Business Details
19 Years
experience
Trusted Montessori Preschool & Childcare in Shawnigan Lake, BC
At Shawnigan Lake Montessori, we are dedicated to providing a nurturing and respectful educational environment that empowers each child to reach their full potential. Our program is rooted in the Montessori philosophy, offering a carefully prepared environment filled with certified Montessori materials that encourage exploration, creativity, and independence. We view every child as a unique individual, fostering their natural development through hands-on learning and guided self-discovery. Our experienced team holds provincial credentials and specialized Montessori training, ensuring a high standard of early childhood education. Since 2007, we have served families in Cowichan Valley and Duncan, BC, offering full-day and half-day programs for children aged 2 to 6 years.Our two classrooms, located in a historic two-story house surrounded by nature, provide daily opportunities for outdoor learning through forest walks and gardening activities. We prioritize building strong partnerships with families through structured visits, personalized meetings, and regular communication. Our commitment to excellence extends to professional development, as evidenced by our involvement in Montessori teacher training programs and local educational associations. We believe in cultivating a lifelong love of learning by honoring each child's innate curiosity and capacity for growth. Our approach combines structured curriculum with the flexibility to adapt to individual needs, creating a foundation for academic and personal success.
Services
Montessori Preschool
Childcare Services
Kindergarten Program
Nature-Based Learning
Parent Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- Experienced Montessori-certified educators with provincial credentials
- Nature-integrated curriculum using forest walks and gardening activities
- Proven 3-hour work cycle methodology for deep learning engagement
- Flexible programming options: 3, 4, or 5-day schedules available
- Strong parent partnership through structured visitation and communication
What people say
Loving and passionate teachers
Positive transformation in behavior
Fabulous program engagement
Natural learning environment
Strong teacher dedication
Services
Montessori Preschool
Our Montessori Preschool program implements Dr. Maria Montessori's proven methodology through certified materials and trained educators. Children aged 2-6 engage in self-directed learning within a structured environment that promotes independence and cognitive development. The curriculum follows a 3-hour work cycle allowing uninterrupted exploration of practical life, sensorial, language, and math materials.
Nature-Based Learning
Nature-Based Learning integrates forest walks, gardening, and outdoor play into daily activities. Our forest-adjacent campus provides immersive experiences that develop environmental awareness and physical coordination. Children explore natural ecosystems while building practical skills through hands-on nature interactions aligned with Montessori principles of sensory learning.
Kindergarten Program
Our Montessori Kindergarten program prepares 5-6 year olds for academic success through advanced materials and leadership opportunities. The curriculum emphasizes reading, mathematics, and cultural studies while maintaining the Montessori approach of individualized pacing. Older children mentor younger peers, reinforcing their knowledge while developing social responsibility.
Parent Workshops
Parent Workshops provide educational resources to extend Montessori principles into home environments. These sessions cover practical life skills implementation, classroom observation techniques, and child development guidance. Participants gain tools to create consistent learning environments that reinforce classroom experiences through everyday household activities.
Childcare Services
Our childcare services offer flexible full-day and half-day options with Montessori-aligned activities. Certified caregivers provide structured routines that balance guided learning with free exploration. The program maintains small class sizes to ensure individual attention while following provincial childcare standards for safety and developmental support.
People
Nicky Constantine-Macdonald
Head Teacher
Montessori educator with 20+ years experience across Canada, UK, and Scotland. Holds Montessori Diplomas from St. Nicholas Centre and ECE certification. Former head teacher at West-Mont Montessori and instructor for teacher training programs.
Keith Bennett
Owner/Administrator
Montessori school administrator with music education background. Serves on Vancouver Island Montessori Association. Purchased Shawnigan Lake Montessori in 2015 after acquiring Four Seasons Montessori in 2010. Focuses on administrative excellence and educational philosophy integration.
Questions
What is your enrollment process?
Our three-step process includes a school visit, enrollment with deposit, and classroom orientation. Contact us for personalized guidance through each stage.
How does Montessori benefit children?
Montessori develops independence, concentration, and intrinsic motivation through self-paced learning with specialized materials that build foundational academic and life skills.
What are your tuition fees?
Tuition rates are comparable to standard childcare centers. We accept childcare subsidies - contact us directly for current pricing details.
Are your teachers certified?
All staff meet provincial childcare standards with Montessori-specific training. Our head teacher holds international Montessori diplomas and extensive teaching experience.
Can I visit the school?
Yes! We offer personalized tours and classroom observations. Contact us to schedule your visit and experience our learning environment firsthand.
