Children’s House

Preschool & Kindergarten

Children arrive in the morning eager and excited to see friends and to get to work. They choose from the shelves from all the prepared activities, science, music, sensory, practical life, language, math, art, puzzles, and snack. They work individually and in groups throughout the morning. They also have time to spend in their own outdoor learning environment, the Nature Explore Classroom.

The Maharishi School Children’s House creates a secure and happy learning environment for our youngest students. The curriculum incorporates the Montessori method, a Nature Explore Classroom, and the Consciousness, Connections and Life Skills program.

We offer multi-age classrooms consistent with the Montessori pedagogy. The toddler class consists of children who are 2 to 3 years old. The 3-5 class includes children aged three to five which includes Preschool and Pre-K.

AGE GUIDELINES FOR 2020-2021

Toddler children are 2 years old by September 15, 2020. Preschool children have the option to attend class four or five mornings per week – see Tuition Information for rates.

Preschool children are 3 years old by September 15, 2020. Preschool children have the option of attending morning only or both morning and afternoon sessions – see Tuition Information for rates.

Pre-kindergarten children are 4 years old by September 15, 2020. PreK children have the option of attending morning only or both morning and afternoon sessions five days per week – see Tuition Information for rates.

At Maharishi School Children’s House, high standards are maintained for each child’s happiness, comfort, ability to cooperate in a group and academic experience. The Children’s House experience should be easy and nourishing for the child and the School reserves the right to decide that a child is not ready for the program. In this case, the Preschool Director will discuss the situation with the parents, and a pro-rated refund will be given.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Morning Session: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Afternoon Session: 12:00 pm – 3:30/4:00pm

LUNCH

At lunchtime (11:50-12:50), *you are always welcome to come to eat with your child at any of our family tables or sign volunteer paperwork and join our classes.* Due to covid, parents are not allowed to eat with their child in school or take them out of school at this time.

In the 2020-2021 school year, children attending full-day sessions must bring their lunch from home.

GETTING STARTED

Want to register your child for the 2020-2021 school year? Please contact admissions@maharishischool.org immediately to get started on your application and schedule an interview.

Montessori

Montessori is a method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. Every material in a Montessori classroom supports an aspect of child development, creating a match between the child’s natural interests and the available activities. Children can learn through their own experience and at their own pace. They can respond at any moment to the natural curiosities that exist in all humans and build a solid foundation for life-long learning.

Nature Explore Classroom

The Nature Explore Classroom is a source of wonder and adventure. Each space has been designed to provide unique outdoor learning experiences. The children collaborate on games, creative projects in nature and build their physical skills and abilities.

CONSCIOUSNESS, CONNECTIONS AND LIFE SKILLS (CCLS)

SCI encourages your child to see connections between him/herself and the Natural Law displayed in the world. Your child’s appreciation of the wonder of life will be enlivened through simple principles such as “The nature of life is to grow.” Through play-oriented activities – songs, stories, nature study, cooking, art, and sport – these SCI principles are enlivened and understood.

Part of the CCLS program in the Children’s House utilizes Positive Discipline techniques for classroom management. Children learn self-discipline, respecting themselves and others, have a sense of belonging and are encouraged to make their own choices in their daily lives.

Our Children’s House Director

Lower School Director

Lower School and Children’s House Director, Lynn Shirai, is a certified Montessori teacher. Lynn graduated from California State University, Northridge with a major in Psychology and a minor in child growth and development. Lynn also earned her teaching credential for grades K-6 from Iowa Wesleyan College. Lynn has taught in the lower school and also held the position of Dean of Students in the Upper School.

To speak directly to Lynn, please call 641-472-9400, ext. 5103. She can answer any questions you might have regarding our programs for all children 2-5 years.