child—and yourself—start the school year feeling calm, confident, and excited. Here are practical tips rooted in Montessori wisdom to ease the transition and set the stage for a joyful year ahead.

1. Reset Routines Early

Summer often brings looser schedules, later bedtimes, and spontaneous adventures. About two weeks before school begins, it helps to gradually reintroduce school-year routines:

• Bedtime and Wake-Up: Shift sleep and wake times earlier in 15-minute increments until you’re back on track.
• Morning Practice: Do a few trial runs of morning routines—getting dressed, brushing teeth, having breakfast—to help your child feel capable and confident.
• Predictable Evenings: Calm, predictable bedtime routines help your child wind down and get the rest they need to handle the busy school days ahead.

2. Talk About What to Expect

Children feel more secure when they know what’s coming. Talk about the new school year with excitement and reassurance:

• Describe what a typical school day might look like: morning work, time with friends, lunch, outdoor play, and storytime.
• If your child is starting at a new school or moving up to a new classroom, describe the new environment or visit the school together if possible.
• Share stories about when you started something new and how you handled those first-day feelings.

3. Encourage Independence

Montessori education emphasizes independence—and you can start nurturing that at home:

• Let your child practice self-care tasks like dressing, putting on shoes, or packing their backpack.
• Set up a small station at home where your child can keep school essentials (like their lunchbox or water bottle) within easy reach.
• Invite your child to help prepare snacks or lunch, giving them ownership over part of their school day.

4. Manage Your Own Emotions

Children are attuned to their parents’ feelings. If you’re anxious about the transition, your child will sense it. Take time to reflect on your own worries or hopes for the year ahead. It’s perfectly natural to have mixed emotions—especially if your child is entering school for the first time.
Share your confidence in your child’s abilities, and model curiosity and positivity about the year to come.

5. Reconnect with the School Community

If your school hosts back-to-school events, meet-the-teacher days, or classroom orientations—attend if you can. Seeing familiar faces and spaces helps your child feel part of a larger community.

Even if your school doesn’t have formal events, you might:

• Schedule a playdate with classmates
• Review any welcome materials or classroom newsletters
• Refresh your understanding of Montessori methods, so you can speak the same language your child will hear at school

6. Prepare Practical Needs in Advance

Take time to ensure your child has everything they need to start comfortably:

• A weather-appropriate wardrobe that allows freedom of movement
• A comfortable, easy-to-use backpack
• A reusable water bottle
• A simple lunchbox they can open independently, if applicable

Label belongings to avoid mix-ups and teach your child how to recognize their things.

7. Normalize First-Day Feelings

Even seasoned students can have jitters on the first day. Normalize those feelings by saying things like:

“It’s okay to feel a little nervous when we start something new. I feel that way sometimes too! Let’s think about what you’re excited to do this year.”

Remind your child that teachers are there to help and that feeling unsure at first is a normal part of learning.

8. Trust the Process

Finally, remember that Montessori education is a journey. The first few days and weeks are often a period of adjustment as children reorient to the classroom and reconnect with their community.

Be patient with your child—and with yourself. Trust that the gentle rhythms of the Montessori environment will help them settle in, find their footing, and flourish.

A Year of Growth Awaits

Starting strong doesn’t mean everything must be perfect from day one. It means creating a foundation of confidence, routines, and connection that supports your child’s growth—not just academically, but socially and emotionally too.

By preparing with care and intention, you’re giving your child the tools to step into the school year with excitement and assurance—and that’s a gift that lasts well beyond the first day.

