Norman Village Montessori School is privately owned and operated. The program is reviewed annuallyto reflect best practices under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, the principles of HOW DOES LEARNING HAPPEN (HDLH), and the Montessori approach to early childhood education. Our school is licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Education under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014.

Family Communication and Documentation
At regular intervals, families receive calendars and information outlining classroom activities, theme studies, events, and information about the educational approach offered at Norman Village Montessori School. Parents also receive a Parent Handbook that explains the program philosophy, program statement, daily operations, and program-specific information.
Documentation is shared with families digitally throughout the year through our CLASSROOM DOJO APP. This may include photos, comments, and updates that show children working, playing, exploring, and developing over time. These records help families see the joy, growth, and accomplishments children experience throughout the school year.

Learning Environment and Teaching Staff
Our program is offered in a schoolhouse environment equipped with a wide range of Montessori learning materials, along with carefully selected play-based materials. Our qualified and experienced Montessori teachers are committed to maintaining a high standard of teaching and care.
Teachers and program staff participate in professional development related to HOW DOES LEARNING HAPPEN, Montessori education, child development, and early learning best practices. Staff may attend training offered by the Ministry of Education, the Kenora District Services Board, community partners, and online professional learning providers.

Philosophy Our Montessori Approach
The goal of Norman Village Montessori School is to nurture each child’s natural desire to learn. The classroom is prepared to match the size, pace, and interests of children between the ages of 3 and 6. It offers meaningful opportunities for exploration, independence, creativity, and self-development.
The program fosters self-motivated learning, respect for others, and a growing sense of responsibility. In the early years, children learn deeply through purposeful play, hands-on activity, and meaningful work that supports their development.

The Prepared Environment
At Norman Village Montessori School, the prepared environment is designed to support independent learning and exploration. The classroom is calm, orderly, and active, allowing children to move, choose work, and engage with materials at their own pace. Within this environment, children experience both freedom and guidance. Teachers gently support self- regulation, independence, and balance while helping each child participate confidently in the daily life of the classroom.
Children are encouraged to interact with peers, adults, and members of the wider community as they explore the neighbourhood and the world around them. Teachers and staff support language development by modelling communication, encouraging conversation, and guiding children as they build confidence expressing their needs, ideas, and experiences.

Freedom, Respect, and Responsibility
We believe children must be free to explore, follow their natural curiosity, and build knowledge of the world around them. Freedom in the Montessori environment includes freedom of movement, exploration, social interaction, and choice, balanced by respect for others, the materials, and the classroom community.
The prepared environment is guided by six key principles:
- Freedom
- Structure and order
- Beauty
- Nature and reality
- Social environment
- Intellectual environment

Observation and Individual Development

Teachers devote significant time to observing children, documenting their successes and interests, and preparing a classroom that meets the needs of each child. Developmentally appropriate Montessori materials move from simple to complex and from concrete to abstract, giving children the freedom to develop their unique potential within a carefully prepared learning environment.

Health and safety are central to the daily operation and supervision of the program. Teachers, volunteers, and students review the program statement, policies, procedures, and best practices before beginning their role and at least annually thereafter, in accordance with the Child Care and Early Years Act.


Nutrition, Rest, and Outdoor Learning

Our lunch and snack menus follow Canada’s Food Guide and, when available, include organic, locally grown, and certified foods. Families are encouraged to provide an afternoon snack of fruit or vegetables. This supports healthy eating habits and gives children opportunities to explore a variety of whole foods.

The morning snack and noon meal are prepared in our kitchen, where children can experience the comforting aroma of familiar foods. After lunch, children may rest on a cot or mat with a blanket and pillow. Children who do not sleep are guided to quiet, individual work or play until the rest period is over.

Children enjoy outdoor play throughout the seasons for at least two hours per day, weather permitting. Outdoor experiences may include walks, field exploration, cultural learning, and opportunities to connect with nature and the community. We study Treaty Three Territory with respect and enthusiasm, and Elders in the community may be invited to share their stories and wisdom.

All program staff and teachers are certified in CPR and First Aid for infants, children, and adults.


Self-Regulation and Well-Being

The Montessori classroom is prepared to support children’s self-regulation, well-being, and sense of security. Teachers and program staff are trained to observe children carefully and respond with guidance that respects each child’s dignity.

Respect for the child is central to Montessori practice. Challenging behaviour is viewed as an opportunity to teach and guide. When needed, teachers may redirect a child to an activity that offers calm, reassurance, and a sense of self-control. Activities such as purposeful work, movement, yoga, and quiet reflection may help children find balance from within.


Employees, Volunteers, Staff, and Students

Volunteers, students, employees, and staff follow the requirements of the Child Care and Early Years Act and the policies and procedures of Norman Village Montessori School. Licensing expectations and best practices are implemented to support the safety, well-being, and development of all children in our care.