Did you know that any kindergarten and school can bear the name of Montessori even though it may not actually be?

Maria Montessori has never protected and branded the Montessori name nor has patented her method, even though she has had all the requirements to fulfilled in order to do so. Therefore, it is important to know what to look for in the Montessori environment, whether you are a parent who wants to enroll your child, an educator who wants to expand its knowledge or just a lover of new approaches. The quality of accredited Montessori institution should be at a high level, given that there are only a few organizations in the world that offer a certificate proving the true implementation of the Montessori method. This is the ongoing process, which ultimately confirms that the program is fully implemented, providing a guarantee to all who seek a quality program.

The continuation of supervision after obtaining the certificate is also something that reflects the quality. After the accreditation expires, the process of reaccreditation is followed, which implies maintaining the required quality standards all the time.

The institution could have Montessori material, but it is crucial to know how to use it, how to assess whether the child is ready for it and to know the whole logic behind something that looks very simple. That is why the Montessori educator, or teacher, plays a vital role throughout the process.

Montessori teachers are persons who accept a completely different role than those found in traditional institutions. They are not the focal point of the classroom, but space organizers, mediators between the child and the material.  The focus is on the child having the right activities and opportunities to maximize his own learning. All Montessori teachers must receive specialized training in this specific education method. This training, apart from theory and practice, works to shape the personality of future Montessori teachers – teachers who should understand this as a call, not as a job. Upon successful completion of the training, each teacher will receive an internationally recognized diploma / certificate of completed degree in the Montessori pedagogy and as such can offer the children what they need.

What to look for in Montessori school and kindergarten?

First and foremost, the accreditation of an international organization authorized to issue a certificate, and the staff who passed the official Montessori education and holds valid certificates and diplomas. The Montessori classroom is specific and has its own 5 areas that need to be clearly defined in space. There are also Montessori materials adapted to a mixed group of children.  The specificity of this program is also a 3-hour uninterrupted morning work cycle when children, guided and directed by adults, freely choose activities and work on the development of their independence.

All aforementioned, and much more behind this project, is an integral part of the Private Preschool Institution "Planet Montessori" Mostar. In one year period, the quality of work at our institution has been adapted to all standards required by the Montessori Center International from London and their Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board (MEAB). We are proud to see the results of our work every day.

Receiving positive feedback from people who have years of experience behind it is priceless and we truly believe that people who are looking for something different for their child will be able to recognize that.

After the official accreditation certificate, MEAB sends a report on the result to each institution. The report is available on the official site of the organization (https://www.montessori.org.uk/school/planet-montessori-mostar) and could be sent by mail at the request of all interested parties.