New Montessori early learning centre planned for Townsville

Interest is already gathering around a new early learning centre that is yet to open its doors, offering an alternative learning experience for young children.

Mikaela Murray, director of Townsville Montessori Early Learning Centre

INTEREST is already gathering around a new early learning centre that is yet to open its doors, offering an alternative learning experience for young children.

Townsville Montessori Early Learning Centre is working to gain approval from the Queensland Department of Education to open in Cranbrook.

The centre’s director Mikaela Murray said she was confident the centre would be approved and hoped to be teaching children aged 2 to 5 by February.

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Ms Murray has been won over by the century-old learning style, which breaks away from the traditional curriculum-based way of learning.

“I’m a registered teacher but I came across it in 2016 when my children went to a Montessori day care centre in Brisbane,” she said.

“(I noticed) a big difference in their ability to act independently by themselves.

“There’s different philosophies for different people.”

Ms Murray said the early learning centre would promote a sense of self confidence and independence.

She said children would teach themselves, becoming an active participant in their learning.

“The teacher is there to guide instead of the teacher speaking and the child listens,” she said.

Montessori Australia claims its education style is based on “helping the natural development of the human being”, with children learning at their own pace and by being able to follow their own individual interest.

Ms Murray said the early learning centre would be able to cater for up to 35 students once it was open and she was in the process of hiring staff.

She said free parent information sessions and pop-up playgroups would be made available closer to the centre’s opening date.

Ms Murray said a number of parents had already inquired about the centre.

The Montessori plans follow the opening of the Enkindle Village School at James Cook University in February, which also breaks from traditional schooling.

Principal Kiri Pearce said the independent school was “innovative” and gave students a choice and voice in their learning.

Originally published as New Montessori early learning centre planned for Townsville