“Within the child lies the fate of the future.” – Maria Montessori
In Montessori, the early learning environment is called a Children’s House rather than a classroom to reflect its home-like setting, where children take ownership of their space and learning. Our Children’s House model is an Indigenized early learning Montessori environment for children ages 3 to 6, open Mondays through Fridays from 9am-4pm (closed Fridays in the summer). In addition to preparing children for kindergarten and beyond, our Children’s House also provides opportunities for children to practice the Ojibwe and D/Lakota languages and Native cultural traditions.
If you have questions about our Children’s Houses, please contact office@maiccmn.org
We are a tuition-based childcare center that has limited scholarships available. Please email Terri at ParentCoord@maiccmn.org for more information.
In our Children’s Houses, children will engage in:
- Building a Strong Cultural Self-Awareness
- Direct and Indirect Preparation for Math
- Direct and Indirect Preparation to Become Strong Writers and Readers
- Exercises of Practical Life
- Language Learning (Including Native Languages Ojibwe & L/Dakota)
- Sensorial Experiences
- Peer to peer & multigenerational learning
Prenatal to Three Family Nest Program
This program supports American Indian families in their prenatal period and children up to 3 years old. We share information with parents on early child development, Montessori education, and Indigenous parenting. Families have access to developmentally appropriate Montessori and Indigenous materials and individual support for child development and parent concerns. If you have questions about our Prenatal to Three Family Nest program, please contact Terri at ParentCoord@maiccmn.org
Economic Mobility Hub
In partnership with Ramsey County and Division of Indian Work, our staff serve our families holistically and partner with them to provide support and access to resources that address their immediate needs. Families may qualify to work with a Family Coach to set attainable short-term and long-term goals. Any American Indian family with a child under age 18 in their household who is eligible for Medical Assistance and who lives in Ramsey County is invited to apply.
Indigenous People’s Weekend
In October, we host the largest Native-led basketball expo in Minnesota to engage American Indian families in community, culture, and public health. This event is planned with support from the Niniijaanis MMIW basketball team(s) & Indigenous People’s Weekend Youth Council. Activities include a youth skills camp, various basketball tournaments, an MMIW panel, live music and performances, and features a curated vendor market of Native artists, businesses, organizations. If you have questions about Indigenous People’s Weekend or youth council, please contact brook.lafloe@gmail.com
Why Choose MAICC?
- A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Educational Institution
- A Childcare Center Licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services
- A Four-Star Parent Aware-Rated Program
- An Association Montessori International (AMI) Recognized School
Montessori American Indian Childcare Center 