Our program offers children choices in play and work, promoting individual exploration and peer learning. Through projects and group activities, children develop social, academic, and motor skills across subjects. Montessori-trained teachers create student-centered experiences in a nurturing environment, with flexible attendance options allowing families to choose preferred days.
Website: www.leavesoflearning.org
Address: 7131 Plainfield Rd. Deer Park, OH 45236
Phone: (513) 697-9021
Q&A with Little Sprouts:
What makes Little Sprouts unique?
With teacher guidance, each student is responsible for his or her own work and play experiences. Choosing tasks and specific materials are almost always up to the child. By carefully observing each child, teachers help determine which lessons and materials are appropriate for future learning. Some students may reach certain sensitive periods of learning and feel ready for reading, writing, or simple addition and subtraction, while others might be sensitive to practical life, geography, or art.
Our flexible enrollment allows families to choose the times and days that work best for them.
What is Little Sprouts age/grade range?
Little Sprouts is part of Leaves of Learning, which has been around for 27 years, offering classes to students ages 3-18.
What is Little Sprouts educational philosophy?
The Montessori classroom uses a holistic approach that emphasizes freedom of movement, fostering independent learning, and the use of uniquely designed tactile materials designed by Maria Montessori. The beauty of our program lies in the welcoming balance of comforting routine, tempered with flexibility to meet the needs of each child. One day you may find each child working on a separate “work” individually. On another day, children may be engaged in small group activities or working with peers on a challenging work. The children are naturally drawn to the rich variety of materials available to them. Children are encouraged to explore materials that emphasize practical life skills, exploration of the senses, language, math, zoology, botany, geography, music, and art.
What is your enrollment policy? Are there any key dates parents should be aware of?
Little Sprouts registration begins online on Feb. 20th, 2025.
All families are encouraged to book a tour prior to the registration date.
What are the standard school day hours? Does Little Sprouts offer flexible day/hour options? Is before/after school care available?
Not all young children want or need a daily program. Our flexible program enables families to choose which days and times work best for each child. Families choose from two to four days per week (Tuesday/Thursday or Wednesday/Friday or all four days), with either half 9:30-12/1-3:30 or full days.
How many children are in each class? How are children divided up up?
Three teachers 18 students, with ~6 in each age group
What is the teacher/child ratio?
We have an excellent teacher/student ratio of 1:6, with three teachers. Classes are capped at eighteen students. This allows for each child to receive more one-on-one presentations from the teacher on a regular basis. These lessons are individualized to meet each child’s particular needs and learning styles.
What are the teacher’s credentials?
3 teachers:
1.) One teacher earned a B.A in Montessori education from Xavier University and over twenty years of teaching experience.
2.) One teacher completed a bachelors degree and an Associate of Early Childhood Education Credential from the Greater Cincinnati Center for Montessori Education and has 9 years of experience.
3.) One teacher completed an Associate of Early Childhood Education Credential from the Greater Cincinnati Center for Montessori Education and has 5 years of experience.
Is parental participation required?
Parents do not need to participate, but there are opportunities for parents to become involved throughout the year.
How do teachers communicate with parents? How often do parents receive updates?
Newsletters go out monthly as well as individual correspondences as needed and individual meetings.
Does Little Sprouts offer support for students with special needs?
While Little Sprouts can occasionally accommodate students with minor special needs who are high functioning, we are not a program for special needs students. We recommend you talk with a specialist to find a place where your child can receive the attention he or she needs.
How much time do the children spend outside?
Children have a 30 minute outside play period each morning and afternoon. Children who stay for lunch have an additional 30 minute outside play period.
Are meals and/or snacks provided?
Children bring their own snacks and lunches.
Does my child need to be potty-trained?
Yes. We expect students to be independent in managing their toilet needs. If, however, a child has physical or other developmental issues that preclude being potty-trained, we can work with families to develop a plan that will work with the child’s needs.
What are Little Sprouts safety policies?
Safety is utmost in our minds these days, and we take our responsibility to keep our community safe very seriously. We have taken time to assess our physical space for safety with the assistance of the area Chief of Police. Our safety protocols, equipment and procedures represent a comprehensive plan to keep our community safe in the case of an emergency.
All doors are locked during the day with the exception of 10 minutes in the morning for arrival, afternoon for dismissal, and during outdoor lunchtime. The front door is equipped with an intercom and buzz-in system. The door closes and locks automatically after being opened. All teachers, staff and volunteers must pass a background check that is kept on file and updated. Cameras are installed in all hallways and monitored at the front desk. We have a personalized alert system broadcasting different alert messages, instructing students and staff what to do in each type of emergency.
During the Covid-19 Pandemic we installed high quality air purifiers in every classroom. We continue to use these to prevent the spread of illnesses. Desks and tables are sanitized at the end of each day.
Who should parents contact for more information about Little Sprouts?
Christie Sawyer
[email protected]
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