52 Part One The Children and You
Program
The program provided by a
child care center depends on the
educational background and skills
of the staff. State licensing rules also
infl the program. Some centers fluence
simply provide custodial care. This
type of care focuses primarily on
meeting the child’s physical needs.
The emphasis is on a safe and
healthful environment. Meals are
usually provided.
Ideally, the program should meet
needs in all areas of development. The
focus should be on the whole child
and include a balance of engaging
activities. Brain development is
fostered in an environment that offers
a variety of learning experiences.
Montessori Schools
In the early 1900s, Maria
Montessori developed her own
method of education. She was the
fi rst woman in Italy to receive a fi
degree in medicine. Early in her
career, she was an assistant doctor
at a clinic that served children with
mental disabilities.
While working with these
children, Montessori developed her
theory of education. This theory
stated children learn best by being
active. Montessori soon learned
these methods could also be used
with other children. This led to the
development of the first Montessori fi
school in Rome.
Montessori’s methods became
known all over the world. After a
short period of popularity, however,
interest in this method declined for
the next 40 years. In the 1950s, there
was a rebirth of the Montessori
method. Magazines and television
helped make this method known.
Montessori Approach
In her fi rst schools, Montessori fi
stressed proper nutrition,
cleanliness, manners, and sensory
training. Children also worked with
equipment she designed. See 2-3.
These materials were self-correcting
and required little adult guidance.
The materials were organized from
simple to complex. By handling and
moving the materials, the children’s
senses were trained and they
learned to think. They also learned
number concepts as well as motor,
language, and writing skills.
Montessori believed in
self-education. The primary goal of
the Montessori approach pp was for
children to “learn how to learn.” This
approach allowed the child to explore
materials that were meant to instruct.
Certain materials were given to the
child by the teacher in a prescribed
sequence. This sequence was related
to the child’s physical and mental
development. Montessori felt that this
approach would provide the child
freedom within limits.
Independence is stressed in
Montessori schools. Children must
learn to care for themselves. Teachers
provide little help. As a result, children
Conta ac t a local insurance agent. Ask C
f any additional a insurance coverage is if
neede ed for a family child care provider n
beyond a basic homeowner’s policy. b
What addition na l steps need to be completed
to ensure ade eq uate liability coverage?
(Consider suc ch areas as fencing, gates,
and lighting.) What W medical benefits does a fi
typical policy cover c if an accident involving a
child in the ho om eowner’s care occurs?
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