Childcare
Sonoma County offers a wide variety of childcare options, including Montessori, in-home care, and play based programs, making it easy to find the right fit for your family.
Montessori vs. Play-Based
Montessori Schools are centered on “child led learning” They follow the educational philosophy developed by Dr. Maria Montessori by using hands-on materials and mixed-age classrooms. At a Montessori school, children are encouraged to go at their own pace all whilst developing self discipline through this self exploration.
Self guided materials
Variety of ages
Focused on individual learning
Teachers are trained in “Montessori Methods”
Play-based Preschools encourage the child to learn through socialization, playing with others, and exploration. Encompassed within the classroom is teacher facilitated discovery to help the child develop social, cognitive, emotional, and also motor skills.
Toys, blocks, arts and crafts, sensory tables, etc.
Music groups and storytime
Daily schedule with play and structured activities
Teacher guided