Welcome to,
Macedon Ranges Montessori
Pre-School

Since establishment in 1985, the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool has provided parents with an alternative option of education to mainstream schooling, the Montessori Method.

Our preschool has been in operation at the historic Primary School building site in Riddells Creek, since the relocation of the Riddells Creek Primary School to a new site further down Main Rd. Under the guidance of a steering committee, dedicated and hard-working parents helped renovate and restore the building, which had been well used for many years.

At Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool, we provide a holistic approach within a supportive environment that nurtures children’s self-respect. Our program focuses on developing self- discipline, self-respect and consideration for others and the environment. We use specifically designed Montessori materials, which encourage children to be; Independent, Responsible, Well Organised, Inquisitive, Self-motivated and Adaptable.

Montessori

Education

At the heart of the Montessori method is a profound respect for the child’s innate desire to learn and grow. This philosophy recognises every child as a unique individual who deserves the freedom to move, choose their own work, and correct their own mistakes at a personal pace. Central to this approach is the concept of the "absorbent mind," a term Dr. Maria Montessori used to describe the first six years of life. During this crucial window, children possess a sponge-like capacity to effortlessly soak up information from their environment, building the essential foundations of their intelligence, personality, and cultural understanding.

The

Core Philosophy

The

Absorbent

Mind

The Montessori classroom, known as the "prepared environment," is a meticulously structured space where every element serves a developmental purpose. Featuring child-sized furniture and accessible, aesthetically pleasing materials, the room is designed to activate curiosity and independence. Rather than a traditional teacher-led dynamic, the classroom functions as a multi-age community. This "family grouping" allows older children to reinforce their knowledge by mentoring younger peers, while younger children are inspired by more advanced work. Within this space, the educator acts as a quiet guide and observer, linking each child to the specific materials they are ready to master.

Learning in a Montessori setting is driven by specialised materials that bridge the gap between concrete experiences and abstract concepts. These tools are designed to be self-correcting, allowing children to identify and fix errors without adult intervention, which builds immense self-confidence. The curriculum is sequenced to introduce only one new challenge at a time, moving from simple tasks to more complex operations. This hands-on, active approach ensures that education is not a passive delivery of facts but an individualised journey where the child’s own interests dictate the speed and depth of their exploration.

Self Correcting &

Progressive

Learning

The

Montessori

Kindergarten

The Montessori program focuses on five fundamental areas that prepare children for a lifetime of learning. It begins with Practical Life, where children perform familiar tasks like pouring or cleaning to develop fine motor skills and independence. The Sensorial area refines the five senses through classification and discrimination exercises, while Mathematics uses ‘one-to-one correspondence’, quantity and symbol to introduce the decimal system and basic operations. Language activities foster literacy through phonics and expression, and Culture introduces science, geography, and the arts. Together, these pillars encourage children to understand their world and their place within it, fostering a spirit of tolerance and global citizenship.

Our Services

About

Why Montessori?

Montessori pre-schools offer an educational approach that is uniquely different from traditional methods. Montessori emphasises a child-centered and hands-on learning environment, which allows children to learn at their own pace and develop a sense of autonomy. Children can explore their own interests and become self-directed learners.

When learning more about Montessori Education, you will come across the five principles of the Montessori Method and how holistically these principles contribute to the overall goal of creating a love of lifelong learning in children. These principles consider the child at the centre of their own learning experience with educational leaders, the environment and a child's instinct at the forefront.

At Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-School, our mission is to foster a love of learning, creativity and independence in our students using the Montessori teaching method and philosophy. Our experienced teachers strive to provide an environment where all children feel safe, respected and comfortable exploring their own interests.

We encourage our students to become independent thinkers and doers. Through hands-on activities, our teachers help them build the skills and confidence needed to become successful learners. We look forward to helping your child reach their fullest potential. The aim of our program is to provide an experience that nurtures children’s self esteem allowing them to realise their full potential and to be caring members of the family and the community.

How

differ?

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Montessori Qualified and Trained Teachers

To ensure the highest standards of Montessori education, we employ only certified Montessori professionals. Our commitment goes beyond titles; the Montessori Method is deeply woven into the fabric of our vision, ensuring your child receives an education rooted in genuine practice.

Respect for Students

Montessori Method teachers are trained to take their students’ curiosity seriously and foster their independence to help them learn for themselves.

The Absorbent Mind

Children are ready and eager to learn and that they easily absorb information from the world around them.

Sensitive Periods

Montessori teachers are trained to observe their students and identify sensitive periods during a child’s development when their capacity for absorbing certain information or mastering specific skills is noticeably increased.

The Prepared Environment

A Montessori classroom is an environment designed to promote the students’ freedom of choice.

Autoeducation

In a Montessori school, environment, authentic freedom of choice, and respect for the students work together to promote a life-long love of learning.

Teaching
Staff

Our Educational Team are made up of 3 VIT registered, Early Childhood Teachers, Diploma qualified (Children's Services) and Certificate III qualified staff, all of which have over a decade of Montessori early childhood education experience each.

The Montessori teachers are referred to as Directors, and as the name suggests they direct the child through careful observation, planning, and providing learning materials to meet the needs and interests of that child. Our focus is on children learning, not on teachers teaching. A Montessori lesson is given on a one-on-one basis and occasionally in small group lessons. Our lessons are brief and precise, meant to broaden the interests and understanding of your child.

Our teachers create an Individual Learning Plan that is unique and specific to every child, to ensure a tailored and comprehensive preschool education. We are able to provide an authentic, Montessori education because we only employ Montessori qualified and trained educational staff. We don't just see Montessori as a marketing buzz word, the Montessori Method is deeply embedded in our philosophy and vision at the Preschool.

Taia Ly

Nominated Supervisor / Lead Teacher

Taia holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary) as well as a Diploma of Early Childhood and Primary Education (Montessori). She has worked with us for X years and possesses valuable experience in Montessori classrooms giving our children authentic learning.

I have been working in early childhood education for over 20 years, and during that time, have developed a deep understanding of the unique needs of young children and the skills required to meet those needs. I believe in providing children with opportunities to explore and discover the world around them.

I moved to Australia from Sri Lanka with my family in 2013 and have loved the new experiences we found in Australia. I love sewing, gardening and spending time in nature.

I am passionate about the Montessori method and admire its focus on giving children foundational skills needed for life.

Dhanushka Molligoda

Kindergarten Teacher

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I have had the joy of working with young children for the last 10 years. I was drawn to the Montessori Method because of the environment it provides for children to discover themselves during the most formative years of their development. I believe that by focusing on children in the early years, we have a great shot at creating a wonderful world citizen. As Dr. Montessori herself said, "The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind." My forte is to engage children with music and movement, and to create bonds with them for meaningful learning and emotional regulation. This is an extension of my own interests in music, dance and acrobatics, human curiosity and emotional intelligence.

I feel so privileged to become a part of this wonderful community amongst the beauty of the Macedon Ranges.

Nilmini Wijesooriya

Kindergarten Teacher

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I have worked in the early childhood sector for over 12 years and mainly practiced the Montessori method of learning. I studied my Montessori diploma in Sri Lanka and continued working in the same field after moving to Australia. I’m currently pursuing my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. I moved to Melbourne in 2014 and over the last 9 years I have come to love camping and off-roading. I also enjoy reading a book or listening to podcasts. I live with my husband, our daughter and our fur baby. We love spending time outdoors exploring.