frequently asked questions
What is Montessori Education?
Montessori education is a system based on innovative, yet practical methods designed to empower a child and ignite a love of learning. It is a system that is centred on the child and its success depends upon consistency, patience, logic and imagination. Based upon the works of Dr. Maria Montessori, who developed these methods teaching children with developmental challenges in the early part of the 20th century, it remains a relevant and inspirational method of leading children to learn as they eagerly absorb new and exciting knowledge in their early years by engaging with the beautiful hands-on materials in the specially prepared classroom environments.
Frequently Asked Questions - General
Nelephant Montessori School is evaluated by a third-party accreditor called The Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA). Nelephant was first accredited in 2003 and takes part in the 12 to 18-month reaccreditation process every 5 years.
Nelephant Montessori School is also licensed under the Ministry of Education Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA). We go through yearly inspections to ensure we are offering safe and quality care to all children.
No. Because we are a CCMA accredited school, all children are required to attend 5 days a week in their respective ½ day or full-day program. Attending 5 days a week ensures consistency and continuity, which is so important for young children learning to adapt to a new school environment.
Our school follows the school year calendar. Therefore, our main intake is in September and January (if spaces are available). We are closed for statutory holidays, 2 weeks for winter break, 1 week for March break as well as for the months of July and August. Teachers also have a handful of dedicated professional development days throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions - Toddler
We can have a maximum of 15 children. 5 spaces for half-day and 10 for full-day children.
We follow a 1:5 ratio. For every 5 children, there is 1 teacher.
Drop off is between 8:30am–9:00am. Pick up for half-day is at 11:30am and full-day is between 3:30pm–4:00pm.
Extended care is available for an additional fee. Our before care program runs from 8:00am–8:30am, aftercare is available from 4:00pm–5:00pm.
We provide lunch for all of our full-day children from a local catering company. The cost for this is included in the monthly tuition.
More information about tuition costs can be found on our Toddler Fee Schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions - Casa
We can have a maximum of 24 children in each classroom. We try to have a good mix of 3, 4 and 5-year-olds in each class.
We follow a 1:8 ratio. For every 8 children, there is 1 teacher. Our staff are all either Montessori trained, Registered Early Childhood Educators or equivalent.
Drop off is between 8:30am and 9:00am – we ask that all children arrive prior to 9:00am. Pick up is between 11:20am and 11:30am for half-day children and between 3:30pm and 4:00pm for full-day children.
Extended care is available for an additional fee. Our before care program runs from 8:00am–8:30am, aftercare is available from 4:00pm–5:00pm.
We provide lunch for all of our full-day children from a local catering company. The cost for this is included in the monthly tuition.
All first-year children are required to have a rest in the afternoon. Children can sleep or rest quietly on their cot for about an hour.
- Child can independently recognize the need to use the washroom throughout the day without consistent reminders from a teacher.
- Child is no longer wearing pull-ups/diapers all day, including during nap time.
- Child is comfortable using a toilet – not only a potty for both pee and bowel movements.
- Child can wait for a reasonable amount of time before using the washroom without having an accident.
- Child can pull pants/underwear up and down independently.
- Child can or starting to wipe independently.
- We understand and accept that young children may still experience infrequent accidents. If this happens, the child should be able to independently change themselves. We will offer the child support and encouragement.
More information about tuition costs can be found on our Casa Fee Schedule.
Toddler Montessori Program
64 Louth Street
St Catharines, Ontario L2S 2T4
(905) 641-9736
(Note: phones are not answered during the day)
Casa Montessori Program
134 Louth Street
St Catharines, Ontario L2S 2T4
(905) 704-1388
