Cedars Montessori Preschool

Cedars Montessori Pre-school provides a cosy, intimate setting for little learners to explore, engage, discover and dream. Nestled inside a little villa, on the grounds of St Spyridon’s College, our classroom is filled with invitations to investigate, with little touches of whimsy and wonder designed to inspire each child’s natural curiosity. Everything inside the learning area is aesthetically appealing and carefully planned to offer a safe and comfortable environment for children. There is an emphasis on nature and natural materials, with wood taking pride of place and plastic a rarity. Double doors open out to a verandah to enable children to work inside or out, tend the garden beds and extend their classroom learning experiences. The immediate outdoor area has been developed to provide an interesting play area. Each day the children of Cedars have access to the extensive playground at the back of the school. This area has wonderful climbing equipment and provides a challenging and safe play space. The Cedars children also have access to the St Spyridon multi-purpose hall and under-cover verandah area during times of inclement weather or for special occasions such as concerts and parent events. We are blessed to sit right in the heart of the Unley neighbourhood, with the Unley Library and Toy Library right across the road and the Unley Oval only a stone’s throw away.

Our core philosophy is the Montessori method of education. The Montessori pre-school program is a continuum of learning during a child’s early years. The teaching materials are sequential and build skills to match each child’s individual pattern of development. The program can be likened to a jigsaw puzzle with various pieces of the puzzle representing each separate learning experience. In the year prior to a child starting school, the last pieces of the puzzle come together as the final challenges of the Montessori equipment are introduced. Just as the picture would not be complete without the previous pieces of the puzzle, so it is with the Montessori resources that challenge and build upon previous levels of achievement.  We encourage all children to complete their full cycle of learning by staying with us until they graduate into Primary School. The Montessori curriculum perfectly reflects the principles, practices and outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework. 

Barb Nache, our Director, leads a team of teachers who are passionate and committed educators. We understand how important it is for children to have primary care-givers who provide excellent role modelling through quality use of spoken language, gentle and consistent guidance, and most importantly, genuine warmth and respect. Cedars Montessori provides this nurturing environment and our children feel valued, respected and safe. We pride ourselves on having a stable, cohesive team of dedicated professionals. The friendship and respect our staff display for one another transfers to our children and families. Our children feel valued and safe. Long-term, trust based relationships are a feature of our Cedars community.

Cedars Montessori Pre-school offers the following:

• Long Day Care (8am-4pm) for children aged 3-6 years
• Toddler Playgroup (12-24mths) on Tuesdays 9.15am-10.45am
• Transition (24mths-3yrs) on Tuesdays 11.15am-1.15pm