A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
The last 15 years of my professional career has been a rewarding journey. My educational experience of a Master in Social Work and in Child Psychology, combined with my Montessori certification from Association of Montessori International (AMI) has enabled me to develop an insight into the developmental needs of the children. From being a Social worker, then a licensed Child and Family therapist and now a Montessorian/educator, I look back and note the one thing that was the common link in all these areas and that is “WORKING FOR OUR CHILDREN”. From focusing on the developmental needs of children to now focusing on the educational needs of children, my mission is to strive to provide a strong educational foundation for our children.

Our motto is to accept and respect each child in our care. Our warm nurturing environment, combined with our planned classroom and well qualified staff would encompass all areas of learning and development. We want to enrich our program with a number of rewarding/enriching experiences. As we constantly strive to match the standards that we have set for ourselves, we would value any opinion, feedback and information. Our open door policy, combined with a suggestion box would be reviewed regularly to improvise ourselves. We hope to be in partnership with you and work together for our children’s future.

OUR STAFF
Our teaching staff is the backbone and pillars of our program. At DMS, all the lead teachers are well educated professionals who hold a college degree or have equivalent work experienceand and a certified Montessori teachers training degree. We require our teachers to be trained at an accredited Montessori teacher training program. Most staff members have a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree. Each classroom has a certified Montessori teacher to direct the class and a trained assistant to work with her/him. The classroom assistants are trained to handle many responsibilities. We plan to employ resource instructors in music, foreign language, physical education, yoga etc.

In addition, staff members are required to have 8 to 16 hours of training in areas to include child development discipline and playground supervision. We encourage and support financially as much training as an employee might want to pursue. We also require our staff to be trained yearly in CPR, First Aid and Health Screening.

ROLE OF A MONTESSORIAN DIRECTRESS
The Montessori teacher is the link between the child and the classroom environment. The Montessori directress is a careful observer who evaluates the child’s progress and determines individual needs and interest. She is a facilitator who prepares the classroom and presents the lessons to individuals or small groups. The Montessori teacher (director) acts as a monitor and guide to encourage individual exploration, discovery, trial, practice and success and enables the child to develop order, control, concentration and independence.

The staff at Dulles Montessori School enables each child to develop a healthy self concept and expand their knowledge by acquiring academic skills, through individualized learning styles based on their needs and abilities. Thus each child develops at his or her own pace in a non competitive environment.