Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, our teachers are licensed, CPR and First Aid certified, and dedicated to providing the highest quality care and education.

Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. We maintain low child-to-teacher ratios and have dedicated staff. For added security and health, we have security cameras monitoring the classrooms and the building, and we utilize air purifiers throughout the facility.

We have two convenient locations to serve you. Our original location at 444 Old Georges Rd is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Our new Rt. 130 location offers extended hours from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM to better accommodate commuting parents. Both locations offer a range of flexible childcare schedules, including Full-Day, Half-Day, and Extended Day options, as well as Aftercare and Backup Care. For more details, please visit our Programs page.

Yes, we offer a Summer Camp for children aged 2.5 to 10 years, running from late June through late August. For more details, please visit our Summer Camp page.

We invite you to schedule a free, no-obligation tour to learn more about our programs and meet our friendly staff. Click below to schedule your private tour.

Yes. For working families, we offer comprehensive Aftercare programs and reliable Backup Care options to ensure seamless support outside of regular school hours.

We accept children from 3 months to 6 years old, covering infancy through kindergarten readiness.

We view potty training as a major milestone in a child’s journey toward independence. Rather than a high-pressure "deadline," we treat it as a natural part of the child's daily routine. Our approach is based on three pillars: Readiness over Rigidity: We look for signs of "sensitive periods" for toileting—such as a child showing interest in the bathroom or staying dry for longer periods. We work with you to determine when your child is developmentally ready. A Prepared Environment: Our classrooms are equipped with child-sized toilets and accessible sinks. This allows children to take ownership of the process. We encourage the use of "training pants" or underwear when ready, as the physical sensation of being wet is a vital part of the Montessori learning process. Home-School Consistency: For success, consistency is key. We ask parents to share the terminology and routines used at home so we can replicate them at school. We maintain a positive, shame-free environment where accidents are treated as a simple part of the learning curve. What we ask of parents: To support this transition, we ask that children be dressed in "independence-friendly" clothing—elastic waistbands are much easier for a child to manage than buttons, belts, or overalls!

We use the leading all-in-one early education app, to keep you connected to your child’s day in real-time. Once your child is enrolled, you can download the app to your smartphone to receive: Real-Time Feed: Receive photos, videos, and updates of your child’s activities and "Montessori moments" throughout the day as they happen. Daily Reports: At the end of each day, you’ll receive a digital summary including nap times, meals, and bathroom updates, so you’re always in the loop. Direct Messaging: Easily message your child’s teacher or the school administration directly through the app for quick questions or check-ins. Learning Milestones: Track your child's developmental progress and academic achievements as our teachers record observations tied to our curriculum.

At Little Scholars Montessori, we view "discipline" not as punishment, but as guidance. Our goal is to help children develop "inner discipline"—the ability to regulate their own emotions and actions. We handle behavioral challenges using three core strategies: 1. Positive Redirection If a child is struggling with a specific task or interacting negatively with a peer, our teachers gently redirect their energy toward a different "work" or activity that captures their interest. This moves the focus from the conflict to a productive outlet. 2. Natural and Logical Consequences We help children understand the direct results of their actions. For example, if a child purposefully spills water, the consequence is not a "time-out," but rather learning how to use a cloth to clean it up. This teaches accountability and life skills rather than fear. 3. The "Peace Table" & Social-Emotional Coaching We use a "Peace Table" or designated quiet area where children can go to "cool down" or resolve a conflict with a peer using words. Our teachers act as facilitators, helping children identify their feelings (e.g., "I can see you are frustrated because...") and find a verbal solution. 4. Partnership with Parents We believe in a consistent bridge between home and school. If a recurring behavioral challenge arises, we meet with parents to create a unified plan, ensuring the child feels supported and understood in both environments. Our Promise: We never use corporal punishment, shaming, or prolonged isolation. We treat every "misbehavior" as a teaching moment to build the child’s character and social intelligence.

Yes, we offer a 10% sibling discount to families with more than one child enrolled at our preschool. This discount is typically applied to the lower tuition rate (for example, if you have a toddler and a preschooler, the 10% would be deducted from the preschooler’s tuition). We understand that childcare is a significant investment for families, and we are happy to support our siblings growing and learning together in our Montessori environment. If you are enrolling multiple children, please let us know during the registration process so we can ensure the discount is reflected in your billing schedule.

Tuition at our preschool is personalized based on your family's specific needs and the developmental program best suited for your child. Because we offer a variety of scheduling options to accommodate working families, rates vary depending on the following factors: Age of the Child: Our programs are tailored for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool/Pre-K students, each with specific staffing ratios and specialized Montessori materials. Number of Days Enrolled: We offer flexibility with options for 3, 4 or 5 days per week. Program Length: Rates differ based on whether your child is enrolled for: Half-Day: (Morning sessions) Full-Day: (Standard school hours) Extended Day: (For families needing earlier drop-off or later pick-up times) To provide you with the most accurate rate for your family, please contact our office or schedule a tour. Once we understand your preferred schedule and your child's age group, we can provide a customized tuition quote and detail our current enrollment availability.

We primarily follow the proven Montessori philosophy and methods, emphasizing hands-on learning, independence, respect for others, and developing the whole child. Our curriculum also includes a head start academic program that complements the Montessori approach with Reading, Writing, Science, Music, Arts & Crafts, and Social Studies.

The Montessori teaching method is a child-centered educational approach that encourages self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. Children make creative choices in their learning, while the classroom and the teacher offer age-appropriate activities to guide the process. Below are some blog link which explains in detail.

Montessori education fosters independence, self-discipline, and a love for learning. It helps children develop critical thinking skills, social skills, and emotional growth through a structured yet flexible environment that respects each child's individual pace and interests.

The main difference lies in the goal of the classroom. Traditional daycares often focus on keeping a child entertained until pickup. In a Montessori setting, we focus on Executive Function. Our students learn to manage their own time, solve problems independently, and care for their environment. This creates a foundation for academic success and self-discipline that lasts long after they leave our program.

Yes, we are committed to making high-quality education accessible to all families. We accept New Jersey Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and various other state subsidies for tuition. To further support our families, we do not charge a co-pay for parents who are eligible for these assistance programs. This ensures that your child can receive a premium Montessori education with minimal out-of-pocket costs. How to get started: Current Participants: Please provide your current agreement or voucher details during enrollment. New Applicants: If you need help navigating the application process or want to see if you qualify, please contact us. We are happy to guide you through the necessary steps with the state.

To enroll your child, you can contact us directly to schedule a tour and meet with our Little Scholars team. We are here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

We offer a complete spectrum of early childhood programs: Infants Toddlers Preschool Pre-K Aftercare Backup Care Summer Camp Visit our Programs page to learn more.