Dr. Maria Montessori viewed the child as a member of a family, not as an isolated individual, and one whose most formative life experiences take place within the family. She recognized parents as a child's first and most influential teachers.

As a parent you are a role model and teacher

• Know your child well
• Be a patient observer and careful listener
• Place your confidence in your child
• Provide simple, safe and consistent rules encouraging your child to take responsibility and to contribute to his or her home and family.

As a parent you prepare your child's home

• Provide safety (physical & emotional)
• Provide organization, consistency, a reliable routine
• Prepare areas that are child sized — a place of her/his own
• Provide your child age-appropriate responsibilities in your home
• Provide "real life" experiences
• Provide age-appropriate choices and opportunities to make positive decisions

As a parent you set the limits

• Offer protection from objects and ideas that can hurt
• Always encourage your child to be capable and confident
• Limit toys and games to a workable number (rotate toys)
• Monitor television and other forms of media (inappropriate exposure can negatively affect social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth)
• Develop consistent routines which encourage your child to develop self-control (self-control, responsible behavior and freedom are outcomes, not starting points)

As a parent you support and encourage your child

• Offer great possibilities for exploration in the home environment
• Encourage children to do for themselves ("Let me do it myself!")
• Encourage your child to be an active agent of his/her own education

THE ROLE OF THE PARENT AND THE SCHOOL

Parent, teacher, child, and school relationships are very important in a student's life. An alliance based on mutual respect and support will enhance all individuals' understanding, knowledge, and insight and offer a cohesive, prepared learning environment.

How to give support to your school

• Be involved, volunteer
• Be informed, attend all conferences & meetings
• Be knowledgeable, attend Parent Education meetings
• Contribute financially

Involved parents support their Montessori school by contributing their time, talents, and money. Each school offers different programs and projects for parents to volunteer their time, energy, and resources.

Informed parents communicate with their school by attending planned conferences and other parent activities, reading newsletters and e-mails, and asking questions. Ask the school's administrator or your child's teacher for the best time and method to communicate informally — to share insights, questions, and observations

Knowledgeable parents select a school by seeking an optimal match between their child's needs; their expectations; and the school's philosophy, program, and services. Parents support the school's policies and procedures and attend Parent Education Meetings, as well as read articles and books about Montessori education.

contribute financially to support programs at your child's school. Your contributions are often tax deductible and will help to create a foundation for stability and growth, vital for the school.

THE ROLE OF THE PARENT AND THE AMERICAN MONTESSORI SOCIETY

Since its formation in 1960, the American Montessori Society has been the mainstay of the Montessori movement in the United States. AMS is a non-profit, non-discriminatory service organization dedicated to fostering Montessori teaching methods in independent and public schools, providing teacher education, and services. AMS has become a collective voice of over 9,000 Montessori teachers, school administrators, parents, and interested friends committed to furthering Montessori philosophy and promoting excellence in education.

MEMBERSHIP

AMS warmly welcomes parents and guardians as members. Through our professional development events, publications, and in-house resources, we can help these important constituent groups to enhance their understanding of a Montessori education, learn how to develop collaborative partnerships with their children’s teachers, stay abreast of related public policy initiatives and the latest Montessori research, and more. To become a member: www.amshq.org/becomeAMember.htm.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Parent or general membership benefits include:

• Montessori Life magazine four times a year
• Discounts on conference, workshop, and symposia fees
• Discounts on publications and videos
• Discount of $5 off any one purchase of $25 or more from Nienhuis Montessori USA
• Health insurance at AMS group rates
• A combined voice and community of thousands of Montessori parents supporting Montessori education for children and Montessori teacher education through their AMS membership.

RESOURCES AND PUBLICATIONS

AMS offers books, videos, brochures, and pamphlets for Parent Education and Professional Development. Among others, you may order from our website or by calling the AMS office the following:

• Montessori Questions & Answers
• The Early Childhood Years (3-6)
• A Parent's Guide to the Montessori Classroom
• The elementary School Years (6-12)
• Montessori Adolescent Programs
• The Authentic American Montessori School
• Your Child is in an Accredited School
• The Kindergarten Experience
• Montessori in Contemporary American culture
• The Montessori Controversy
• Nurturing the Spirit
• Learning How to Learn
• Peaceful Children, Peaceful World