Back to School Readiness Checklist

Prepare Your Child—and Yourself—for a Great Start to the Montessori Year

1. Reestablish Routines

☐ Adjust bedtime and wake-up times 1-2 weeks before school starts
☐ Practice morning and evening routines
☐ Reintroduce limits on screen time for calmer evenings

2. Prepare Practical Skills

☐ Practice getting dressed independently
☐ Practice opening lunch containers, snack bags, and water bottles
☐ Encourage self-care tasks like brushing teeth and hair

3. Organize for Independence

☐ Set up a child-friendly station for school essentials (backpack, shoes, lunchbox)
☐ Label personal items with your child’s name
☐ Organize a spot for your child to prepare or pack their lunch with your help

4. Emotional Preparation

☐ Talk positively about the upcoming school year and classroom community
☐ Share what the daily routine will look like
☐ Read books about starting school or returning after a break

5. Reconnect with the School

☐ Attend any back-to-school events or orientations
☐ Refresh your understanding of Montessori principles
☐ Review any materials or updates sent by the school

6. Home Environment Refresh

☐ Declutter play spaces to encourage focus and order
☐ Rotate toys and materials to keep interest fresh
☐ Create quiet spaces for reading or independent play

7. Mindset for Parents

☐ Reflect on your own feelings about the new school year
☐ Prepare to support your child with patience during transitions
☐ Plan to check in with your child’s guide if you have questions or concerns

Bonus Tip:
Create a “First Day of School” tradition—like a special breakfast or a family photo—to start the year with joy and celebration.

This is a brief summary of “The Brain Architects” podcast by The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. This particular episode was titled “Why Sleep Matters in Early Childhood Development: A Discussion on the Main Ways Sleep Affects Early Childhood Health and Well-being.” It was published July 28, 2025

Sleep isn’t just a daily necessity—it’s a fundamental part of how young children grow, think, feel, and learn. In a recent episode of The Brain Architects podcast, produced by the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, host Emilia Johnson sat down with two leading researchers in the science of sleep: Dr. Lindsay Burkhart, the Center’s Chief Science Officer, and Dr. Rebecca Spencer, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Their conversation revealed just how critical sleep is in shaping early brain development and highlighted practical takeaways for parents, caregivers, educators, and policymakers. Below is a synthesis of their discussion, filled with insights that every parent should know.

Why Sleep is So Powerful

Dr. Spencer began by explaining that sleep occupies about a third of our lives—an indicator that it must serve essential functions beyond just rest. While awake, our brains multitask constantly. But during sleep, the brain gets a unique chance to process and consolidate information in a protected, distraction-free environment. Sleep allows for:

• Faster memory consolidation: Tasks that take seconds while awake happen 10 times faster during sleep.

• Emotional regulation: Processing experiences and emotions while sleeping leads to calmer, more resilient behavior during the day.

• Physical growth and immune function: Especially in young children, sleep supports growth hormones and helps build strong immune systems.

Sleep is not one single uniform state. It includes multiple stages—like deep (slow wave) sleep and REM (rapid eye movement)—each of which supports different brain functions. Dr. Spencer emphasized that these varied stages together create an “exponential capacity” for the brain to heal, grow, and learn.

Sleep in Infancy: More Than Just a Nap

Infants can sleep up to 20 hours a day, and there’s good reason for that. Dr. Spencer explained that everything is new to a baby—sights, sounds, feelings, and sensations. Babies don’t just absorb experiences; they build the very scaffolding of understanding on which all future learning will rest. Sleep is when that scaffolding is reinforced.

Importantly, sleep also helps prune synapses—streamlining the brain’s networks for efficiency. This is a “smart” process, selecting which connections to keep and which to let go. And much of that decision-making seems to happen during sleep.

Sleep Starts Before Birth

Dr. Spencer highlighted important research—such as studies led by Dr. Caroline Hriniak at Washington University—showing that maternal sleep during pregnancy can directly affect a baby’s sleep and even their social-emotional development. Mothers who experience “circadian disruption” (like shift workers with irregular sleep patterns) are more likely to have infants with sleep disturbances and mood regulation challenges.

Still, Dr. Spencer reassured listeners that not all is lost if circumstances aren’t perfect. Protective factors—like adequate nutrition, rest when possible, and emotional support—can buffer the impact. And postnatal sleep environments and routines remain powerful influences.

