Fairy Slipper Montessori

Why Fairy Slipper?

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You may already know this, but the Fairy slipper (or Calypso orchid) is a graceful pinkish-purple wildflower - one of many wild orchids native to Washington state. There was also a small pink wildflower that grew in the woods outside our house in Alaska when I was little that we used to call fairy slippers. 

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I decided on the name because it felt a little bit playful and magical. Montessori classrooms don't always have that reputation and I wanted to be sure that our program does.

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What is a Montessori work cycle?

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The Montessori work cycle (or work period) is a long block of uninterrupted and self-directed time in the classroom, where children can independently choose activities and work with them for as long as they wish, supporting autonomy and often leading to deep concentration. 

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This Montessori work cycle is the foundation of our classes at Fairy Slipper Montessori.

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Explain more about the class schedules. What classes are available currently?

 

Because we're a newer program, we're still building enrollment and adding class times. Submit a quick interest form or send an email! If your preferred class time is full or not currently available, you can enroll in another schedule for now and/or add your name to the interest list. You will then be notified as soon as there is space in the preferred class!​

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​At this time, morning classes are either 2½ or 3 hours long. Afternoon classes are 2½ hours long.

There is a lot of flexibility to your schedule of days. There is the standard Tues/Thurs or Mon/Wed/Fri or Mon-Fri. But consecutive days are also an option, or any combination really - as long as there are spots available.​​

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Are there separate classes based on age? What is the difference between the weekly preschool class and the Saturday parent-child class?

This is a mixed age program. Younger children learn from older friends and older children get the chance to be leaders. Some children attend with a caregiver if they are still working on toilet independence, or if they need some extra time to feel comfortable in the preschool space.

 

Traditional Montessori early childhood classrooms span an age range of 2 ½ or 3 years - Kindergarten. Our weekday classes range in age from 30 months to 5+ years.

The only class that is specifically for younger children is our Saturday parent/child class. This class is for children between the age of 28 - 36 months. It is a short 1-hour long class, that could increase to 1 ½ hours. This class is for children not quite old enough to attend the weekly program yet, to attend with a supportive caregiver and get an introduction to the space. It can also be a good class for children between the age of 30 - 36 months who have similar needs for extra support and a shorter class time. 

​Are children who still need toileting support all in one class?

 

A child between the ages of 2 ½ to 3 ½ who is not yet toilet independent may enroll in a 2 or 3-day scheule, with a parent or caregiver in attendance. There is no specific class day or time required.

 

Children ages 3 ½ - 5 must be toilet independent prior to enrollment.

Can class schedules be combined? Is there a discount for that?

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A child cannot be enrolled in consecutive morning and afternoon classes, such as Monday morning and afternoon.

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The more days and longer time frames you sign up for, the lower the per hour cost. ​

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What is the teacher to child ratio and what is the class size?

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The teacher to child ratio will average 1:7 (with a maximum class size of 14 - 16 students and an assistant teacher). ​There will usually be at least one parent or caregiver supporting their own child in the classroom as well. 

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New classes will start out smaller than this, with a lower teacher to student ratio - which is a wonderful way to get children settled into a new space and community.

 

​Is this a family cooperative?

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No, this is not a family cooperative and there are no family involvement requirements. Caregivers are however welcome in the classroom. ​Visiting even once a month can help bridge the gap between home and the classroom, and also allow you to observe your child in the classroom environment.​

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Is there an outdoor play space?

There is not. Fairy Slipper is not a full-day childcare program. These are short preschool classes that essentially take the Montessori uninterrupted work period 'out' of a full-day program.

That said, there is a lot of movement in the classroom. The space is large (about 1200 square feet) and children can move around as much as they like, making independent choices about what they wish to do. There are movement specific activities, such as yoga cards, a balance board, bean bag toss, and movement on the line. There are also large body activities such as sweeping, table and floor scrubbing, and easel painting. Children can stand at tables if they prefer not to sit, or bring their activity to a work rug on the floor. There is also optional circle time with singing and large body movement. 

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Are the website photos current?

There are many up-to-date photos of the classroom on our Instagram page! I usually add a few photos a week. The slide show photos on the landing page (At a Glance) are also current images of our classroom.

 

I've been a Montessori guide for about 12 years now and worked in early childhood even longer. Many of the images on the website are photos I've taken over the years of past students and classrooms. I've stayed in touch with a number of families and am lucky that they've been generous in allowing me to use the photos. Every new family has the option to opt in or out of photos as they choose.

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Still have questions?

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Contact Kelly! Bee@fairyslippermontessori.com

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