Children’s House Montessori PreSchool Society is a long operating non-profit Montessori preschool governed by parent-run volunteer Board of Directors in Coquitlam. Our first classroom, located in Bookmere Elementary School (presently Pacific Academy), opened in, September 1976. When Bookmere Elementary was permanently closed in June 1984, Children’s House was relocated to Parkland Elementary School. In 1990, a lack of space at Parkland School prompted another move to a portable classroom on grounds. Despite numerous changes over the last 2 decades, Children’s House continues to flourish thanks to its dedicated, caring staff, and the parents who volunteer their time and energy to administer the school.
Our classrooms offer both morning and afternoon classes and run five days a week. Up to 20 children are enrolled in each class. In keeping with the Montessori philosophy, we aim to balance the classes so that each session has a mixed age group. We offer an integrated preschool and kindergarten program for children between the ages of two years 6 months and five years old. Ideally, a child will remain in the program for the three year cycle, with the third year corresponding to the kindergarten year in the school system. The graduates of our school typically move on to a variety of public, private and independent schools, and enter grade one with confidence, independence and a deep love of learning.
Children’s House Montessori Preschool Society follows the Montessori Method of education under the guidelines of Association Montessori Internationale. As a licensed preschool, we must meet licensing regulations as set out by the Ministry of Health in the Community Care Facilities Licensing Act. These regulations are monitored and enforced by Vancouver Coastal Health under the direction of their Licensing Officers. Each staff member understands and follows these regulations in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the children under our care.
Mrs. Rachel – Head Directress/Manager
Rachel has been a dynamic Head Directress since 2003. She is a kind and compassionate person who has a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the Montessori Method. Rachel has been connected to Montessori since 1977. She attended CHM when she was only three years old and continued the Montessori program in the Coquitlam School District to grade seven. She has been a Preschool and Kindergarten Directress since 1995. Completing both her Montessori Training and Early Childhood Education as an honour roll student.
As well as teaching, Rachel has worked as a lifeguard and senior swim instructor for the City of Coquitlam for many years.
Mrs. Megan – Directress
Megan brings dedication, a passion for teaching and a positive nurturing manner to the school. She is a talented and engaging educator who adds a great deal to our teaching team. Megan has been working in the childcare profession since 2002 and teaching at Children’s House since 2006. She earned her Diploma for Early Childhood Education, with Distinction and her License to Practice in April 2005. She also received her Preschool and Kindergarten Montessori Teaching Diploma in September 2007 and since then has been a full‑time Directress at Children’s House.
As well as teaching, Megan also works as a support worker for children with special needs and has been doing so since 1998.