Everything is designed with the child in mind, creating a space where learning unfolds naturally through exploration and discovery.
How does Montessori support brain growth in infants and toddlers?
During the first three years of life, a child’s brain undergoes rapid growth—developing nearly 80% of its structure and capacity.
Montessori education is designed to nurture that growth through hands-on, self-directed learning experiences. As such, the first three years set the foundation for everything that follows. The founder of Montessori pedagogy, Dr. Maria Montessori, said that "the most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six.”
“When you think about the capacity of learning for young children, an environment needs to be intentionally prepared for them to engage in various activities,” Campus Co-Director Ashley Voigt said. “[In that environment] they develop gross motor skills, fine motor skills, language development and social-emotional development. In Montessori education, we call this a prepared environment. For us, it's the best place for children.”
How does Montessori education encourage independence?
From the very beginning, Montessori gives children the freedom to explore and practice essential life skills. In this carefully prepared environment, even the youngest child learns to care for themselves, others and the world around them.
“The cusp of Montessori education is allowing the child to have independence,” Campus Co-Director Maranda Deason said. “How are we honoring the child to try these different things? How can they learn to use their bodies? How do they become a community member? How can they take care of themselves? How do they learn empathy to care for others? All of that starts from birth in the Montessori environment.”
How do young children develop focus and concentration?
Unlike fast-paced, screen-driven learning, Montessori offers children the gift of time. Children are free to repeat activities as often as they wish, building confidence through practice until mastery is achieved.
“Montessori is about repetition, and it's about practice,” Voigt said. “We live in a very fast-paced world, ... and for young children, it’s hard for them to understand because their brain is processing information so much slower than ours is.”
This patient approach allows children to build their own intrinsic motivation and strengthen their ability to concentrate—skills that serve them for a lifetime.
What kinds of activities build real-world skills?
Montessori education values the daily tasks that adults might overlook, from taking off shoes to washing hands. These practical life skills are more than chores; they are lessons in coordination, concentration and self-efficacy.
“Even the concentration that's developed in figuring out how to take off their shoes is something most people don't realize,” Voigt said. “How much concentration does it take for a 15-month-old to figure out how to take a Velcro strap, pull it back, ... pull [the shoe] off at the heel, then take their sock off? That in itself is work.”
Why is respect for individuality so central?
Every Montessori classroom is built around the idea of “follow the child.” This philosophy recognizes that no two children learn in the same way or at the same pace.
“We meet the child where they are to serve their needs,” Deason said.
This respect extends to the child’s culture, family and identity, ensuring that every child feels seen and heard in the classroom community.
How can parents integrate Montessori practices at home?
While Montessori environments are unique, the philosophy isn’t limited to school walls. Families are encouraged to bring these practices home by offering children choices, involving them in daily routines and creating spaces designed for independence.
“Montessori education is for everyone. It's not just for people who can afford to send their children to a Montessori school,” Voigt said. “We want parents to know that they can do this at home, and they can reach out to people and ask questions.”
Discover Montessori for your child
Every child deserves an environment that nurtures independence, curiosity and respect. At Milestone Montessori, children are guided to grow into confident, capable individuals from the very start. Parents are invited to see firsthand how Montessori principles can be part of both the classroom and the home.
Click here to inquire about enrollment today and discover how Montessori education can support your child’s growth from the very beginning.
Location: 3410 W. Dallas St., Houston
The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
