White Bear Montessori Wants YOU!

In June of last year, Fred and I had come to the decision that June needed some friends. And I needed some time to work on writing and bathing and working out. I had been a stay-at-home mother for nearly two years and June was getting tired of spending all of her time with Mom. We knew we were only looking for part-time care since I still wasn't working and still enjoyed spending time with my daughter. We knew, too, that we wanted the place to be just right. Montessori had never really crossed our mind.

I looked at a KinderCare nearby and while I understand why many parents utilize these types of daycare centers, it felt simply like June wouldn't get the stimulation, love and socialization that we wanted for her. I looked at some church daycares as well, and while they were more loving, they still seemed to lack that special something.

But then I found out about White Bear Montessori. Like I said, we weren't particularly searching for a Montessori school. We knew very little about Montessori as a matter of fact. But the moment June and I entered the school, we knew we had found something special. The staff was so caring, from the very second we walked in the doors. The environment was bright, beautiful--every item well cared for and every classroom inviting. June immediately took to the Toddler environment and was invited over to the table for a snack by one of the current students.

The second I got home, I enrolled June for the Fall.

Another remarkable thing--a week or so later I received an email from the wonderful woman who would come to be June's guide (in Montessori, the teachers are called "guides" which already tells you something wonderful about the program) saying that she likes to come to the children's home to meet them and their families in their own environment. How many daycares would do that? Not many.

And let me tell you that the second Anne walked in the door, June was in love. She talked and talked and danced and played. We knew we had made the right decision. And we've never for a second doubted that decision. I wish I could have attended White Bear Montessori. I wish I, as a little kid, would have been greeted with smiles and hugs every day and such loving surroundings. It feels like summer camp to me, which was a place I adored.

The beautiful thing is is that as I've moved back into the 9-5 world, June has been able to transition to full-time care at WBMS. Every day when we pick her up after work, she's sad about having to leave. She mopes and dawdles and generally just wants to spend more time at school. At first this made me a bit weepy, but then I realized that this was a perfect situation to be in--I didn't need to worry about her; I didn't need to feel guilty about going back to work. She was loved and cared for during the day and loved and cared for at home at night.

I know that a lot of you out there aren't quite satisfied with the care situations you have for your children while you're working full-time. I know that some of you may just need a break for a few hours during the day as stay-at-home parents. I also know that some of you may think that a private school/daycare would be too expensive. But that's what's the greatest thing about it. WBMS is no more expensive than any other daycare situation but has 1000 times the love.

WBMS is enrolling now, so if you're even a bit curious, and if you want a wonderful experience for your children, you should go check them out. You can call to schedule a tour any time, and there will be some open houses coming up in mid-April. Give them a call now: 651.429.3710 and check out their site. Enrollment ends May 31st!!!