Children’s Montessori Preschool students Nora Magee and Elias Davila playing Friday in the school’s playground at 1060 Nugget St. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

Children’s Montessori Preschool is working hard to navigate through all the challenges COVID-19 has presented. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com

Pre-schools in Los Alamos are facing a whole new ball game, Children’s Montessori Preschool Owner Shelli Petty said.

COVID-19 is dwindling enrollments in local pre-kindergarten schools and emptying their classrooms.

“A lot of parents have figured out how to make it work with staying at home,” Petty said. “Plus, grandparents are taking care of grandkids.”

She said it is beneficial for children to be with their families but “I’m just worried this is going to cause the death of pre-school.”

Right now, Petty said the state has mandated her school can not take more than 10 children and she has six openings. However, she said the state is allowing her to make her own schedules.

Petty said her preschool is not the only one that is hurting.

“Right now, times are tough,” she said. “Everybody needs to help everybody else.”

If people are interested in aiding Children’s Montessori Preschool, there is a Go Fund Me account established for the school. Go to https://gf.me/u/za9byx to donate.

Despite the challenges Petty said she still loves her work.

“I love what I do,” she said. “It’s really like playing with the kids.”

Petty has operated Children’s Montessori Preschool for 26 years.

Her school’s mission, according to its website, is to “foster the physical, emotional, and mental growth of each child, helping to foster a love of learning and independence in children three to five years of age.”

Additionally, it is reported on the website that children must be at least three years old and toilet trained.

Other requirements include:

• Have current inoculations and have proof on file with the school. Waivers will not be accepted.
• Visit the school and meet the teachers. Call 505.661.4018 to schedule an appointment.
• Have papers completed and on file at the school. This includes registration form, carpool form, enrollment agreement and discipline statement.
• Paid $100 registration fee and $300 supply fee.
• Have first month’s tuition paid before first day of school.

Children’s Montessori Preschool, 1060 Nugget St., focuses on Montessori education, which emphasizes students’ independence, self-reliance and hands-on learning. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, founded this approach to education in 1897.

In response to COVID-19, Petty said she completed a class and is certified to keep her school open. She followed state guidelines for COVID, which included completely revamping the classroom environment by adding plexiglass and physical dividers to help keep everyone as safe as possible. Additionally, Petty follows the state mandated guidelines for safe operation and sanitation.

Times may be tough, but Petty said she is optimistic that things will improve.

“I’m sticking to believing that day care is always something that we need,” she said.

For more information, call 505.661.4018 or email at childrensmontessori@gmail.com.

Editor’s note: Local small businesses need the support of the community now more than ever!

Elias Davila has some fun on the playground Friday at Children’s Montessori Preschool. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

Nora Magee enjoys the playground Friday at Children’s Montessori Preschool. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com