Amazing Beginnings Montessori, Inver Grove Heights MN

Amazing Beginnings Montessori

3105 65th St. East
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
651-451-4433

Our Childcare and Montessori Programs are convenient to Inver Grove Heights, South St. Paul, Sunfish Lake, West St. Paul, and Cottage Grove MN.

Current Classroom Openings: Infants and Toddlers!

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Amazing Beginnings Montessori in Inver Grove Heights is convenient to South St. Paul, Sunfish Lake, West St. Paul, and Cottage Grove MN.

We are an established Montessori school and child care center and the very first Montessori school in Inver Grove Heights. We enjoy a fantastic reputation for the school’s dedication to a strong academic program along with an experienced staff dedicated to preparing students for ongoing success. We are accredited by NAEYC, have received 4 out of 4 stars through Parent Aware!

Amazing Beginnings Montessori offers programs for Newborns and Infants, Toddlers, Preschool and Pre-K & Kindergarten children. Additionally, children can participate in Gifted, Talented & Stem and S.M.A.R.T. More than child care and nursery school: We use the Montessori Method of education along with Creative Curriculum, as well as input from our talented teachers.

Hot lunches are provided but parents can provide their own lunches for children if desired. Creative learning spaces, and a healthy and fun learning environment are prepared daily, providing an excellent educational experience for your child. We offer a safe environment. All staff members are First Aid and CPR certified and have SUIDS and AHT training. Staff members have also passed FBI and DHS background checks.

Our Childcare and Montessori Programs serve children from 6 weeks to 8 years of age in the Twin Cities South Metro.

Summer Bridge Registration Now Open!

We are a NAEYC accredited school (National Association for the Education of Young Children).

We enjoy a four star rating from Parent Aware, the highest possible rating for a preschool.

Specially formulated Montessori Materials along with Creative Curriculum are used to help each child in the development of social skills, emotional growth and physical coordination as well as cognitive preparation.

Amazing Beginnings Montessori Classrooms

We look forward to working with you to make your child’s experience at Amazing Beginnings one that provides nurturing, discovery, growth, and fun! The partnership between home and the center is essential to the success of each infant in the program.

We encourage you to drop in or to call at any time. Your input, suggestions, and ideas help to make this program successful for you and your child!

Full & Part Time Infant Care

Safety and nurturing are at the forefront of our Newborn Childcare. Your confidence and comfort are essential. In partnership with parents, our experienced caregivers maintain a healthy, creative environment, where your newborn will receive the excellent care and attention you expect. Together, we design each newborn’s experience at Amazing Beginnings Academy to support health and development. Both full-time and part-time infant care are available!

Infant Program Details

Infants: Newborn & Infant Care

Montessori-inspired infant care programs can vary in their implementation, and they may not adhere to the same degree of structure as traditional Montessori classrooms for older children. The emphasis in these environments is on providing a nurturing and developmentally appropriate setting that respects the unique needs of infants and supports their early growth.

Infants 1: Our Tiniest Classroom

This classroom holds only 12 newborns and infants at one time and complies with the staff-student ratio of 1:4 as do all of our infant classrooms. This classroom has the youngest of our students, starting from 6 weeks until they reach the crawling stage. This room focuses on tummy time, face-to-face interaction with teachers and snuggling. The room helps to solidify the bond between teacher and infant, and introduces the child to a group-care setting. This room participates in musical activities as well as simple art and sensory projects, and introduces some Baby Sign Language. In order to transition to Infants 2, we strongly encourage the introduction to foods and high chair time. All Infants teachers keep records of your child’s activity on a the Daily Connect app, and are available in summary for the parents at pickup. There is not a set classroom schedule in Infants 1, the teachers respond to each child’s cues as observed and as specified by the families.

