1. What Is Montessori Education and How Is It Different From Traditional Preschool?

Montessori education is a child-centred approach that supports independence, concentration, and a love of learning. Instead of teacher-led group instruction, children choose purposeful activities from a carefully prepared environment.

In a Montessori classroom, materials are hands-on and self-correcting, meaning children learn through exploration rather than worksheets or constant adult correction. Teachers act as guides, observing and supporting each child at their own pace.

Traditional preschools often follow a set schedule where all children do the same activity at the same time. Montessori respects that children develop differently and allows them to progress when they are ready.
 

2. Is Montessori Structured or Unstructured?

This is one of the most common questions parents ask.

Montessori classrooms may appear calm and flexible, but they are highly structured. The structure is built into the environment, the materials, and the daily routines rather than adult direction.

Children work within clear boundaries: they choose activities that have been carefully introduced, they use materials with intention, and they return them when finished. This balance of freedom and responsibility helps children develop self-discipline and focus.
 

3. Is Montessori Good for Shy or Quiet Children?
 

Yes. Montessori environments are especially supportive for shy or reserved children.

Because children are not required to perform in front of large groups, they are free to build confidence at their own pace. Small-group and individual work allow quieter children to feel secure and seen.

Over time, many parents notice their child becoming more confident, expressive, and independent without being pushed beyond their comfort level.
 

4. What Does a Typical Day Look Like in a Montessori Preschool?
 

A Montessori day includes long, uninterrupted work periods where children choose activities independently. These may include practical life skills, language, math, sensory work, or cultural studies.

There is time for outdoor play, snacks, movement, and group gatherings such as circle time or stories. The rhythm of the day is predictable, which helps children feel safe and settled.

Rather than rushing from activity to activity, Montessori allows children to fully engage and develop deep concentration.

5. Why Are Montessori Classrooms Mixed-Age?
 

Montessori classrooms typically include children across a three-year age range.

Younger children learn by observing older peers, while older children build leadership and empathy by helping younger ones. This mirrors real-life social environments and reduces competition.

Mixed-age classrooms also allow children to stay with familiar teachers and classmates for multiple years, creating a strong sense of community and belonging.
 

6. Will My Child Be Ready for Kindergarten After Montessori?
 

Yes. Montessori children often enter kindergarten with strong independence, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation.

They are accustomed to following routines, managing their belongings, and working independently or collaboratively. Many teachers note that Montessori graduates show strong focus and confidence in new learning environments.

Academic readiness is supported naturally through hands-on materials that build foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

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In fact, our centre has trained teachers that are certified by the BC Ministry of Education Teacher Regulation Board to teach Montessori Kindergarten 

7. Is Montessori Play-Based?
 

Montessori learning is purposeful and meaningful, and it includes play in a thoughtful, intentional way.

Children engage in activities that feel playful but are designed to develop real skills such as coordination, language, and logical thinking. Practical life activities like pouring, cleaning, and food preparation are especially engaging for young children.

In addition, our program thoughtfully integrates play-based structure at key transition points in the day. We offer 30 minutes of play-based activities as children enter the classroom each morning, allowing them to settle in, connect socially, and ease into the day.

For children attending the full-day program, we also provide 30 minutes of reading and free play after lunch to support rest, imagination, and a calm transition back into afternoon activities.

Alongside daily Montessori work, children benefit from enrichment programs that support movement, creativity, and language development. These include weekly morning classes in music, yoga, and French, as well as a bi-weekly karate class in the afternoons.

Rather than overstimulating or unstructured play, this balanced approach supports deep engagement, joy, and whole-child development while staying true to Montessori principles.

8. How Do Montessori Teachers Support Each Child?
 

Montessori teachers observe children closely to understand their interests, strengths, and areas of growth.

Lessons are given individually or in small groups, allowing teachers to meet each child where they are developmentally. Progress is not measured by comparison to others but by the child’s own growth.

This individualized approach helps children feel capable, respected, and motivated to learn.

9. Is Montessori Suitable for Working Families?

Many Montessori schools offer half-day, extended-day, or full-day programs to support working families.

Because children develop independence and self-regulation, Montessori can be especially supportive for families balancing busy schedules. Parents often notice smoother mornings, improved focus, and increased responsibility at home.

10. How Do I Know If Montessori Is Right for My Child?

Montessori is well-suited for children who benefit from routine, hands-on learning, and respect for their individuality.

The best way to know is to visit a Montessori classroom, observe the environment, and ask questions. A quality Montessori school will welcome curiosity and take time to explain their approach.

Choosing a preschool is an important decision, and Montessori offers a calm, thoughtful foundation for lifelong learning.

11. What Enrichment Programs Are Offered?
 

Enrichment programs are thoughtfully integrated into our Montessori schedule to support the whole child while maintaining a calm, balanced day.

We offer weekly morning classes in music, yoga, and French, which support creativity, physical awareness, mindfulness, and early language exposure. These sessions are designed to complement Montessori learning rather than disrupt it.

In addition, children participate in a bi-weekly karate class in the afternoons, which helps build confidence, coordination, focus, and respect.

All enrichment activities are age-appropriate and gently structured, giving children opportunities to explore movement, rhythm, and language in a joyful and supportive environment.

12. Montessori vs Play-Based Preschool: What’s the Difference?
 

Both Montessori and play-based preschools value the importance of childhood, curiosity, and social development, but they differ in how learning is structured.