Naps Are Not Optional for Young Children

One of the most striking takeaways from the episode is just how essential naps are for toddlers and preschoolers. Dr. Spencer’s research shows that naps do more than rest the body—they protect memories and emotional health.

Here’s why:

• Memory protection: Habitual nappers (typically toddlers and younger preschoolers) suffer measurable memory loss if deprived of their nap. The brain simply can’t hold onto new information without offloading some of it during daytime sleep.

• Emotional reset: Children who nap are less emotionally reactive. That “clean slate” effect after a nap helps them handle peer conflict, frustration, or overstimulation with greater self-control.

• Cognitive processing: Naps help children generalize what they learn—like understanding that “dog” means more than just the family beagle, but all dogs.

As Dr. Spencer put it, a young child’s brain is like a small bucket—it fills quickly and spills over unless emptied (or rather, sorteLO. Some children may need naps again temporarily during developmental leaps.

Sleep Disruption and Its Impact

Whether due to illness, inconsistent routines, or overstimulation, disrupted sleep can pause or even regress a child’s learning temporarily. The good news: once good sleep resumes, children often catch up. That said, chronic disruption—especially in sensitive windows of development—can have longer-lasting effects.

Dr. Spencer pointed to an intriguing nonprofit initiative called Bedtime Math, which encourages children to practice simple math problems before bed. This kind of cognitive “priming” takes advantage of the brain’s natural memory processing during sleep, showing that we can also harness sleep to boost learning—not just avoid setbacks.

Light, Screens, and Bedtime Routines

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was light sensitivity, especially in early childhood. Research by Dr. Lauren Hartstein (Arizona State University) shows that children are significantly more sensitive to light than adults. Even small amounts of light before bed can interfere with the natural release of melatonin—the hormone that cues the body to fall asleep.

Tips for parents:

• Dim lights 45 minutes before bedtime: Create a low-light environment to encourage melatonin production.

• Avoid screens: Tablets and smartphones not only emit disruptive blue light, but they are also overstimulating—offering novelty and excitement when children need calming and routine.

• Choose familiar bedtime stories: Repetition helps cue the brain for sleep. Save new books or exciting content for daytime.

What About Melatonin Supplements?

Dr. Spencer was emphatic on this point: don’t give children over-the-counter melatonin. Here’s why:

• It is not regulated by the FDA, meaning dosage and ingredients can be inaccurate or contaminated.

• It is easily misused. Melatonin isn’t a sleeping pill—it’s a clock setter. It must be taken at the same time every day to have any effect on circadian rhythms.

• Too much melatonin is not better. High doses can disrupt natural melatonin production and cause additional sleep problems.

Prescription melatonin may be appropriate in certain cases (e.g., for children with autism or sensory processing disorders), but only under pediatric supervision.

Temperature and Sleep

Another overlooked factor is temperature regulation. To fall into deep sleep, the body needs to lower its internal temperature. If a child’s sleep environment is too warm—whether due to external heat, too many layers, or over-swaddling—they may struggle to reach restorative sleep stages.

Recommendations include:

• Keep bedrooms cool—ideally between 64 and 68°F.

• Avoid over-swaddling or heavy pajamas in warm rooms.

• Layer lightly so children can regulate their own temperature (e.g., by kicking off a blanket).

Advocating for Sleep in Schools and Policy

As the conversation turned toward childcare and early education settings, Dr. Spencer raised a critical issue: naps are often undervalued in preschool and pre-K environments, especially in state-funded universal pre-K programs.

Some states don’t even require nap opportunities in their curriculum. Yet if naps protect memory, support emotional regulation, and boost cognitive function, then skipping them undermines the very educational goals those programs aim to achieve.

Dr. Spencer called for:

• Quieter, more sleep-conducive nap environments in childcare centers.

