Frequently Asked Questions

  • Moss & Heart Montessori serves children from 12 months through 4 years, and we plan to continue supporting children through the Primary years, up to age 6. As the program grows, we anticipate opening a second classroom to separate Toddler and Primary environments, allowing each group to flourish developmentally and socially.

  • Yes. Moss & Heart Montessori is a Certified Family Child Care program licensed by the State of Oregon, and our home-based setting is thoughtfully prepared to be comfortable, safe, and nurturing for young children.

  • We currently have 8 students. The classroom can comfortably accommodate up to 15 children as the community grows. Enrollment is intentionally slow and deliberate, with preference given to maintaining a balanced mix of ages and developmental stages.

  • Staffing is structured to support children and the flow of the day:

    • Monday–Thursday: Two adults in the environment, with three adults during lunch and until children are settled for rest or afternoon work.

    • Fridays: 1–2 adults, reflecting smaller attendance.

  • Our classroom follows authentic Montessori principles and materials. Children are free to explore, choose work, and repeat activities at their own pace in a carefully prepared environment that supports independence, concentration, and practical learning.

  • Yes, we aim to go outside every day. Our guiding principle is: no inclement weather, only inclement clothing.

    • On especially cold or hot days, children still go outside for at least 15 minutes, and we may complement that with gross motor activities indoors.

    • When the weather is pleasant, the door to the yard is often left open, allowing seamless movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.

    • During warmer months, many meals are enjoyed on the deck.

  • Yes, our cohort sometimes goes on short walks to nearby neighborhood spots, such as construction sites, fountains, or playgrounds.

  • The morning includes a long, uninterrupted work period, up to three hours, where children engage deeply with Montessori materials.

    The general rhythm of the day is thoughtfully structured by the Guide, with many meaningful choices available to the children.

    The afternoon includes:

    • Outdoor time

    • Shared meals and snacks

    • Rest or nap for younger children

    • Quiet work for older children

    For a more detailed daily schedule, please refer to our parent handbook and school calendar.

  • Yes. Meals and snacks are provided at no extra cost and are an important part of the classroom day.

  • Item descriptionChildren enjoy simple, nourishing meals, thoughtfully prepared with:

    • Organic produce whenever possible

    • Whole or single-ingredient foods

    Our Culinary Collaborator enjoys introducing children to new foods and flavors, supporting both health and curiosity at the table.

  • We maintain a waiting pool and extend offers of enrollment with careful attention to the balance and composition of the current community, including age, development, and group dynamics.

    Because we also limit how many new children join at one time in order to support smooth, gentle transitions, this can occasionally mean a short wait even when a future opening is anticipated.

    Information about the enrollment process, timelines, and next steps can be found elsewhere on our website.