Our mission is to provide excellent early childhood education and quality child care by building self-confidence in an environment that stimulates fun and discovery through learning. Steps to Learning Montessori School (SLMS) is a year-round child-centered learning program inspired by Montessori Philosophy.
It has been adapted to meet the needs of the children of the 21st century. We offer a versatile program consisting of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), play-based activities, outdoor classrooms, and provide healthy snacks and enrichment programs such as movement and fitness, healthy choices, gardening, yoga, Spanish, arts & crafts, piano music and ballet.
It has been adapted to meet the needs of the children of the 21st century. We offer a versatile program consisting of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), play-based activities, outdoor classrooms, and provide healthy snacks and enrichment programs such as movement and fitness, healthy choices, gardening, yoga, Spanish, arts & crafts, piano music and ballet.
Services
Steps to Learning Montessori Preschool has been serving children since 2005. We follow Montessori, play-based and other early childhood education (ECE) approaches based upon careful observation of the way each child learns and develops. Steps to Learning Montessori School was founded in 2005. I worked as the managing member and administrator until 2014, when I took over as Director.
The Montessori Method was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, and is based on her scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood. Her breakthrough method of educating young children focused on the concept of child-centered learning, and respect for self, others, and the environment, drawing the interest of educators all over the globe.
Our Preschool Program (including a Toddler component) is designed for children 2-6 years of age. The children are divided into 2 groups for focused activities and lunch time and interact together during morning and afternoon snacks, short time during outdoor time and naptime. Toddler Program: Our toddler program is for children between the ages of 2 and 3 years old.
Steps to Learning Montessori Preschool provides child care and education for age 3 months to 2 years. Our infant program is for children aged 3 months through 2 years and is designed around the child's individual needs and their physical growth. For young infants, we follow the child's established routine, and older infants (walking to 2 years old) follow a daily routine similar to that of the toddlers.
SLMP is a supportive environment and believes in teamwork. We look for teachers who have completed or interested in completing Montessori Diploma/training along with ECE units. Wages are determined by the qualifications and experience. We provide great benefits such as competitive wages; paid vacation, holiday and sick time; Health insurance including dental, vision, discount childcare, offer tuition assistance and retirement plan.
Reviews (5)
Regina Schober
Jan 04, 2018
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Our children Clara (5) and Julian (1) spent one year at Steps To Learning Preschool during our stay in Goleta. We are extremely grateful for the wonderful experience they have had this year. We loved everything about this school. It has a friendly, nurturing, and caring atmosphere while providing a safe structure for the kids to explore, learn, and develop. All the teachers have been amazing in treating our children with respect and teaching them to communicate their ideas, needs, and feelings in an appropriate way. We are amazed at how our children have developed on all levels: intellectually
Martina Nagel
Jan 04, 2015
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Steps to Learning is a very good preschool. The owner, Ruwini Goonewardina, is hands on, always open to suggestions and she will make sure that your child's needs are met. We enrolled our son Elias at 16 months. He experienced the infant and toddler program. Both helped him develop great social skills. My husband and I are thrilled about the things Elias learns at preschool. We've never talked to him about seasons or the days of the week, still at two years old he knows what month we are in and can name all the days of the week. I highly recommend the school.
Matt Shaw Concrete Inc
Nov 26, 2014
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My son began attending Steps to Learning about a year and a half ago. He started in the older infant group and has since moved into the Toddler program. I have to say that the school has been one of the best things to happen to my son. The care they give him shows and it has been great to see. He has had so much fun and has really flourished and learned a lot from the field trips, socialization skills, ABC's, numbers, Spanish lessons, stretch and grow exercises, vocabulary and speech, and he has even had help with his potty training there. Since our family is unable to take care of him during the
Kate C.
Oct 14, 2014
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I have both a toddler and preschooler who attend and they both have a very positive experience. Both kids were happy to go and it was great to hear the new words, colors, numbers and letters my little toddler picked up on everyday. There are so many fun learning activities for the kids to do. The teachers put together a great Carnival day and other fun field trips/celebrations throughout the year.
Melanie Martin
Jul 11, 2014
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My daughter went here from age 3 mos to 1 year. She was so happy here, and absolutely loved her teachers. They are very flexible and responsive to individual infant needs. She was ahead of the curve for many developmental milestones and I really do credit that in part to the activities and quality care she received here.
