Can you tell me the difference between Montessori, Waldorf and some of the other "brands" of preschool? How do I tell which is right for my child?

The variety of preschools available now does indeed make choosing one a confusing process. Consider this a brief overview; you can get more in-depth information from a visit to your local library.

THE MONTESSORI METHOD
Montessori schools were started in 1907 by an Italian woman named Maria Montessori. Programs that carry her name vary significantly, although the teachers should be trained in the Montessori method. Many Montessori schools are preschool only, others go through eighth grade.

As an example, here's how Kathy Cox, director of Bellevue Montessori School in Bellevue, Washington, explains her school:

In each classroom there is family-style grouping; children ages three to five are together. All of the learning materials available were designed by Maria Montessori for a specific purpose and developmental age. In the classroom, there are four distinct areas:

1. Practical life. Here the children learn to pour and stir, cut and paste, use the art easel and the like. The focus is on learning concentration, and refining large and fine motor skills.

2. Sensory materials. Children work with objects that teach size and color discrimination. For example, one child would put a series of different-sized cylinders in a row from largest to smallest. Children also learn to track from left to right, which is important for reading.

3. Language and reading. In this center, children learn letters phonetically. They learn with their eyes and ears, and also by touching letters cut from sandpaper.

4. Math. Children learn to count, add and subtract by manipulating objects such as beads or beans. They also are taught to recognize numbers.

The most important aspect of the Montessori method, says Cox, is that teachers respect the children and the work they do, and don't talk down to them.

WALDORF SCHOOLS
The Waldorf schools were founded by Rudolph Steiner in the first part of the 20th century, and they are established in many countries across the globe. Their goal is to cultivate children as world citizens.

Here's how Edith Kusnic, administrator of the Waldorf School in Seattle, Washington, describes their program:

The same teacher follows the children from prekindergarten through eighth grade. (The Waldorf School in Seattle goes through eighth grade, but of the 600 schools worldwide, many continue through high school.) The curriculum integrates math, reading, science and history during the morning "main lesson," which is in-depth, multidimensional learning on a single subject. The subject area changes every three weeks.

Cultivating the imagination takes a primary focus; the "main lesson" curriculum unfolds with stories that go from fairy tales to myths and legends to understanding socialization. The focus is on developing the child's "heart, head and hands." Any subject, such as pioneer life, would focus not just on the facts. It would include information about what people did with their hands, and how they felt.

Most important, the school strives to develop confidence and competence, not only in the academic areas but also in arts, including handwork, music and woodworking.

OTHER OPTIONS
In addition to Waldorf and Montessori schools, there are cooperative preschools in which parents run the business of the school, hire the teachers and participate in the classroom. Another option is a religious preschool attached to a temple or church. Some teachers run preschools out of their own home. The options are endless.

To make the right choice for your child, your best bet is to observe a variety of preschools and trust your own instincts about which environment is most suited to your child's temperament and interests. You know your child better than anyone else. You'll recognize the school where your child will thrive.