After reviewing many preschool options for my 3 year old boys, we started out at a fancy, expensive…read morecenter that had an amazing campus. My boys weren't very happy there and, although the center was amazing, the classrooms seemed overcrowded compared to what we were told the ratio would be. My autistic son has an aide who remains in the classroom with him and she reported to me that sometimes the room would be stuffed with children beyond the official capacity. We received a lot of behavior reports concerning my other son and, again, my aide reported that the classroom spent way too much time sitting at the table instead of letting the kids move around the classroom. The time spent outside was minimal, even though they had very beautiful playgrounds. I've spoken to several early childhood education experts who say that in this age range (under 5), you should look for centers that have more open play space than tables. You should also look for places that are less academically focused, since what's most important for kids this age isn't in memorizing facts, but learning how to get along with others, developing self-sufficiency, and enjoying the process of learning.
Earthshine's Center isn't the prettiest of places, but don't let that fool you. My boys both absolutely love it and my one son's 'behavior problems' completely disappeared when we switched schools. My boys were never really happy to separate in the old school, but after about a week at Earthshine, they were eager to bound away from me. I think the format of Montessori - where the child leaves the parent instead of the parent leaving the child - helps tremendously.
The best thing about Earthshine is that, if the weather is good, they are outside. Playing, eating, learning, is all done in a space that's big enough for the kids to really run around and burn off their energy (which makes bedtime easier for me). Inside the classrooms, the tables take up a smaller portion than any other center we toured. Children are encouraged in self-directed learning, but unlike many other Montessori centers, this one isn't as hands off as some are, which can cause some children problems in that they aren't given ANY direction.
When we were considering this school, my son's behavior therapist warned us that Montessori schools can be either really good or really bad. The really bad ones basically have no structure and, while some children are motivated and interested enough in learning to complete their basic education on their own - many, if not most children, are not. This school is one of the really good ones. There's enough structure that my boys know their general plan for the day (lunch and nap happen in the same order), but enough flexibility to keep learning fun.
Like any good Montessori school, they have 'observation stations' where you can watch your kids through a one-way mirror and observe them in the classroom. I see my boys select a playmat and toys, play with the toys on the mat, and then clean it up themselves. They've become much more independent since starting the school.
Their special needs knowledge and accommodations are top notch and the best I've found. My autistic son has really benefited from attending.
There are many schools that turn down an aide. We toured a lot of places and many refused to let my son's therapists in the classroom. To me, this is suspicious at the 2-5 year old age. A aide is trained to help the child inside their environment and it isn't like the other children will be distracted by another adult, who they see as just another teacher. It speaks volumes for the transparency of Earthshine that they allow aides provided they meet the state requirements with detailed background checks.
We are moving soon and I'm going to miss Earthshine. I'm sure my boys will too.
