Toddler Program
The Toddler program (18-36 months of age) is designed for the individual child. Maria Montessori believed that there are certain times in a child’s development he/she will learn more quickly and easily if given opportunity and guidance. These Sensitive Periods allow the environment to be prepared in a way to welcome children, keep them safe, encourage interaction with the people and materials in the environment to assist each child’s development of cognitive, language, motor, sensory, social and practical life skills.
Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program
The Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program (UPK) is a state-funded program for which the Administration of the
Auburn Enlarged City School District applies each year. The Montessori School of the Finger Lakes is one
of 5 preschool sites in the district that contract with the administration to provide one year of half-day
preschool to eligible children. Parents/guardians of children who reach the age of four years by December
1st and who live within the district are eligible to apply. Grants may be determined upon income eligibility
guidelines and are solely determined by the administration of the Auburn Enlarged City School District.
Applications are available through the Harriet Tubman Administration Office at 78 Thornton Avenue in Auburn in
the spring for the following school year.
The Early Childhood Years (3-6)
The Montessori curriculum for the early childhood years places emphasis both on physical and motor development
and on cognitive development. Practical life exercises, including pouring liquids, preparing food, and polishing
shoes, prepare the child for all future academic work by promoting concentration, order of tasks, and completion
of a work cycle. Sensory training enables the Montessori child to identify and categorize information obtained
through their senses. Materials that introduce the young mind to language arts, math, art, music, history and
world culture, geography, and science abound in the Montessori preschool environment.
The Kindergarten and Elementary School Years (5-12)
The Montessori curriculum for the kindergarten and elementary school years places emphasis on three aspects:
Fundamental Skills, Great Lessons, and Individually Chosen Research.
Extended Care Programs
Before-school care is offered to those parents whose schedules necessitate an earlier arrival time.
Beverages and snacks are provided as well as the opportunity for children to relax in a nurturing and familiar
environment until school begins. Before-school care is available at 7:00 am to 8:30 am.
After-school care is designed to provide children with a safe, enjoyable environment for after-school
activities. Children are encouraged to engage in both indoor and outdoor play or to relax with friends. Individual
homework help is also available. Snacks and beverages are provided. After-school care is available from 3:30 until 5:30.
For a six-week period during the summer we offer an exciting and fun opportunity for the children to hone their academic skills and to embark on nature-based adventures and projects.
