By Meredith McCulloch
The welcoming green Bedford Montessori rug has moved across town to 8 Alfred Circle. The new quarters are in a single-story former office building with more space for a toddler program and grounds that provide two playgrounds appropriately equipped for children of different ages. It is hoped that the new location will prove more convenient for working parents in the Bedford area
The school had been located at the First Baptist Church on Concord Road since 1984 when it was founded by Rosemary Nussbaum and based on Montessori child-centered education principles. The current director is Pat Shapiro who took charge in 1994 and has been a Montessori educator, for 30 years.
The Montessori method embraces mixed age learning groups based on the concept that children learn from each other and that curriculum should be tailored to each child. According to their website:
The children are free to make their own work choices. They are given lessons based on their interests and readiness. Through this work they develop a sense of order, an ability to concentrate, and the coordination to handle materials with increased skill. Independence and a positive self-image result from the development of these basic abilities.
The school ‘s Board of Directors is comprised of parents of current or former students. For more information call 781-275-3344 or go to www.bedfordmontessori.org/