The Curious Child Montessori Preschool - Gretna - Preschool & Child Care Centers Serving Omaha, Elkhorn, Papillion, Gretna, and LaVista.

The Curious Child Montessori Preschool - Gretna

PRESCHOOL

6 WEEKS TO 6 YEARS

Preschool Programs

At all of our Montessori Educational Centers, it is our goal to inspire. We are passionately committed to exceptional child care helping to develop independent, self-motivated, and confident children who are committed to a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.

SCHOOL CONTACT

8661 S 168th St, Omaha, NE 68136

Phone: 402.393.1311

Principal: Jordan Steger

School Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

MEC Main Office Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Parents/Guardians are asked to report any absences or late arrivals by 9:00am.

INQUIRY BASED LEARNING APPROACH

We foster this love for learning by providing an age-appropriate, child-sized environment that encourages exploration and the ability for each child to learn at his or her own pace, ultimately guiding them on their chosen path of success.

INQUIRY BASED LEARNING APPROACH

ENGAGING ACTIVITIES

Offering extensive programs such as KinderYoga, Spanish and Music, as well as a Nature Certified Playground with natural wood and earth play areas.

ENGAGING ACTIVITIES

Offering extensive programs such as KinderYoga, Spanish and Music, as well as a Nature Certified Playground with natural wood and earth play areas.

CLASSROOM RATIOS THAT ARE SUITABLE FOR SOCIABILITY

We offer a 1:6 ratio, and occasionally a 1:7 ratio in our classrooms, which enable children to learn amongst one another, but also from each other. This environment is sure to help your child engage with others and develop their social skills.

CLASSROOM RATIOS THAT ARE SUITABLE FOR SOCIABILITY

Do you do background checks?

We do extensive Criminal Reference checks and Background checks on all of our team members.

How many days per week is your program? What schedules do you offer?

Our program is 5 days per week, Monday – Friday. Recognizing the community’s need for extended hours, we are open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Our Preschool program runs as follows:

Infant: 6 weeks-18 months

Toddler: 18 months-3 years

Primary: 3 years – Kindergarten (Child must be potty trained)

School Day: 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Full Time: 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

I have heard that children in Montessori classrooms are relatively unsupervised and are allowed to "do whatever they want." Is this true?

Montessori is based on the principle of free choice of purposeful activity. If a child is being destructive or is using materials in an aimless way, the teacher will intervene and gently re-direct the child either to more appropriate materials or to a more appropriate use of the material.

How do you handle discipline and behavior problems?

Because we have a mixed age group, discipline develops naturally through the guidance of older students. The desire to imitate the positive behavior of a five-year-old is a strong influence on a three-year-old.

We stress consideration for people and property and help the children absorb the rules and our values right from the start. Our ultimate goal is always for the student to love learning! When occasional behavior challenges do arise, we handle them in an age-appropriate way with firm sensitivity. We make certain that the rules are clear and consequences fair and consistent. We primarily use redirection as an appropriate response to most instances. If the situation escalates, the child will be asked to “sit out” until he or she gains self-control and is able to act appropriately, follow directions, or show respect for people and property. We Never engage in any physical punishment or shaming!

We keep lines of communication open with parents. If the situation warrants, we work with parents to address ongoing behavior issues. We also encourage parents to talk to us about behavioral challenges they are seeing at home, ones we may not see at school. Working together, parents and teachers make a great team.

Will it be hard for my child to transition to traditional school?

When the time comes to move into a more traditional school environment, Montessori children usually adapt very well. Our programs are designed to help children develop positive self-images and confidence so they can face challenges and change with optimism. The Montessori environment helps build self-esteem, which research has shown to be a key predictor for future success.

" It was more like she was going from one home to another."

Choosing Montessori was one of the best decisions we have made for our Child. When we were introduced to the Montessori program, we were 100% sure that Shruthi was in good hands. We can surely say that Miss Olga and Miss Julie played an important role in this. We were never been disappointed for one second. It was more like she was going from one home to another. The development which we saw in her was truly what she learned from Miss Olga and Julie. They are more like friends and part of family now. Shruthi loves them so much and learning a lot. It doesn’t feel like they are working but enjoying what they do. We are very fortunate that Shruthi is being able to learn from passionate teachers who put their heart and soul in what they are doing.

Parents of Shruthi

"The ownership and teachers have been excellent."

We are very pleased with our choice of MEC. The ownership and teachers have been excellent. Its a safe and controlled environment that our son has thrived in. Highly recommend MEC.

Clete Blakeman