Montessori Presschool

About the School

Thank you for your interest in Monarch Montessori Preschool of Family Pathways. Formerly known in Butler as the YWCA Montessori Preschool, we are excited to continue our beloved Montessori program under the sponsorship and direction of Family Pathways.

A quality preschool provides a vital foundation for the future educational years of your child. The Montessori Method of early childhood education emphasizes and develops the potential of the young child by means of a prepared environment, giving the child free choice of activities once the child has been instructed in the use of the materials. It builds on a child’s natural sense of curiosity, self-worth, and independence to develop a lifelong love of learning.

Get to Know Our Staff

Chris Day, "Miss Chris"

Our preschool teacher, Miss Chris Day, has been a pillar of Butler’s preschool community, having taught over one thousand children over more than thirty years. She received her Montessori training under the direct supervision of Sister Mary Giuseppe, the original founder and director of Montessori education in the Butler area. After completion of her training, under sponsorship of the YWCA and with the support of former YWCA Executive Director Margaret Clawson, Miss Chris was able to start her own Montessori preschool and has provided outstanding preschool educations to two generations of Butler students.

Lisa Binus, "Miss Lisa"

Our Assistant preschool teacher, Miss Lisa Binus has been pivotal in transitioning the existing Montessori Program into the Monarch Montessori Preschool of Family Pathways.

Providing support to Miss Chris and the children alike, Miss Lisa is an integral part of the program and brings years of experience to the classroom as well.

Program Details and Class Sessions

Parents have their choice of 2, 3, or 5-day programs:

2 Days – Tuesday & Thursday
3 Days – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
5 Days – Monday through Friday

All class sessions run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The school year begins with Orientation Day the Tuesday after Labor Day in September and ends with Graduation Day at the end of May. We believe children do best with a consistent, predictable schedule. Each class includes choice time, large and small group work, and snack, offering a routine that provides a sense of security. Although each class may have a slightly different sequence, the daily routine remains the same.

Typical daily schedule:

30 minutes - Arrival and social time
30 minutes - Circle time and lesson of the day
60 minutes - Individual work time and seat work
15 minutes - Snack time and relaxation
30 minutes - Special of the day
10 minutes - Story time
5 minutes - Dismissal