FAQ
Bambini playgroup
Who runs the playgroup?
La Casa dei Bambini Montessori Playgroup Inc. is a volunteer run organisation, meaning all administration, including our enrolments, are handled by busy parents like you. We have great systems in place but we do ask for a little patience. We will email or return your calls as soon as we are able.
Do I have to participate in a shelf rotation?
La Casa dei Bambini is a parent operated, not for profit, incorporated playgroup. It exists and relies on the time and effort of its members. The success of the playgroup depends on the active participation of all its members and hence we ask for participation in shelf rotations. For those members who can't volunteer their time, there is the ability to pay a nominated fee as an alternative. What's more, these days are fun and make our community a strong one.
Montessori
Do you need to know about Montessori before attending our playgroup?
No. You'll learn as you go and there are plenty of people to guide you along the way.
Do you recommend any books on Montessori?
Here are a few books if you're keen to learn more about Montessori, but just to reiterate, you do not need to know anything about Montessori to join our playgroup. You may find that along the way, you like the philosophy and would like to learn a little more about it - this is where these books are great.
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Montessori From The Start; The Child at Home from Birth to Age Three - by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen
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The Joyful Child: for Birth to Three Years (Michael Olaf's Essential Montessori Series) by Susan Stephenson
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Understanding the Human Being (Clio Montessori) - by Silvana Quattrocchi Montanaro
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The Absorbent Mind - by Maria Montessori
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Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius - by Angeline Stoll Lillard
Enrolments
Can I have a look before I join?
Yes, if you let us know which session you will be attending, we can introduce you to a friendly committee member to run through what we do so you can get a feel for the playgroup.
I belong to another playgroup, do I need to pay my PGWA insurance again?
No, verification of your current PGWA membership number is proof enough.
My child is 16 months can s/he join?
Our enrolment policy is for children aged from 18 months to 4 years only. This is so that children are developmentally able to benefit better from the Montessori environment, although we will consider early enrolment if parents understand that not all materials/activities will be suitable for a younger child. Once a child turns 5 our playgroup is no longer suited to the child's needs and an alternative playgroup/Montessori school is recommended.
What if we have siblings who are below 18 months of age?
Younger siblings are very welcome to our playgroup. We have baby toys, a change mat, high chairs and a nursing chair for Mums.
Can I drop my child off?
No. La Casa Dei Bambini is a playgroup not a day care. We are a volunteer run organisation, meaning all administration, including our enrolments, are handled by busy parents like you. So we need a carer to attend with your child - mums, dads, grandparents, nannies, aunts/uncles all welcome!
My child has an allergy?
We are a nut free playgroup. For those with other allergies we will make all attempts to ensure that their needs are met.
Do you operate during school holidays?
We only operate during school terms. There are no sessions during school holidays or on public holidays.
Daily Running of Playgroup
Who runs the daily session?
We are a parent-led playgroup and as such we all contribute to the running of the sessions. Experienced members will lead the way and newer members will gradually learn where to find the resources they need or how to assist in packing up. That's what makes our playgroup a success - everyone's participation be it setting up the playdough table or the craft area, or assisting your child to sweep the floor at the end of morning tea. You'll find out how you can help when you join a session.
What if I am late to a session?
We have a specific start time to ensure that the workload of setting up the daily session is shared by all members and not left to a few. Children benefit from having an established routine and ensuring an ordered environment. In an ideal world, we'd love everyone to be there at the beginning of the session however we understand that you are raising toddlers and this can't always be the case