The Montessori approach to early childhood education is based on the method of seeing children as they really are and of creating environments which foster the fulfillment of their highest potential - spiritual, emotional, physical, and intellectual.

Montessori practice is always up-to-date and dynamic because observation and the meeting of needs is continual and specific for each child. When physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional needs are met, children glow with excitement and a drive to play and work with enthusiasm, to learn, and to create. They exhibit a desire to teach, help, and care for others and for their environment.

Dr. Maria Montessori based her method of teaching upon the spontaneous interest of children in learning. This gives each child the freedom and opportunity to explore the self-learning environment and find the circumstances which are most appropriate to his/her own particular stage of development. The Montessori classroom is thus centered on the activity of the child, not that of the teacher.