|
|
Tavernier's Montessori Island
School
Receives Gold Seal Accreditation
February 2007
The
Florida Dept of Children and Families recently awarded Montessori
Island School of Tavernier the status of Gold Seal Quality
Program. The accreditation took place under the auspices
of a state-approved national accrediting agency for Montessori
schools, MSAC, which follows the highest standards set out
for early childhood education and child care at the national
level.
"The State of Florida gives out the
Gold Seal to programs that far exceed the minimum state standards
for good, safe, quality child care and education," said
Steve Hansen, co-owner with Sarah Smith of the school at
mile marker 92.2 oceanside. "As far as I know, ours
is the only Montessori school in the
Upper Keys to qualify for such an honor."
Paloma
Johnston, a MSAC validator, came from California to lead
a team of inspectors that visited the facility for three
days. During that time, they reviewed all aspects
of the school's operations including philosophy and practices,
financial and administrative, facilities, materials and equipment,
as well as curriculum and personnel, to name a few. For example,
the teaching staff must have the appropriate degrees and
certification for the level at which they are hired. Also,
the curriculum shall be comprehensive and based on the highest
educational standards, in accordance with the best Montessori
practices.
"The
process of seeking the Gold Seal was two years in the making," said
Smith. "We knew we wanted our re-vamped program to be
of the highest quality and this was one way to insure that."
Our certified Montessori-trained teaching staff includes:
- Sylvie Turner
- Donna Garner
- Penny Tugwell
- Natacha Guinovart
- Yendi Veliz
Call
852-3438 for more information.
|
 |
Validator Paloma
Johnston, Sylvie
Turner, and Jennifer Flores |
|