Now that the schools are reopening after a two-year-long hiatus, the Montessori schools are back in business. It used to be a lucrative business if you rewind to two years before. Most entrepreneurs who are also educationists are often involved in such ventures. Apart from being a part of wealthy business houses, most spouses of business conglomerates have one for educational and philanthropic avenues.
The good news is that the children will go to school once more. Of course, it has to be with necessary pandemic-based precautions. Additionally, the edupreneurs must make massive changes to the infrastructure and delivery methods to secure tiny tots. It is always a good time if you are thinking of stepping into this arena. Read about a few requirements that you must adhere to when opening a Montessori school.
Know Your State’s Montessori Regulations
When you think of starting your Montessori playschool, you have to go through and comply with a handful of state regulations. So get familiar with them beforehand. There are two ways to accomplish knowledge. First, you can study the details on government and state regulatory websites. Apart from this, you can also connect with some directors of Montessori schools in your area on professional media sites. Most will be more than happy to share the details with you to rename themselves as business coaches later.
In addition to the above, when you decide to open one in this cadre, you have to purchase the rights of Dr. Maria Montessori’s’ name. It is a franchisee of sorts that also states the requirements to construct a curriculum and materials. Moreover, you must have a net worth of above $300,000. The cost of a franchisee is between $700,000 and $3,500,000.
Check Spatial Requirements
Next comes another facet of the process. It would help if you had a proper location and land. You will find many lots for sale on several real estate sites. Call them up and inquire. You should ensure to choose a space in a school zone. This raises the cost a bit, as you get a ready market there. It is always better to get assistance from an agent who can fetch a good deal in your budget. You need just enough space for the school building and a garden where the little children can play. It helps if you had at least an acre of room for the same.
After finalizing the external layout with protective fencing, you have to devise the internal structure. The Montessori arrangement requires the school to have enough space to play and run. Additionally, you will need to set up a mini playground. Moreover, it also helps if you buy low-height chairs, tables, and equipment for teaching. Ensure to have the school on the ground floor. You can use the top floor as an office. Apart from spacious classrooms, it helps if you also have bathrooms nearby. The children should access the bathrooms in seconds from their play area or classroom.
Do the Montessori Certification
Once you are through all of this, you can get certified in Montessori, if you are not already. According to the American Montessori Society, you need accreditation if you are the owner or director. You also need to recruit teachers who are certified. There are several levels of certification: ones for infants, toddlers, KG, or upper classes. You have to utilize this curriculum to organize your school. The method relies on self-directed activity and hands-on training. Children make use of their creative genius to learn all things mundane.
The children are engaged in age-appropriate lessons for the same. It is all about fun-play-learn. So, it helps if you had practical exposure to deliver the classes. While doing the certification, it helps to get some applicable teacher endorsements from elsewhere. Therefore, you leave no stone unturned with the practicalities and do not need to fumble with other requirements.
Advertise Over Media
You can use a variety of media to advertise your school. Traditional forms of marketing and branding work well in this segment. It involves banners and hoardings, apart from newspaper advertisements. After all, it is the age of social media, so you cannot miss out on that either. You have to post the best pictures of your school and the classrooms to lure parents.
Additionally, you can also launch the school with events that include art competitions for kids. It will give your school visibility. That is when you will start getting inquiries. So, could you make the most of them?
You have to take care of several steps while opening a Montessori school. A business plan can help you tread the path smoothly. However, you have to be very stringent regarding adherence to compliance. The state laws see this aspect all too often. They can even cancel your license if you aren’t compliant with the educational standards.
