Montessori Schools vs. Daycare: What Are the Differences?

In your child’s early years, education plays a vital role in helping them decide the trajectory of their life. From birth to age six, they develop the foundation of their habits and interests. So, choosing an educational method plays an important role as it assists in planning that path.

To make this decision, keep in mind that they are going to be away from you for a considerable amount of time. If you live in Ontario, both Montessori Markham and daycare centers are good options.

Let’s explain what Montessori schooling and daycare are and how they help children in their early years.

What Is Montessori?

The philosophy of Montessori education follows a student-led method. Children are given opportunities to learn as the teachers set up age-appropriate stations and help when required. Inquisitive young minds become interested in learning new things as teachers teach them entertainingly. Children may not be given a specific module to learn. Instead, they can choose things that interest them.

In Montessori, the teacher caters to children within a specific age group. For example, parents can enroll their children when they turn two and the highly qualified and trained teachers nurture them. One major benefit of enrolling in Montessori is that the program doesn’t have to end when the child reaches the age of five or six.

What Is Daycare?

Daycares care for children starting from infancy to school age. Some learning components are seen, such as toys and puzzles. Kids are mostly allowed to take part in activities. The daily routine of daycare consists of playtime, snack time, and naptime. Do not confuse daycare with preschool. Children learn naturally.

Still, it has its benefits as children start to interact with each other. A child can begin their education at Trillium daycare and continue at the same place.

Differences Between Montessori Schools and Daycare Centers

Here’s how Montessori differs from daycare centers.

1. The Pace of Discovery

Montessori acts as a guide for children and monitors them on their path of self-discovery. Teachers encourage them to invest time in their interests. So, kids move at their own pace to learn things naturally.

Each student has a unique pace of learning. For instance, some start to walk around nine months whereas others begin at 14 months.

It is the same with learning. In Montessori, both early and late learners move at their own pace. So, kids gain confidence and mastery over daily activities and core subjects such as language, math, and social science.

In daycare, kids are divided into groups. Based on their ability, teachers plan activities for them. Students learn skills from each other as they work in a group. By keeping up with other kids, it becomes possible to improve their motor skills.

2. Daily Schedule

Montessori allows children to take part in activities in which they have an interest such as painting, singing, or playing a sport. However, they are also capable of learning from videos and books with pictures.

Daycare offers a stricter schedule. Kids have to perform one or more activities such as paint time, story time, playtime, or sleep time, and it has to be finished within the stipulated time. If a child wants to play longer, they’ll need to do it tomorrow as there is a scheduled routine.

3. Noise Level

The Montessori program focuses on the child and their thought process. So, kids tend to stay quiet while concentrating on the activities of their interest and the environment stays free from interruption and distraction. The primary goal of this educational program is to engage them in joyful activities.

Daycare centers have a relatively higher noise level as the children often don’t like to focus on their activities.

4. Intentional Education

From an early age, children start to learn core language skills, math, and social science as they start their educational life at Montessori school in Markham formally. Toys and activities come with a purpose, so there is the intent behind each step. Both toys and activities help to improve social, cognitive, and motor skills. Playing with the puzzles improves finger strength, problem-solving, and perseverance.

On the other hand, daycare teachers monitor the free play time of their students. It is also possible to learn in this environment, but activities are not so intentional.

5. Disciplining vs. Obedience Training

Montessori in Markham helps children learn self-discipline. Teachers direct them towards righteous behaviour and motivate them to behave well. To earn immediate obedience from toddlers, teachers neither offer a reward (like stickers or praise); nor do they punish them (with time-outs) for bad behaviour. Teachers want the child to develop a sense of right and wrong naturally.

To guide them on the right path and develop inner discipline, teachers create the right environment. If a child does not behave properly, the teacher stresses the positive alternative. For instance, when a child runs through a class, a teacher does not yell. Instead, it is calmly explained how they can walk in queue quietly to reach their destination. Teachers introduce both critical thinking and reasoning to children from a very early age.

In a daycare center, kids learn to follow instructions and complete their tasks. For instance, naptime is only for sleeping and other activities cannot be done during that time.

Decide on the education of your toddler by looking at the difference between Montessori and daycare. If you want kids to learn at their own pace, choose Montessori; daycare can help them get acquainted with a new setting where they may not able to see their parents. It is also possible to go with both options if you gradually progress from daycare to Montessori.