Casa
2.5 – 5 YEARS OLD
The Casa Program
At this level, the child’s classroom is a prepared environment designed to stimulate interest and exploration. Through the use of the unique Montessori materials, children learn by associating abstract concepts with a myriad of sensorial experiences. As the children work directly with the Montessori material and become engaged in the activities, they build concentration, increase their attention to detail and self-discipline while working towards completion of their tasks. Courtesy, as well as respect for self, respect for others and the environment are important aspects of daily classroom life.
Together, three, four and five year old children interact and learn from each other in a classroom that is rich in choice and opportunity. Assisting their teachers, the older children serve as role models and mentors for the younger students in the class. As children progress within the group, their confidence grows along with their expanding knowledge.
Guided by two Montessori teachers, with an average class size of 24 students, our Casa children benefit from an individualized approach that encourages self-motivation and independence.
Classroom observations, written progress reports and scheduled parent/teacher interviews are completed annually.
All of our Casa students are offered French and Music programs. They also benefit from in-school visitors, small group art lessons and follow-up activities and a mentoring program with our older students. Third year Casa students also attend field trips and are afforded additional program extensions, which include language enrichment, both individually and in small groups, as well as group projects in Culture (Geography, Science, History, Zoology, Botany).

Entry Month: September
Half Day (Morning): 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Half Day (Afternoon): 12:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Full Day: 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Before Care: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
After Care: 3:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Program Available at:
Dearcroft Montessori Lakeshore Campus
Dearcroft Montessori Trafalgar Crossing Campus
Dearcroft Rebecca Campus
It follows that the child can only develop fully by means of experience on his environment. We call such experience “work”.
– Maria Montessori
The Absorbent Mind, p. 80
Goals of the Program:
- Foster independence
- Grace and courtesy
- Respect
- Each child to develop their ability to listen and follow directions, focus, and lengthen their concentration
- For each child to think for themselves; become a problem solver
Social/ Emotional Wellbeing
We hope that:
- Each child will establish a love of learning and feel happy and safe at school.
- Each child will respect themselves; each other, the materials in the classroom and the environment.
- Each child will develop good self-esteem and treat each other with kindness.
- Each child will develop to their own full potential.
Development of your 2.5 to 6 year old child:
- At this age children soak up knowledge like a sponge.
- They want to make choices for themselves and accomplish tasks independently.
- They explore through their senses.
- Through repetition of an activity, the child becomes deeply involved in their work leading to the development of their focus and concentration of their task at hand.
- Movement and learning are connected.
- Activities within the classroom further the development of their fine motor control.
- At this age the child establishes a joy for learning and a sense of discovery.