• Training for staff to understand that naps are educational, not just logistical.

• Policy changes that include sleep as a developmental and educational priority, not an optional break.

What Parents Can Do

Based on the insights shared by Dr. Spencer and Dr. Burkhart, here’s what parents can do to support healthy sleep in their children:

✅ Respect nap needs, even if inconsistent. Let children nap if they show signs of fatigue—even if they skipped it the day before.
✅ Create a consistent bedtime routine that includes 45 minutes of dim light.
✅ Avoid screens before bed—use calming, familiar books instead.
✅ Keep bedrooms cool, quiet, and dark.
✅ Avoid over-the-counter melatonin, unless prescribed by a pediatrician.
✅ Advocate for nap time in childcare settings and schools.

Sleep is not just rest—it’s an active, essential part of your child’s development. Supporting healthy sleep from pregnancy through early childhood can lay a foundation for learning, emotional resilience, and well-being that lasts a lifetime.

To Learn More
Visit the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University (https://developingchild.harvard.edu/) and explore The Brain Architects podcast for more conversations on how science can shape better futures for all children.

When a new school year begins, every interaction with a parent is an opportunity to build—or erode—trust. For families, this trust is not just about whether their child will learn but whether their child will be truly seen. They want to know that their child’s teacher notices the sparkle in their eyes, the way they carefully line up their crayons, or how they worry about trying something new.

Trust grows in moments, not just meetings.

As teachers, we shape the emotional environment of our classrooms. But we also shape the emotional connection with our families. And when parents feel confident in us, they become our greatest allies. They offer grace when something goes wrong. They speak positively about the school. They stick with us. And they advocate for us in the wider community.

Here are some ways to set that foundation—before school starts, during the first days, and throughout the year.

Before the School Year Begins: Planting Seeds of Connection

Even before you meet a child, you can build a bridge to their family. A warm welcome email, a video greeting, or a quick call tells parents: “I’m thinking about your child already.” It sets the tone that this relationship will be personal, thoughtful, and kind.

Before-School Connection Checklist

• Send a warm welcome letter or video to each family
• Invite families to a “Meet the Teacher” session or classroom preview
• Ask each family:
  Did anything happen over the summer that I should know?
  Are there any concerns you’d like me to keep an eye on?
  What are your hopes or goals for your child this year?

Schedule short welcome calls with returning families

Send a class-wide email introducing routines, materials, and key dates

Tip: You don’t need to wait for parents to initiate communication. Be the one who reaches out first, and you’ll make it easier for them to come to you when it matters most.

First Days of School: Creating Emotional Safety

Drop-off is full of emotions—joy, worry, pride, and sometimes tears (from both children and parents). These moments are when your calm presence is most powerful. Greet each child by name. Make eye contact with their parent. Smile. These small rituals become touchstones of trust.

By the end of the first day or two, share something—anything—personal with parents. A brief note, such as “Emma spent 15 minutes carefully washing the classroom leaves this morning,” is more effective than a lengthy newsletter.

First Week Checklist
Personally greet each family upon arrival.
Send a short note or email after Day 1 or 2
Share a photo of each child engaged in purposeful work
Highlight one moment of effort, joy, or curiosity for each child

Parents are wondering:

Is my child happy?
Is my child seen?
Does this teacher understand them?

We can answer “yes” with every interaction.

The First Month: Build Habits That Strengthen the Bridge

It’s easy to get swept up in classroom life and forget to communicate with families until there’s a problem. But by creating habits early—like sharing good news weekly or reaching out personally to a few families—you avoid that disconnect.

Even a simple note that says, “Saw Maya peacefully reading for 10 minutes today,” can deepen a parent’s confidence tenfold.

First Month Communication Checklist

Send your first monthly class newsletter with photos and stories
Personally reach out to 5 families per week
Track communication so all families are included over time
Begin logging short “good news” moments for each child

 Tip: Keep a “sunshine folder” on your desk. When you notice something joyful, write it down right away. These are the stories that parents treasure—and the ones they’ll remember when hard conversations arise later.

