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.