When choosing the best educational path for children, there are so many factors for parents to consider. In this day and age, fostering a child’s independence, creativity and love for learning are crucial to consider. That is where the Montessori program stands out, as an innovative child-centered approach to learning, that nurtures both academic and personal growth. This not only builds their confidence but also cultivates essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
Montessori schools differ from traditional learning environments. Rather, they are designed to meet the unique developmental needs of each child with hands-on exploration, collaborative play and self-directed learning. We sat with Jana Hijazi (JH), administrator at Montessori Beirut, to talk about the Montessori way, as well as the Infant Community Program just launched, for children between 0 and 3.
BDD: Can you tell us more about the Infant Community Program?
JH: The Montessori 0-3 Infant Community Program is a transformative experience designed to nurture the youngest learners during their most formative years. This program provides a warm, safe, and beautifully prepared environment tailored to meet the developmental needs of infants and toddlers. Here, children are encouraged to explore, develop independence, and build foundational life skills. The focus is on fostering a sense of belonging, trust, and curiosity, ensuring that each child feels empowered to discover their world at their own pace. Children at this age have absorbent minds, they absorb everything they are exposed to.
BDD: What can parents expect for their children?
JH: Parents can expect their children to thrive in a nurturing and respectful community that values individuality and growth. Through hands-on activities, purposeful play, and gentle guidance, your child will develop critical skills such as independence, concentration, and social-emotional awareness. The program strongly emphasizes fostering language, motor skills, and confidence. Parents often find their children blossoming into self-assured, curious, and capable individuals, ready to take on new challenges with joy and resilience. You can expect a beautiful and safe environment where your children can easily grow into their personalities.
BDD: What sets the Montessori program apart from other educational programs?
JH: Montessori is not just an educational approach—it’s a philosophy of life. Unlike traditional programs, Montessori education is child-centered, respecting each learner’s unique pace and interests. The carefully prepared environment and specially designed materials encourage children to engage deeply with their surroundings. The focus is on fostering independence, self-motivation, and a lifelong love of learning. At the heart of Montessori is a deep respect for the child as an individual, ensuring that each learner is seen, heard, and supported in their growth. Our environments grow and change with the children; every child’s needs are addressed in the Montessori community.
BDD: What would a typical day at Montessori look like, for infants?
JH: A typical day in the Infant Community is filled with meaningful activity and joyful discovery. Mornings begin with a warm and playful welcome, allowing children to transition smoothly into their day. The environment is thoughtfully prepared with age-appropriate materials that invite exploration, from sensory experiences to early language and motor skill development. There’s time for social interaction, communal eating, hands-on learning, and outdoor play, fostering a balance of independence and community. Mealtime becomes an opportunity for grace and courtesy, while rest periods provide moments of calm and reflection. The day is designed to honor the rhythms of each child, ensuring they feel secure, engaged, and fulfilled.
Interested to learn more and enroll your children? Check out: https://montessoribeirut.com/