Everyday Magic: Personal Notes, Good News, and Shared Joy

Monthly newsletters are expected. But it’s the unexpected note on a Monday morning or the candid photo of a child’s quiet focus that creates magic. Parents are not in the classroom—but through you, they can glimpse its beauty.

Don’t overthink it. A sticky note. A quick text. A one-line email. These all say: “Your child is known.”

Ongoing Connection Checklist

Send one personal message per child each month (email, phone, note)
Capture 1–2 candid photos weekly and save them to share
Use a secure platform for sharing media with families
Send monthly group emails with photos, stories, and upcoming activities
Keep notes on communication in your planner or digital log

Sample Notes to Parents:

“Saw Elijah helping a friend clean up today—so gentle and kind.”
“Sofia independently rolled up her work rug and put it away perfectly!”
“Rohan told me all about his trip to the mountains. He was beaming.”

Weekly Family Communication Plan

To make all of this sustainable, structure your week. Here’s a sample plan to help you pace your efforts and ensure no family is left behind:

Personal note/email to 1 parent ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Observe and log “good news” moments ✓ ✓ ✓
Take 1–2 candid photos of classroom work ✓ ✓ ✓
Log contacts in your communication tracker ✓ ✓

Adapt this to your own schedule—but keep it consistent. Small weekly actions add up to deep trust.

Why It Matters

When parents feel seen and heard:

They are more patient and collaborative
They trust your judgment and classroom decisions
They’re less anxious and more engaged
They’re more likely to stay with your school

Even more important: when parents feel their child is known and loved, they relax. That ease ripples out into the home. It fosters consistency, emotional security, and mutual respect between school and family.

Lead with Heart, Follow with Habit

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present.

You don’t need to write daily essays or send weekly photo albums. You just need to keep showing up with curiosity, empathy, and intention. What you do in August and September lays the foundation for the rest of the year.

And that foundation isn’t built on policies or procedures. It’s built on trust, communication, and the quiet message you send every day:

“I see your child. And I care.”

A Conversation with Dr. Ann Epstein on Creativity, Thinking, and Memory

By Tim Seldin

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Ann Epstein of the University of Wisconsin, a longtime researcher and advocate for high-quality early education. Our conversation turned to some fascinating new studies coming out of Europe and the U.S. that shed light on how different educational approaches actually shape the developing brain. What’s emerging, thanks to researchers like Dr. Solange Denervaud and her colleagues in Switzerland and at Penn State, is compelling scientific evidence for what Montessori educators have observed for over a century: the Montessori approach does more than help children learn well—it appears to support deep, lasting brain development tied to memory, creativity, and flexible thinking.

Dr. Epstein shared two recent studies with me, and I want to pass along what I learned from her. These findings offer new insights—not just affirming what we already know about Montessori education, but potentially helping us understand why it works so well.

Creativity and the Developing Brain: What the Science Shows

The first study Dr. Epstein pointed me to was Creative Thinking and Brain Network Development in Schoolchildren, published in Developmental Science (Duval, Denervaud, et al., 2023). The researchers used both behavioral assessments and fMRI brain scans to compare 75 children aged 4 to 18 from Montessori and traditional schools. The results confirmed what previous research has suggested: Montessori students tend to score higher on measures of creative thinking. But what’s truly remarkable is what was happening in their brains.

Children in Montessori classrooms showed more balanced and flexible activation across three key brain networks involved in creativity:

• The Default Mode Network (DMN), which supports internal thought, imagination, and self-reflection. 
• The Executive Control Network (ECN), which supports working memory and decision-making. 
• The Salience Network (SN), which helps the brain decide what to pay attention to. 