Infants 2: Crawling and Walking

This is our crawling infant classroom and also emerging toddler classroom. Busier than Infants 1, infants here are anxious to get moving; they love to explore the different textured flooring and toys, as well as the climbing apparatus. At this age the children are more aware of their peers, and are encouraged by teachers to further develop their motor skills. Infants in this classroom also participate in art, sensory and music activities. There are also times for story telling and peek-a-boo. Baby Sign Language continues and the teachers introduce new signs frequently. All children in this classroom eat in high chairs at various times throughout the day, and are bottle fed as per each child’s individualized schedule. There is also a more flexible schedule here, with a responsive infant-focused and parent-informed routine. As infants learn to walk, we recognize the emerging toddler and adapt to this transition, evaluating development for next steps and transition to the Toddler classroom. This room introduces sitting at the size-appropriate tables and chairs, cot sleeping and independent eating habits. Teachers lead more formal crafting and circle time activities to get children prepared for the Toddler classroom. Once a child reaches 18 months and exhibits readiness behaviors we move forward with the transitioning process. There is a classroom routine set in place and there are set group feeding times and a nap time. This benefits children by establishing the routines and expectations that are their next step.

We love being able to meet and anticipate our children’s needs in the Infants rooms. These classrooms allow us to spend more one-on-one time with each child, cultivating learning and granting opportunities for each child’s development.

Toddlers

For ages 16-18 months to 33 months, the Toddler classrooms are set into two groupings. We have designed the curriculum to best support specific development goals and needs. Each group, Toddler 1 & Toddler 2 are distinct in developmental milestones and educational approach. While needs and characteristics may be different, Toddlers share educational approach and foundational Montessori principles of respect for the child, a prepared environment an the importance of hands-on learning experiences. This approach recognizes that each child progresses at their own pace, and these age-grouped classrooms allow for more individualized guidance and support.

Toddler 1

Our youngest Toddlers are in this classroom, at 16-18 to 24 months. They usually graduate from our Infants 2 program at age 16 to 18 months to be in this classroom. Here the teachers will encourage them to master more of the skills learned in the Infants 2 program as they are in the early stages of toddlerhood and rapidly developing physically, emotionally and socially: learning to walk, talk and explore their world. The environment focuses on safety, nurturing, and trust-building, emphasizing attachment with educators. Activities support basic motor skills, language development and sensorial exploration. simple materials like rattles, soft toys and objects for grasping are provided. With emphasis on nurturing and care, the Montessori approach still encourages independence in areas like self feeding and self soothing. Students will be learning more age-appropriate academics including math, language, science, practical life and sign language along with a few Spanish words.

Toddler 2

Toddler 1 students get promoted to this classroom as they become more comfortable with the academics of Toddler 1 and are striving to become more independent. This developmental stage focuses on fostering independence, self-regulation and social skills. We encourage exploration and learning through hands-on experiences. This classroom is equipped with a wide range of developmentally appropriate materials that help children refine their motor skills, language and sensory perception. Activities often focus on practical life skills, and early math and language concepts. Here, children continue engaging with peers and developing social skills such as sharing, cooperation and conflict resolution. Independence is a central theme and children engage in activities that promote self-sufficiency.

Preschool

For ages 33 months through 4 to 4-and-a-half years, the Preschool classrooms are set up into two sections.

Preschool

Toddler 2 students graduate to this program. Most of the students in this classroom are fully potty trained. Some students may be in the process of getting to the fully trained stage. We encourage our students in this classroom to become more independent in their social skills and personal hygiene. Age-appropriate academics are taught in this classroom including introduction to writing and math concepts. In this classroom our students strive in many fields of education. They are fully integrated into our Montessori Method of education along with our Creative Curriculum. They are encouraged to work independently as well as in a group setting. Language, math, science, geography, and practical life skills are encouraged and they master the basic skills very well in this classroom setting.

PreK & Kindergarten

This program is for all the students graduating from Preschool 2 in preparation to go into Kindergarten.

In PreK and Kindergarten classrooms, students strive in all areas of academics including language, math, science, geography and practical life. Students are encouraged to read age-appropriate books and do worksheets that will prepare them to be successful in Kindergarten. Children graduating from this program become leaders in the elementary school system because of how well prepared they are to join programs in both public and private schools.

In full-time Kindergarten, students strive to learn all the important academics and master behavior skills needed to help them excel in public or private elementary schools in their future school years. Our graduates from this program become leaders in classrooms in elementary schools. We are confident they will become excellent students and future leaders. Our program is accepted in all public schools around the country.

