Ms. Pat discovered and fell in love with the Montessori Philosophy while raising her 5 children. While Ms. Pat grew as a parent she understood the need for children to have a positive Pre-School environment.She found a part-time MontessoriSchool in Arlington Heights, where her family was living at the time, to enroll her children. After seeing her children’s progress in the MontessoriSchool she became intrigued in the philosophy and works of Dr. Maria Montessori so much she began to work at the school as an Assistant Teacher in the Classroom. It was obvious she found her nitch in the world.
Despite raising a young family and running a household she went on to attend the demanding Montessori training classes in Evanston at the MidwestMontessoriTeacherTrainingCenter in 1994. After finishing her Internship and graduating she was promoted as Head Teacher of a Half Day classroom with two Assistant Teachers and 24 students. After 8 successful years at that school working closely with the Board of Parents that directed the school operations she knew she wanted more. She dreamed to have her own school but thought a Full Day classroom would allow her more time for the students.
Although it was a very difficult departure Ms. Pat spent the next 10 years in Long Grove as she worked in a Full Day classroom with one Assistant Teacher and 24 to 34 students. With the additional time with the children she created additional opportunities for her students. Ms. Pat started an enrichment program to assist Pre K students with academics. She also taught Montessori Kindergarten classes for students that would be entering the First Grade the next year. She also began to see that the children, the beneficiary and motivator behind her interest and Dr. Maria Montessori, were still not receiving the individual instructional time with a Certified Montessori Teacher. Having that many students in a room without more than one trained and certified Montessori teacher was not what her students deserved. There were too many students and not enough trained teachers.
Despite her hopes to have a school of her own the search began again for a MontessoriSchool that would put the children first. Believing if the children could express their needs they would require a Safe, Positive, Caring, Nurturing, and Clean, Educational Environment in their Pre School years.So the search continued.
Ms. Pat’s dream came true in 2007 as she successfully opened her own BrightBeginningsMontessoriSchool. As she was determined to provide the best environment for children in their PreSchool years she opened her home to a few select children. The school is a truly unique environment.The time the children get to spend individually with a fully trained Montessori teacher is unique. Ms. Pat is certified in First Aid and CPR, certified as a FullMemberSchool with the American Montessori Society, approved, licensed, and working under the guidelines with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, registered with the Illinois State Board of Education, and approved by the Village of Libertyville.
BrightBeginningsMontessoriSchool, although a small school, is run and has all the benefits that you would expect from a much larger school but has the personal one on one benefit you would expect if you had your own private teacher. The school offers both full day and part time programs. During the school year more emphasis is placed in the classroom academics presented using Montessori materials but still allowing time for socialization. Outdoor activities are dependent on the weather but indoor activities are planned for inclement weather such as weekly themes, projects, baking, and games. The summer brings “Summer Camp” that enhances the academics with more fun activities for the kids. This year the children participated in 10 field trips and the weather allowed for numerous outdoor projects and activities. As would be expected healthy snacks and homemade nutritious hot lunches are included as are Parent Teacher Conferences.
Today Ms. Pat gets to wake up knowing she gets to put her students in her classroom first. Her students will work in a secure, safe, nurturing, clean classroom. Her classroom is set up to fulfill the needs of all the children. Ms. Pat changes the classroom materials at least once a month to fit the students' individual needs and to ensure the children do not become bored of the same thing. Parent/Teacher communications is not only encouraged but is required on a daily basis.
Ms. Pat’s BrightBeginningMontessoriSchool is open year round. I encourage you to bring your Child and visit the school. Ms. Pat loves to give prospective Students and Parents tours and answer questions. You will be able to get to know her, learn as she shares her 20 plus years of experience, and feel the passion she has for her students. At the same time she can get to know you and your child to determine if her school will be a good fit for the needs of your child.
Montessori Bright Beginnings where the Children come first