Children from traditional school environments, by contrast, tended to spend more time in a static or introspective mode (high intra-DMN activity), suggesting less flexibility in switching between idea generation and evaluation. Montessori students, meanwhile, moved more fluidly between networks—exactly the kind of dynamic thinking that supports creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability.

This isn’t just academic. As Dr. Epstein reminded me, creative thinking is essential—not just for artists or inventors, but for anyone navigating a complex and ever-changing world. And these findings suggest that Montessori schools may be doing something unique to nurture it.

Memory: Learning by Heart or With Heart?

The second study Dr. Epstein shared was Learning by Heart or With Heart: Brain Asymmetry Reflects Pedagogical Practices, published in Brain Sciences (Schetter, Denervaud, et al., 2023). This paper looked at another important dimension: how children remember and organize what they learn.

Using structural MRI scans, the researchers measured differences in the parahippocampal cortex (PHC), a brain region involved in memory and learning. Children in Montessori classrooms showed a developmental trend toward left-hemisphere asymmetry in the PHC—associated with semantic memory (understanding concepts, generalizing ideas). In contrast, children from traditional schools showed right-hemisphere asymmetry—linked to episodic memory (recalling specific events or rote sequences).

What does that mean? According to Dr. Epstein, the data suggest that Montessori children are more likely to encode meaning, while children in traditional classrooms are more likely to recall isolated facts or events. It’s a difference between knowing and understanding—and it shows up in the structure of the brain.

Montessori students also tend to perform better on recognition tasks and show more interconnected and flexible semantic networks, according to earlier research by Denervaud and colleagues. That flexibility—how easily children link ideas together and transfer learning from one context to another—is at the heart of real-world problem-solving.

Why Might Montessori Make a Difference?

As Dr. Epstein and I discussed, the studies don’t claim that Montessori is the only path to healthy brain development. But they do suggest that some key features of Montessori classrooms may be contributing to these positive outcomes:

• Multi-age classrooms and peer collaboration, which support social-emotional development and flexible thinking. 
• Uninterrupted work periods, which promote sustained attention and deeper engagement. 
• Freedom of movement and choice, which align with how the brain learns best: through agency and active exploration. 
• Respectful adult-child relationships, where teachers serve as guides rather than lecturers—a factor Angeline Lillard highlights in The Montessori Handbook (Bloomsbury, 2021). 
• Calm, well-ordered environments, which reduce behavioral disruptions and allow children to focus, regulate, and retain more of what they learn. 

From Dr. Epstein’s perspective, one of the most interesting questions ahead is why these differences arise. Is it the materials? The mixed-age grouping? The training of the teacher? Likely, it’s the synergy of all of the above. Montessori isn’t just a set of techniques—it’s a whole system designed around how children actually grow and learn.

A Word of Caution—and of Encouragement

It’s important to note, as Dr. Epstein emphasized, that this research is still developing. We need longitudinal studies to follow children into adulthood and determine how these early neural patterns play out over time. But even now, these findings offer a rare window into the deeper “how” behind Montessori’s effectiveness.

For parents, it’s an opportunity to see that the choice of school is about more than academics or test scores. Montessori may help your child build a brain that’s not just smarter—but more creative, more adaptable, and more capable of seeing the bigger picture.

And for teachers, these findings can be affirming. What you do each day—the grace with which you guide, the calm you maintain in your classroom, the respect you offer to each child—is quite literally helping shape the architecture of a developing mind.

We’ve always known that Montessori education works. We’ve seen it in the confidence, curiosity, and calm focus of our students. Now, thanks to researchers like Dr. Denervaud and advocates like Dr. Epstein, we’re starting to see why.

And the answer, it seems, is written not just in observation notes or test scores—but in the very folds and rhythms of the growing brain.

If you’re curious to learn more about these studies, I encourage you to watch the video summary from Dr. Denervaud’s team on creativity and the brain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWV_5o8wB5g. Or, better yet, talk with your child’s Montessori teacher. They’re your partner in this extraordinary journey.