Location – Rue du Grand Pré 19, 1299 Crans (VD), Switzerland
Website – https://www.montessori-idylle.ch/
Contact – +41 22 776 01 00
A Brief History and Vision
L’Idylle Montessori School, a non-profit organization, has been a beacon of early childhood education for nearly 30 years. Founded by Philippa Romig, the school began in a humble annexe at the bottom of her garden. In 2011, it relocated to Crans near Céligny, a picturesque village in Canton de Vaud, perfectly situated between the serene countryside and the sparkling lake. Two years later, in 2013, it proudly became the first Montessori school in the area to welcome children as young as 18 months.
Since its inception, the school has been recognized as a public utility, a status it achieved in 1996. Each year, it embraces around 50 children aged 18 months to 6 years, providing an education grounded in Montessori principles and values within a bilingual French/English setting. The mission of L’Idylle Montessori School is to foster the holistic development of children, nurturing their intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth in a supportive and stimulating environment.
Distinguishing Features
A Prepared Environment
One of the key factors that set L’Idylle Montessori School apart from other nurseries and pre-schools in the country is its meticulously prepared environment. The school’s setting is thoughtfully designed to be both stimulating and safe, with materials and furnishings tailored to the height and reach of young children. This setup encourages autonomy and sensory development, enabling children to learn and explore independently. The materials used are not only beautiful and real but also developmentally appropriate, allowing children to understand and correct their own mistakes.
Unique Teaching Philosophy
The Montessori method is at the heart of L’Idylle’s educational approach. This method identifies sensitive periods when children are especially receptive to certain types of learning. Educators leverage these periods to introduce specific concepts and activities, enhancing the children’s learning experience. In the toddlers’ classroom, for instance, children engage in practical life activities like baking bread, preparing fruit, peeling eggs, and taking care of their environment. They also enjoy playing musical instruments, participating in language activities, and engaging in various sensory and motor skill exercises.
For children aged 3-6, the school offers around 200 different activities to support their learning. These activities are organized into four zones: practical life, sensory, mathematics, and language. Each area features materials arranged logically from the simplest to the most complex, fostering concentration and independence.
Ensuring a Safe and Nurturing Environment
At L’Idylle Montessori School, the role of the educator is more of a guide than a traditional teacher. Educators observe the children to understand their needs and help them explore their environment independently. Mutual respect is a cornerstone of the classroom atmosphere, promoting a harmonious environment where children learn to work together and respect one another. The adults in the classroom protect the children’s equipment, ensuring that they can maintain their concentration and focus on their activities.
Integrating Technology
While maintaining a balance with traditional learning methods, L’Idylle Montessori School incorporates technology thoughtfully into its curriculum. The use of technology is carefully moderated to ensure it complements rather than replaces hands-on learning and interaction. This balanced approach helps children develop digital literacy while still benefiting from the tactile and sensory experiences that are crucial in early childhood development.
Embracing Outdoor Play and Nature-Based Activities
Proximity to nature is a significant advantage for L’Idylle Montessori School. The school has a private garden for each class, allowing children to be outdoors at any time of the day, throughout the year. This natural setting is utilized to make children aware of the importance of the environment and respect for the planet. The children have the freedom to move around, work outdoors, and engage in psychomotor activities both indoors and outdoors, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted flow of their day.
The school’s location also offers access to a variety of outdoor and nature-based activities, including exploring the forest and using local infrastructure for motor skills activities. This connection with nature helps in the holistic development of the children, fostering a deep appreciation for the environment.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
L’Idylle Montessori School prides itself on its child and family-oriented approach, which allows for a high degree of flexibility. The school adjusts its organization and operations to meet the specific needs of children and their families. This flexibility ensures that all children feel included and valued, regardless of their backgrounds or individual needs. The school promotes values of listening, collaboration, and flexibility, creating an inclusive environment where every child can thrive.
Parental Involvement
Parental involvement is a key component of the educational philosophy at L’Idylle Montessori School. The school organizes parent/child field trips, morning coffees, and theme evenings on various topics, fostering a sense of community among families. Being a non-profit organization, parents are welcomed onto the school’s board, encouraging active participation in the school’s operations and decision-making processes. This involvement helps create a supportive network for children and their families, enhancing the overall educational experience.
Special Programs and Extracurricular Activities
L’Idylle Montessori School offers end-of-day care on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, providing supervision tailored to the children’s age, energy, and needs. This time includes age-appropriate sports, arts and crafts, and creative activities, along with ample opportunities for free play. Additionally, the school offers weekly activity camps during school vacations, introducing children to various activities and themes aligned with Montessori values.
Future Growth and Improvement
Looking ahead, L’Idylle Montessori School remains committed to its mission of providing an environment adapted to children’s needs. The school aims to expand its services to welcome babies, convinced of the benefits that Montessori education can bring to their development. This future growth reflects the school’s dedication to continuously improving and meeting the evolving needs of young children and their families.
Conclusion For nearly three decades, L’Idylle Montessori School has been dedicated to nurturing young minds through its unique educational philosophy and holistic approach. With its prepared environment, dedicated educators, and strong community involvement, the school continues to be a leader in early childhood education. As it looks to the future, L’Idylle remains steadfast in its commitment to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.