Dandy Lion Montessori

MISSION

Our Mission at Dandy Lion Montessori School is simply to serve the children of many exceptional parents in our community, who are truly concerned about the future of their children in these uncertain times. We provide our students with the very best start in their lifelong learning adventure, by maintaining an authentic Montessori program, which the International Association of Progressive Montessori (IAPM) has always been respected for worldwide. We will continue to excel in implementing a specially prepared environment for their budding minds to explore and utilize in developing their critical thinking skills. Beyond providing the full complement of venerable Montessori didactic materials, by genuinely respecting children engaged in the awe inspiring process of developing a unique mind of their own, we provide a safe and nurturing atmosphere devoid of judgmental stress. The serene ambiance thus achieved, is conducive to the concentration necessary to organize a young mind for the daunting task of sifting, sorting, and classifying the incredible volume of information they will encounter, as joyfully diligent learners in the 21st Century. We acknowledge that our role as the guiding adults in this exceptional environment is critical to their obtaining the most benefit from it. We welcome the challenge and will continue to always give it our best effort, for the sake of the children entrusted to our care, by the finest parents in our community.

HISTORY

The Dandy Lion Preschool was established in 1981 by the Veness family, and has earned an excellent reputation while serving this community for the past twenty-eight years. The Veness’ retired in November of 1996 when Ann Balasuriya and Dave Hunter purchased the school to provide a location for Ann’s Montessori Teacher-Training Institute on the Central Coast. By January of 1997, the Rainbow Room was converted into a Montessori Prepared Environment and the name of the school was slightly revised to Dandy Lion Montessori School to reflect the change to a Montessori program.

In early 1998, the full kitchen was removed from the Sunshine Room and it too was converted to a lovely Montessori classroom. When the 98/99 academic year began, both classrooms were fully functioning Montessori classes. With little advertising, the stellar word-of-mouth reputation of Dandy Lion kept our program functioning at capacity for many years. Ann trained the teachers and kept the program fine tuned, while Dave managed the office. With the arrival of Joanie Morawski on the scene several years ago, Dave retired from active management of the school, although he remained involved in the background as President of the International Association of Progressive Montessori (IAPM).

Circumstances beyond anyone's control have conspired to change our operation. Between the failing California economy, and the State's efforts to implement universal preschool in the public elementary schools, demand for private preschools with extended daycare hours for working parents in this area has decreased considerably. When Joanie moved out of State to care for her aging father, while Ann was fulfilling a commitment to train teachers in India for the summer, Dave returned to active management.

Assessing the situation with an eye on the future, we decided to consolidate our Montessori endeavors. Our facility is now the headquarters office of IAPM. Thus, Dandy Lion now functions as the showcase laboratory school for IAPM. Those parents who know Ann, will appreciate that she will be readily available for consultation with both teachers and parents. Dave will continue to manage the business affairs of both IAPM and Dandy Lion, as well as utilize his computer skills making classroom materials for the children of Dandy Lion and for the teachers in training at the institute, as well as webmaster of our presence on the internet.

STAFF

Ann is the owner of the school and she is also the Executive Director of the International Association of Progressive Montessori, a professional Montessori association. Ann has 35 years of Montessori experience teaching, administrating, establishing schools, and teacher training centers.  She has served on the board and on the commission of MACTE, the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education and currently works as a teacher educator and Montessori consultant. Dave Hunter is the General Manager of the business. He answers questions regarding enrollment and finances. He has taken the Montessori Teacher Training course, and although he tries to avoid it, he frequently fills in as a substitute in the absense of another staff member. Cathy Hanely is our Director and Head Teacher of the Sunshine Class.  She opens the school in the morning and handles all matters to do with the program and teaching staff. Rhonda Eskew is her Assistant in the classroom, and the afternoon childcare teacher. Cyndi Burke is our substitute teacher. All staff members have been carefully selected for their training, credentials, competence, loving attitude towards children, and personal goals to achieve excellence in their chosen profession.

PROGRAM

Education at Dandy Lion Montessori School follows a developmental approach that strives to educate the whole child, establishes a solid foundation, and inspires a lifelong joy in learning.  The program is designed to promote intellectual growth, artistic creativity, critical thinking skills, social responsibility, flexibility, and preparedness for the fast changing life our children face in the future. We pride ourselves on offering an excellent program in a loving relaxed atmosphere that respects the child’s pace and interests.

LIST OF STAFF