Yadkin Path Montessori, Salisbury

Why Yadkin Path? We are a place that, unlike many schools, meets far more than basic physical needs or academics. We are a home away from home that nourishes your child's emotional well-being and mental health; we are a Montessori school that specializes in nurturing cognitive development; and we are a mini-community for your child, modeling positive real-world interactions in a safe, loving environment. What does this mean for your child? He or she will receive the opportunities and aid needed to become a balanced, inquisitive, confident, kind individual with a strong sense of self, love of learning, and the social skills to navigate the future. What do we have to offer? Child-centered curriculum: The phrase "child-centered" is trending right now, but what does it actually mean? Maria Montessori recognized the benefits of following the child long before child-led became a buzzword. At Yadkin Path it means that every item in the classroom serves a purpose for the child, is chosen to honor individual interests, and is supported by developmental research. It means our teachers carefully observe and know your child, tailoring new opportunities, materials, and activities according to readiness and interest. Children are encouraged to recognize when they are tired or hungry, and respond to those internal cues. Space: Our spacious classrooms have almost double the square footage per child that other daycares offer and we are the only facility in the county with meadows and wooded acreage for outdoor play. Nature: Our children work closely with the environment, studying firsthand such subjects as ecology, natural history, and horticulture. They average several hours per day outdoors, compared to just 30 minutes per day at some schools. We have goats, chickens, and kitchen gardens for the children to enjoy. Materials: Wherever possible, we use natural and beautiful materials and many of our "toys" are child-sized versions of everyday items with a practical life emphasis. Our children use real brooms, mops, and tools daily, as well as Montessori materials designed to isolate specific concepts. They also have many sensorial, language, and creative activities to choose from any time. The infant room: Our "Nido" (Italian for nest, Montessori's term for the ideal baby environment) could be described as undaycare. It's a cozy, calming, beautiful space with no bouncers, jumpers, exersaucers, or any other apparatus that would contain our babies and limit their mobility. These items are too often used for the adult's convenience, and instead our priority is the children. These devices contradict our goal of developing self-direction and motor skills. All infants capable of sitting enjoy their snacks and meals together at a low table, and practice drinking from real (tiny) cups and eating with metal cutlery. The Nido strives as much as possible to be your child's home away from home.