Why Us?
Children’s Day Montessori (CDM) is an independent, non-profit Montessori preschool that provides a unique educational and social environment for children ages 3 – 6. CDM began in 1982, when the school emerged in the Saint Cloud community known as Learning Day Montessori. In 1990, in response to great interest and growth, the school became Children’s Day Montessori, a non-profit organization directed by a volunteer Board of parents and staff.
Children’s Day Montessori exists to create a safe, nurturing environment where children (ages 3-6) develop and flourish as learners respectful of themselves and others, and the global communities in which we live. Parents, teachers and staff collaborate to maintain a flexible yet stable environment in which Montessori principles are practiced.
CDM is affiliated with the American Montessori Society and offers preschool Montessori education in three separate communities all taught by certified Montessori teachers.
Accreditation
In August 2018, Children’s Day Montessori (CDM) announced it was awarded its initial accreditation with American Montessori Society (AMS). Children’s Day Montessori is the only AMS accredited school in MN.
What does this mean?
It means that we have achieved a well-defined standard of excellence.
*American Montessori Society (AMS)-accredited schools must meet AMS School Accreditation Standards and Criteria (PDF).
Only AMS full member schools are eligible to become accredited. Applicants undergo a rigorous process that includes:
- an intensive self-evaluation involving administration, staff, teachers, and parents;
- a thorough on-site review by an AMS accreditation team;
- commitment to a strategic plan for long-term improvement.
Currently, about 10% of AMS member schools are AMS accredited. To maintain accreditation, a school must submit an annual report that documents continued compliance with AMS standards, as well as set goals for continuous improvement.
We are proud and excited to have achieved this level of excellence in the education that we offer our community of students and families.
*From the American Montessori Society website.
Enroll Today!
We have full- and part-time openings for the school year. Call or email to schedule your tour of the school today!
What are the characteristics of an accredited school?
- It is driven by its mission statement. By taking this step to seek accreditation, CDM has committed to continuous learning and improvement.
- It self-reflects. By examining our practices through the self-study process, we were able to view our school’s principles and practices from the vantage points of student, teacher, parent, and community.
- It keeps its promises. AMS accreditation ensures that Children’s Day Montessori is what it says it is and does what it says it does.
- It seeks self-improvement. By hosting an accreditation team, we invite validation and objective feedback from experienced educators in the field of Montessori education.
- It is recognized. CDM will be listed as an accredited school on the AMS website.
- It is student-centered. CDM focuses on educating the whole child, developing academic, social and emotional skills.
- It focuses on the future: CDM creates strategic plans with smart goals to guide our future toward even greater goals.
- It evaluates performance. Through annual assessments and use of Montessori compass, CDM analyzes data to help shape a curriculum that increases student achievement and growth.
Why does Accreditation Matter?
Accreditation is a set of rigorous protocols and research-based processes for evaluating an institution’s effectiveness. These protocols distinguish schools that adhere to a set of educational standards and recognize the school’s ability to effectively drive student performance and strive for continuous educational improvement.
American Montessori Society
The American Montessori Society (AMS) is the foremost advocate for quality Montessori education, an innovative, child-centered approach to learning. AMS sets the high professional standards that inform Montessori education as practiced in AMS-accredited schools and taught in AMS-affiliated teacher education programs. A not-for-profit organization based in New York City, with nearly 13,000 members worldwide, AMS is also a hub of all things Montessori: an information center for its members, the media, and the public; a voice in the public policy arena; and a mobilizing force for the global Montessori community, through support services, research, and professional development events. Learn more about the AMS accreditation process by visiting this link: http://amshq.org/School-Resources/AMS-School-Accreditation
