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Early Childhood Programs

Building and strengthening the foundations learned by the students

Montessori Child Painting

Welcome

At Westmont, we’re committed to providing exceptional early childhood education that nurtures the unique needs of every child. Our Early Childhood Programs offer two distinct pathways to introduce your child to the transformative world of Montessori education: the Parent Child Program and the Intro to Montessori Program. Each program is carefully designed to meet the developmental needs of children aged 2.5 to 6 years, fostering a love for learning and preparing them for future academic success.

We offer two Early Childhood programs, depending on your child’s level of independence.

  • Parent Child Program-Experience Montessori Together
  • Intro to Montessori Program-Prepare for Independent Learning

Key Difference Between our Programs

If your child has been in a daycare setting previously or can separate from parents, the Intro to Montessori Program is the ideal choice. If not, the Parent Child Program may be better suited for your child’s needs.

At Westmont, we understand the importance of providing children with a positive and supportive introduction to the classroom environment. Whether you choose our Parent Child Program or Intro to Montessori Program, rest assured that your child will receive the highest quality education and guidance from our experienced educators. Join us as we inspire young minds to thrive independently and confidently embrace the joys of learning.

Two Program Offerings

Parent Child

Experience Montessori Together

Ages 2-4 years old

Welcome to Westmont’s Parent Child Program, where we believe in nurturing the bond between parent and child while laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning through the Montessori philosophy.

Program Highlights

Parent Involvement

Actively participate alongside your child in classroom activities, fostering a strong bond and understanding of the Montessori philosophy.

Seamless Transition

Smoothly transition into the Montessori environment by familiarizing both parents and toddlers with classroom routines and principles.

 

Home Integration

Equip yourself with practical strategies to incorporate Montessori principles into home life, promoting a harmonious learning environment beyond the classroom.

Early Years Focus

Tailored for toddlers and parents, providing a solid foundation for future academic and personal success in the Montessori Early Years classroom.

Parent Child Program

April 7 – June 11, 2026

Tuesday and Thursdays

10:45-12:00

Introduction to Montessori

Prepare for Independent Learning

Ages 2.5-5 years old

Welcome to Westmont’s Parent Child Program, where we believe in nurturing the bond between parent and child while laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning through the Montessori philosophy.

Program Highlights

Independent Experience

Children experience preschool independently, preparing them for the learning environment of the Early Years without parental attendance.

Educator Guidance

Experienced educators guide and support children in hands-on learning activities, social interactions, and exploration of Montessori materials.

 

Confidence Building

Activities are designed to foster confidence and self-sufficiency in children, empowering them to thrive independently in a classroom setting.

Focus on Early Learning

Specifically tailored to introduce children to the Montessori approach to learning, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and empowered as they begin their educational journey.

Introduction to Montessori

April 7 – June 11, 2026

Tuesday and Thursdays

9:00-10:30

Register for Parent Child
By Invitation in April 2026

Meet the Team

Meet the team

Holly Ireland

Hello, I’m Holly! I was born and raised in Victoria and currently live in East Sooke with my husband and young daughter, who also attends Westmont School. I have my Bachelor of Education Degree, ECE Certification (ITE/SNE) and Early Years Montessori Training. I’ve been teaching in a Montessori setting since 2014, including the Parent-Child, Introduction to Preschool and Casa Programs here at Westmont. 

Meet the team

Marguerite Sans

Hello, my name is Marguerite! I am an Early Years teacher with an ECE certificate and Montessori training for children from birth to six years old. I joined Westmont in 2023 and have been involved in the Introduction to Montessori and Parent-Child programs, as well as teaching part-time in the Douglas Fir classroom. My son has been attending Westmont since 2022. Alongside my passion for the Montessori philosophy, I have a background in wildlife and animal sciences. I look forward to welcoming and supporting your family within our Montessori community.

When is a child ready for the Montessori classroom?

The Early Primary Montessori classroom is designed for children between the ages of 2.5 and 6 years. All children are different, and some are developmentally ready before others. The following are a few examples of behaviours a child must display to be developmentally ready to begin preschool. Enrolling in one of our Early Childhood programs will help your child develop these skills.

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Able to communicate needs to the teacher and other children appropriately. Children who are too young will just cry when they need something, and will be very frustrated in an environment that is not meeting their needs.

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Able to be independent in the bathroom. See toileting policy.
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Able to sit quietly and complete an activity. Children who are too young for this type of classroom will take many activities out, work on them for only a short amount of time without completing anything, and then move on to something else without putting the previous activities away.
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Will take suggestions from a teacher of work they are ready for. A child who is not ready will pull away from the teacher, or will display unwillingness to go with the teacher by lying on the floor, running away, etc.
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Will allow teachers to show them how to use the activities on the shelf. A child who is developmentally too young will not be able to wait, watch or take in the process for doing the work.
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Is happy to sit at circle time and listen to stories and engage in activities. A child who is too young will not be able to attend to group situations, sit for stories, participate in games, etc.
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Able to follow simple directions for procedures like lining up, washing hands, putting on coat to go outside. The child does not have to be able to do these things perfectly, but has to be willing to listen to and follow instructions.
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Able to stay with group and participate to the best of their ability, following the teachers’ instructions, when on hikes, beach days and during morning outdoor exercise. This is to ensure their safety as well as the others in the class.

When considering accepting a child, we have not only to consider the readiness of the individual child but also the needs of the whole classroom. Children who are too young take an extraordinary amount of a teacher’s time to the detriment of the classroom as a whole. We want every child to be happy in the classroom which means that they need to be developmentally ready for the experience.