„The goal of education is to cultivate the child’s natural desire to learn, not to impose knowledge.” – Maria Montessori

I begin this article with a quote from Maria Montessori, a true pioneer of education based on respect for children. The entire Montessori methodology is rooted in this fundamental principle – respect for the individuality and potential of each child.

I am a mother with vivid memories from my own childhood, and from this perspective, I promised myself that my children’s memories would be among the happiest. Ever since Andy was born, we have wanted to create a nurturing and engaged environment for him. That’s why I place great value on quality in everything that touches the universe of childhood. I don’t say this from the standpoint of being overly picky but from the perspective of a parent who is fully involved and aware of the impact our choices have on the well-being and development of our family.

When it comes to children, I need to know that they are happy, well cared for, and safe, so that I can function both at home, at work, and back at home again. I’ve stayed with the kids and will continue to stay at home, close to them, until I feel we are all well on the journey of independence and self-regulation. I stayed home with Andy for four years. That’s how long he needed before he was happy to attend kindergarten.

For us, the story of kindergarten sounded like this:

• The first experience was a complete failure and disappointment. We ended up there based on numerous positive recommendations, many of them glowing. We went with high hopes, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out for us. Out of respect for the children, parents, educators, and assistant staff, who have had positive experiences there, I won’t go into detail. God will set things right for everyone, according to their needs.
• After the first experience, like any mother, I started to „complain” about the failed choice. I was mostly disappointed in myself. Why are so many kids happy there, but not us? But God arranged things for our hearts. A friend, a person of exceptional human quality, told me about another wonderful person who had opened a private kindergarten near us in Green City. I picked up the phone, and things began to fall into place as if by magic. That’s how it is when good people are sent to bring light into your life. After two grueling weeks full of obstacles and difficulties with the first kindergarten, I resolved everything in one day, and the next day Andy started at the new kindergarten.

From Cristina Suschevici, the manager of Kids at Work, I learned all the details about the kindergarten and the Montessori program. She also helped me recover from the first experience. I had some limited information about the Montessori method, especially about toys, but I never thought Andy would attend such a kindergarten, which is different…

It’s different because here, they focus on premium quality facilities, toys, spaces, food, the method applied, and the number of children they care for.

It’s beneficial because the rules are respected by everyone—parents and children alike. This creates routines that simplify the children’s environment and help them self-regulate.

It’s special because the staff meets the highest standards of professional training.

It’s exceptional because absolutely all the staff (teachers, administrative team, management) do everything with passion, and they possess a rare quality – they are proactive.

It’s safe because the children’s menu is designed and approved by a specialist in nutrition and diabetes (so tasty that even the pickiest child will eat). It’s very clean and is video monitored.

It’s healthy because, in addition to the clean and maintained interior spaces, there is a 1000 sqm outdoor area with many trees, playgrounds designed for movement, animals, and a small garden where children learn to plant and care for vegetables!

It’s welcoming. Absolutely all the furniture (kitchen, serving, dishes, bathroom, beds) is specially designed for kindergarten children. The space is bright, set in a quiet environment with many trees.

It’s a place of respect. Each child has their own rhythm, which the teachers observe, analyze, and tailor interactions and activities according to the child’s pace.

In less than a week, Andy made progress that, for us, was spectacular. He started taking off his sneakers by himself (previously, he refused out of attachment to me), he dresses and undresses himself partially, eats with utensils that he asks for, eats independently, and eats vegetables and fruits daily—although before kindergarten, he used to tell me vehemently that he didn’t like healthy food and would ask for salty biscuits, pizza, French fries, and sweets that he had become fixated on. He learned a lot of new words and is starting to do more complex activities. Not only that, but he has become generous (sharing things with other children), sets clear boundaries with children and adults. I could continue the list, but since this is just our experience, I’ll stop here.

Quality places are created by quality people. For a place to thrive in harmony with nature and respect the lives of others, it is essential that the human resource is of the highest quality, from the newest employee to those in leadership positions. This is exactly the principle that guides Montessori Kids at Work. The kindergarten’s vision encompasses four main areas:

• Montessori Environment – is divided into work zones (practical life, mathematics, art, etc.). All areas are carefully prepared so that the children’s experience is complete, and they feel invited to explore. The furniture and materials are tailored to the size of the children.
• Montessori Teacher – training in the Montessori method is rigorous and costly. Behind the Montessori method lie various branches of science (neurology, nutrition, pedagogy, psychology, etc.), so a Montessori teacher has advanced knowledge of the entire childhood universe.
• Montessori Child – all children are unique, just like adults. However, not all environments are prepared to offer personalized learning experiences to children. In accredited Montessori kindergartens, personalized learning experiences are one of the conditions for excellence.
• Montessori Materials – are practical objects that help children understand abstract concepts in a concrete and accessible form. The Montessori curriculum is structured hierarchically, and the materials are interconnected. Each material addresses a single concept and is self-correcting, allowing children to identify and correct their own errors. This approach encourages autonomy, develops analytical thinking and self-confidence, and stimulates children to solve problems on their own.

The vision of Montessori Kids at Work places great emphasis on education and the philosophy of Maria Montessori, which they fully apply. Everything, from the internationally trained staff to the generous green spaces and diverse activities, reflects this vision. What I particularly liked is that they don’t limit themselves to Montessori principles. They have also integrated Forest School pedagogy, and the „Entrepreneurial Day” project gives children the chance to learn from real experiences, preparing them for life’s challenges. It’s an excellent combination of practical and theoretical education!

The kindergarten operates based on a well-defined strategy, built on a few essential principles:

Quality attracts children’s interest: The more attractive and higher quality the things children interact with, the more they will be drawn to them, providing pleasant and meaningful experiences. Calm parents, happy staff: When parents know their little ones are being cared for with attention and love, the kindergarten staff is happier. The lack of complaints allows the staff to focus on providing the best educational services. Efficient resource management: Montessori Kids at Work sizes its activities according to available human and economic resources. The kindergarten grows only to the extent that it can manage the number of children and parents efficiently, without compromising the quality of services offered, regardless of the financial advantages a faster expansion might bring.

Among the benefits for parents, the following are worth mentioning:

Parents can actively participate in their children’s education alongside the kindergarten. There are several activities dedicated to parents in this regard: volunteering at the kindergarten, parent-child activities (like „What are my parents’ professions?”, various holiday activities, and parties). Parents can monitor their child’s progress from all points of view on a dedicated platform: if and what they eat, if they sleep, what activities they did, photos. The platform contains all the necessary documents for good kindergarten-parent communication, from regulations, calendars, curriculum, and the child’s development (which is recorded differently from the public system). Parents have dedicated seminars for continuing the Montessori method at home.

It’s important to know that the number of places is limited. The maximum capacity is 25 places starting next year. The costs are fair, considering the quality. Compared to the general offer in Bucharest and the educational method, the costs are significantly lower. For many, it may be a considerable effort (it is for us), but the benefits are far superior for both children and parents.

Montessori Kids at Work can be found in Bucharest and in the 1 Decembrie commune in Ilfov. You can also find them on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/kidsatwork.ro.

So, dear parent, if you like what you’re reading and what you see in this article, it means you might want to enroll your child at Montessori Kids at Work. If that’s the case, I can help you make a saving that’s worth considering upon enrollment. The first five parents to enroll their children at Kids at Work for the 2024-2025 school year will benefit from a 150-euro discount on the registration fee. All you need to do is use the code YesMilady at registration.