What is the Brainy Steps Program?

Brainy Steps is a unique program designed to help prepare your child for pre-school. We help your child become comfortable in a group environment, increase their attention span, learn self-control and learn to interact with other children in a positive manner. After the student is comfortable separating from their parent they are placed in our unique Montessori style enrichment classes and can continue to attend the Brainy Montessori program through pre-kindergarten or enroll in a full time school of their choice.

Each of these steps takes anywhere from 0 to 3 private sessions for an average student. Not all students need all steps. Every child is an individual and each child moves at his or her own pace.

Step 1
The parent and the child come in together to explore Brainy Academy. A teacher is available to meet with the child for 20 to 30 minutes and evaluate if the student is ready to start the program. This preliminary appointment is free. If the teacher determines the child is not ready we will make another appointment for you within a month or two at your convenience. If the child scores 8 or above on evaluation they proceed to Step 5, if they are not yet ready to separate from parent they proceed to Step 2.

Step 2
The student works individually with one of our teachers while the parent is also present in the classroom. The parent is present for reassurance only and does not interact with the student.

Step 3
Teacher works with the child one on one while the parent stays outside the classroom. Classroom door is open for student’s reassurance.

Step 4
Child is asked to close the classroom door (with the parent right outside of it). Student and teacher than proceed to work in the classroom without the parent.

Step 5
Teacher asks the child to accompany her into an ongoing group class. Student accompanies the private teacher into the group class and stays inside in the group class for a full hour (duration of the private session). Private teacher is in the group classroom for reassurance and to help student adjust to working with the group. Private teacher ensures that the student is able to adjust to classroom procedures and follow instructions, as well as learn key Montessori skills (rolling mat, putting away materials, taking turns, etc).

Step 6
Private teacher stays with the student in the ongoing group class for 30 minutes and asks the student if she can leave. Student stays classroom with the classroom teachers and the other students for the duration of the session. The private teacher stays outside the classroom for reassurance and will step back into the classroom if needed.

Step 7
Student willingly goes into the group classroom without her private teacher and stays for the duration of the class.

Many children complete steps 1 through 6 within 2 to 4 weeks with twice weekly attendance. Moving on to next step is at the discretion of the private teacher, classroom teacher and the parent.