Kids 'R' Kids Comparison

KIDS ‘R’ KIDS PHILOSOPHY COMPARED TO THE MONTESSORI METHOD

With more than 30 years as a leader in early care and education, Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies are proud of our outstanding reputation as being the “smart choice” for countless families. Taking a tour of our Academy is the very best way for you to witness first hand all of the things that set us apart from other early education providers.

Our Kids ‘R’ Kids curriculum is founded upon the educational theories of Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, and Sara Smilansky. These three educational theorists guide our decisions for age-appropriate learning experiences for children. Our schools are designed so that children learn through peer and teacher interaction in a creative and safe environment as put forth by Vygotsky’s theories of the development of the young mind. Our curriculum scaffolds teaching strategies for every classroom age grouping using Piaget’s framework of proposed stages in a child’s developing ability to learn. Finally, we believe in Smilansky’s teachings of learning through play. Our curriculum includes a plethora of playtime both outside and in the classroom, giving the children the freedom to create and explore their world.

All of these child development theorists agree young children learn best by taking an active part in constructing meaning from the world around them. Another proponent of educational constructivism is the Montessori method of teaching. Though similar in philosophy to Vygotsky, Piaget, and Smilansky’s methods, the Montessori approach to education has some unique differences. Listed is a comparative chart between Kids ‘R’ Kids’ teaching philosophy and those attributed to the Montessori teaching method for young children.

Compare Kids ‘R’ Kids to other schools you might be touring with this checklist!

Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies

Motto: Hug First, then Teach
Nurturing prepared environment with center-based activities
Balance of teacher-directed and child-initiated activities during a typical day following a predictable schedule
Accredited curriculum by AdvancED based on developmental milestones of motor and verbal skills achievement by age
Standards-based curriculum linked to national and state Pre-K Requirement standards
Children grouped by age in six months increments
Each day has specific teaching plans and scheduled routines
Large and small group planned activities to engage children
Staff of teachers exceed annual state training requirements
Achievement assessment by specific learning goal with progress tracking in addition to anecdotal and portfolio evidence
Use of assessment tools for first grade readiness

Montessori

Motto: Respect of the Child
Nurturing prepared environment similar to home-living set up
Predominantly child directed choices of activities available referred to as “child’s work” without specific scheduled routines
Holistic curriculum dealing with all aspects of young child’s acquisition of knowledge
Skill acquisition is based on sensitive periods of learning by individual child
Mixed age groups
Each day is driven by self interest of child with minimal interruptions
Children urged to follow own interest and move at own pace
AMI, AMS Certification preferred
Assessment by anecdotal observations and portfolio evidence
Children need to make transition into more traditional setting when leaving program

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Schedule a Tour Today!

At Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Cascade, we take pride in offering an enriching, child-centered environment that fosters creativity, growth, and hands-on learning. If you’re curious about how our unique curriculum can support your child’s development, we’d love to show you around!

Contact us today to schedule a personalized tour and see firsthand how our approach can benefit your child. Let us help you make an informed decision about their educational journey.