Amazing Beginnings Montessori Staff

Ms Ann, Eagan Montessori Academy, Amazing Beginnings Montessori

Ms. Ann Gilman. I am the administrator and CEO for Amazing Beginnings, Eagan Montessori Academy North (recently turned over to new management) and Eagan Montessori South schools. Now I am solely concentrating on Eagan Montessori Academy South and Amazing Beginnings Montessori in Inver Grove Heights. My husband, Dr. Phil of LifeSpring Wellness of Bloomington, and I have been married for 39 years and have two children. We have been living in Eagan for the past 23 years.

I first started working with Eagan Montessori about 16 years ago. I really enjoyed my work in the new career that I had chosen after working with my husband in his Chiropractic office for almost 20 years. So much so, that I decided to open a second school in 2009, Amazing Beginnings Montessori. Then again in 2016 I opened Eagan Montessori South.

As a child growing up in Sri-Lanka, I attended Montessori school and still remember some of my favorite Montessori activities. All my siblings attended Montessori schools in Sri-Lanka and they are all very successful adults in their chosen fields. I experienced firsthand the power of a good Montessori education. Even the founders of Google credited their success to their “Montessori experience,” in an interview they did with Barbra Walters. I am in this profession because I feel that our children are the future of the world, and I want to be a part of shaping that future. I do not take this job lightly. I take it upon myself, to travel to different states and foreign countries to visit other preschools and understand how different programs work. This experience helps me to incorporate the best of what I learn to make our schools the best they can be.

I look forward to getting to know all the parents and the students that attend all of my schools. My fervent prayer is that all the children who go through our schools will become wonderful, kind, loving and smart adults that will make amazing contributions to society, just because they spent their formative years at one of my Montessori schools.

Ms Ruchika, Eagan Montessori Academy, Amazing Beginnings Montessori

Ms. Ruchika Verma. I am the Regional Director for both Eagan Montessori Academy South and Amazing Beginnings Montessori in Inver Grove
Heights. I have been the lead Kindergarten teacher at Eagan Montessori Academy North and South for the last 14 years, I have had a significant and impactful career in education, contributing to the success and reputation of our schools. With 25-plus years of teaching experience I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom. I have been instrumental in elevating the status of our schools, which is considered to be among the best. With such extensive experience, I have a deep understanding of education, student development, and the dynamics of school communities.

My educational background includes a Master of Education, a Director’s Credential, Montessori Certification, and I am a Professional Development Specialist. I have demonstrated my commitment to excellence in the field of education and have been honored to attend the graduation of my own kindergarten students who speak volumes about the lasting impact I have had on their lives. One of my students attends Stanford University, while several others are also attending distinguished universities. This is a testament to the quality of education and guidance I have in my career.

I am married to my husband, Sanjay, for over 30 years and we have raised two children into accomplished and well-rounded adults. As parents, we have instilled good values and provided support to help them achieve their dreams. We created a positive and encouraging environment for our family, much like I do within our school system.

Having a compassionate and loving family is a significant aspect of my life, and I am surrounded by wonderful people both at home and in our schools. My teaching career, which can be demanding at times, has given me many rewards and blessings. One of my greatest joys is when a past student stops by to see me and share their successes. Their visits leave me with a great feeling of pride and accomplishment.

Ms Lauren, Eagan Montessori Academy, Amazing Beginnings Montessori

Ms. Lauren. I am currently the Lead Preschool Teacher and Director at Amazing Beginnings Montessori. I started my career in early childhood 12 years ago at this location and then transferred to our sister school, Eagan Montessori North. I came back to where I started in March 2020 to be closer to home.

I was born and raised in South Saint Paul. I went on to continue my education at Inver Hills Community College and graduated with my Associate’s Degree. I have also received my Montessori Early Childhood Certificate. My son, Finn, is currently in the Pre-K room and truly loves coming every day. It is a joy to see his face light up as he gets to see his friends and teachers.

I really love working with children and it has been an honor to get to know each and every child here at ABMS. I am excited to also meet new children in the future and help become a part of their daily learning. To watch a child grow is one of the most amazing experiences of being a teacher. I really enjoy working here at ABMS. It is a very positive and encouraging environment to work at and I look forward to coming to work every day.