Montessori education is intentionally designed around hands-on materials, mixed-age classrooms, and long periods of uninterrupted work. Children choose meaningful activities and develop independence, concentration, and responsibility within a carefully prepared environment.

Play-based preschools often focus on open-ended play, group activities, and teacher-led experiences. Learning emerges through play, social interaction, and exploration, with less emphasis on sequential materials or individual progression.

Our approach blends the strengths of both philosophies. While Montessori remains the foundation of our program, we thoughtfully incorporate structured play-based periods during transitions, as well as enrichment activities that support creativity, movement, and social connection.

This balanced model supports children academically, socially, and emotionally—preparing them with both independence and joy.
 

What Is a Montessori Preschool?

A Montessori preschool is a carefully prepared environment where children learn through hands-on materials, independence, and choice.

Key features of Montessori education include: - Mixed-age classrooms that encourage peer learning - Long, uninterrupted work periods - Hands-on materials that support math, language, and sensory development - Teachers who guide rather than direct

Montessori supports concentration, confidence, and a strong sense of responsibility. Children move at their own pace and develop a genuine love of learning.
 

What Is a Play-Based Preschool?
 

Play-based preschools focus on learning through open-ended play, social interaction, and group activities.

Key features often include: - Teacher-led group experiences - Dramatic play, art, and outdoor play - Emphasis on social and emotional development

Play-based learning is engaging and creative, and it supports imagination and collaboration. However, it may offer less individual progression or structure than Montessori.
 

Our Balanced Approach: Montessori with Thoughtful Play-Based Structure
 

Our preschool combines the strengths of both approaches while staying rooted in Montessori philosophy.

• 30 minutes of play-based activities during morning arrival to help children transition calmly into the day

• 30 minutes of reading and free play after lunch for children attending the full-day program

• Long Montessori work periods that support focus, independence, and skill development

This balance supports both structure and creativity, helping children feel secure, engaged, and joyful throughout the day.

Enrichment Programs That Support the Whole Child

We offer enrichment programs that enhance our Montessori curriculum without overstimulating children.

• Weekly morning classes in music, yoga, and French

• Bi-weekly afternoon karate classes

These programs support movement, confidence, language exposure, and mindfulness while fitting naturally into the school day.
 

Which Preschool Approach Is Right for My Child?
 

Your child may thrive in a Montessori environment if they benefit from routine, hands-on learning, and opportunities for independence.

Our blended model is especially supportive for families who appreciate Montessori structure while also valuing play, creativity, and enrichment opportunities.

The best way to decide is to visit the classroom, observe the environment, and ask questions.
 

Are your teachers qualified to teach Montessori to preschoolers? How about teaching Kindergarten?
 

Yes. Our teaching team is highly trained and holds a combination of professional qualifications.

Some of our teachers hold AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) Montessori diplomas, which are internationally recognized and reflect deep, specialized training in Montessori education. In addition, our teachers are certified Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) and one team member holds North American Montessori Center (NAMC) credentials.

Some teachers also hold a subject-specific Montessori teaching certification recognized by the BC Teacher Regulation Branch, which allows them to teach Montessori Kindergarten to a high standard. This unique team will give children something not offered in every Montessori school.

This combination of qualifications ensures that children receive:

• Strong early learning and care through ECE training

• Authentic Montessori instruction from specially trained teachers

• Qualified Montessori Kindergarten teaching recognized at the provincial level

Together, this allows us to offer a high-quality Montessori program that supports children academically, socially, and emotionally as they prepare for Kindergarten and beyond.

We follow the child by honoring their interests and choices, rather than limiting what they may work with. As children form their sense of self, we guide and support them along the way.
 

Treetops Montessori Preschool is in West Vancouver. Do you serve other areas of Greater Vancouver?
 

We serve families in Vancouver, North Vancouver and West Vancouver, offering a calm, respectful, and thoughtfully designed early learning environment for children aged 30 months to 6 years and most of our full day preschoolers are 3 years or older not requiring naps any longer. We welcome children younger betwen 30 months and 3 years who may be better suited starting in the morning or afternoon class due to napping.

 

We are a small, calm and high quality Montessori preschool in West Vancouver who keeps our studen to student rations lower intentionally to provide the best hands on care and education.
 

If you are looking for a Montessori preschool West Vancouver, or a Montessori preschool in North Vancouver or Vancouver, we are a conveniently located licensed preschool near you - just at the foot of British Properties in West Vancouver on Taylor Way (inside St David's United Church) near the highway. There is ample free parking in a safe parking lot for pickup and dropoff of your child. We are very close to North Vancouver - about a 5 minute drive from Capilano area and about 10 minutes drive from Lynn Valley area. We are also in close proximity to Downtown Vancouver - about a 15 minute drive in good traffic conditions.

 

We strive to be the best Montessori Preschool in West Vancouver that follows each child to meet their needs, as a licensed childcare that serves the rest of the North Shore such as North Vancouver families, as well as serves downtown Vancouver families.​ We are a trusted Montessori childcare that our parent group is proud to talk about and recommend to others. We do our best to allow creativity, foster critical thinking skills and problem solving capabilities. We adopt some Reggio practices in our curriculum by building on the points of interests for a children to create and further explore this interest with materials like clay or natural objects like stones, shells or wood. Overall, we are 80 percent non-rigid Montessori curriculum and 20 percent play-based with enrichment programs and we have Circle Time in our community.
 

We invite you to book a tour and learn more about our approach and meet our teachers or schedule a Tour at montessoritreetops@gmail.com.