Ms Tausha, Eagan Montessori Academy, Amazing Beginnings Montessori

Ms. Tausha. I am the Toddler 2 lead teacher along with being the Assistant Director at ABMS. I have worked here for over 4 years and truly love working with children every day. I received my Child Development Associate in infants and toddlers this past year.

I have a daughter named Aria that is almost 9 who previously attended here. To be able to see her grow and learn each day was a blessing and made me realize I was in the right career. Child care is a passion of mine and enjoy finding fun, safe and new ways to help the children learn.

Read the Newsletter!

Parent Reviews

Where to begin? I transferred my kids here from another facility that was nice but very large. Due to the number of children there we were experiencing some disruptive behaviors and since the move those have all but disappeared. My kids do not cry at drop off every day anymore and they love going to school. I enjoy the soccer shots program they offer and everyone has been very personable. I am so glad we switched.

Dena G.

My son is in the infant room and it gives me peace of mind to know how well the staff care for him. They are warm and friendly and do a good job of communicating with parents. I love the activities and projects they do with the infants, which isn’t easy considering how young they are.

Jennifer R.

My children love Amazing Beginnings. The staff is wonderful and caring. My daughter loves her teacher and talks about her all the time at home. I would definitely recommend Amazing Beginnings Montessori.

Jen L.

This place has created a very welcoming and “homey” feeling, as soon as I toured I knew I’d fall in love. The staff shows a very calm, caring, loving attitude and feel, not only relieved but genuinely happy when leaving my children there everyday! Thank all of you for all that you do!

Destiney S.

We have had the pleasure of using Amazing Beginnings Montessori Child Care & Preschool as our primary childcare provider for our daughters. In the time we’ve been associated with Amazing Beginnings, they have proven to be extremely competent; providing a very loving and caring atmosphere for our children and the other children they care for.

Amazing Beginnings provides us with verbal and written summaries of our youngest daughter’s daily activities, including her eating habits, how well she ate, nap times, and any other pertinent information. They are very conscientious to our kid’s moods and any special needs they may require. In addition, they have always been prompt and efficient in getting any necessary information to either Nikki or myself concerning their health or safety.

Our daughters have never shown any hesitation in staying at Amazing Beginnings, and we attribute this to the warm and friendly environment they encounter on a daily basis. We highly recommend Amazing Beginnings as a childcare provider for anyone who may be seeking the personal love and attention for their children that is not usually available in a larger daycare setting.

Marcus and Nikki Brown

I’m so glad Amazing Beginnings opened their school in my community! I initially enrolled my 3 year old twins in a Montessori preschool (they are now 4 ½), which they did well in, but it closed after only a few months. They then attended a traditional preschool for a year. But for my ‘spirited’ children who had not before been in a daycare or other structured environment, it was very difficult and stressful for them to be in a rigid classroom. Now at Amazing Beginnings, they LOVE school and ask me often if they ‘get to’ go to school tomorrow!

The teachers have been wonderful and easy to talk to, understanding and accommodating. They are very positive with the children. The activities are age-appropriate; not expecting more than I believe a preschooler can comfortably follow through on. I love the flexibility the school offers too, with options for 2 or 3 days per week or half days. I didn’t want to enroll my children in a full time school at such a young age, and it is difficult to find part-time options that would allow me to work part time.

Academically, I can be sure that my kids are not bored. In their traditional school, my children already knew nearly all the of their numbers, shapes, colors etc. that the class was studying. Now I know they are challenged and are interested in trying to sound out words to read! One of my 4 year olds who previously did not enjoy coloring, now LOVES drawing and is able to patiently color inside lines of a coloring sheet only 3 months after beginning school here – a change I never expected. We are so pleased with Amazing Beginnings that we are considering keeping our twins in the program through Kindergarten.

Nancy Pone, Past Parent

When I first brought my daughter to Amazing beginnings she was very shy and was not used to being around other children. Within a couple weeks I noticed a tremendous change, I saw her come out of her shell. It meant a lot to me to see her discover who she was and be comfortable and confident in herself. She had no problems adjusting to kindergarten because of the preparations from Amazing Beginnings. I would highly recommend this school to others because of the results I have seen and how caring the staff is.

Jennifer R.