In the middle of the year, in 2003, Teddy Bears Montessori Preschool was started by Ms. Preshanie Maharaj to take care of children in a safe, secure and nurturing environment, a home away from home. We started with one little boy on the first day and, through word of mouth, we grew from strength to strength doing what we were born to do.
We have become convinced that a Montessori education offers enormous advantages to all children. It is based on the principle that each child is an individual and develops at his or her own pace. We have seen our own children benefit from this approach and we are confident that your children will also enjoy growing and learning in this special environment.
For us, it is essential that children are educated in a caring and supportive environment where they are encouraged to work and play. We apply Montessori principles to instil in each child the love of learning that is at the heart of the Montessori education.
Our staff members have many years of experience in preschool teaching. I trained at The College of Modern Montessori in Linbro Park, I have also trained and am qualified as a self-esteem facilitator. I am currently completing my degree in Educational Psychology & Kids Life Coaching. I have also been a life Coach under Jay Shetty and worked closely with his vision and wisdom with an international audience. I have gained so many mindfulness skills and lessons that I can add to our daily classes to ensure our children are calm, at ease, and can cope with the help of the right tools to make it through most age-appropriate challenges.
I have worked in both the Montessori and the state education sector. I work alongside Montessori-trained teachers*, assistants and classroom helpers to ensure that every child is able to develop at his or her own pace. We have the most dedicated staff and when you meet them you will see how friendly and caring they truly are!
Children generally start with us when they are walking (and between the ages of 12 months and two years old), however many parents have grown to love our philosophy and environment that we take in one or max 2 babies from 4 months old. Most parents live in close proximity to the school premises and because of the wonderful area we live in, we generally have children from diverse backgrounds. For us, different languages, cultures, nationalities and religions serve to enrich the learning environment. By keeping our school small, a wonderful sense of community among the school’s parents and school team is developed.
We look forward to both your and your child’s participation in our school.
Preshanie Zia Maharaj - School Owner and Principal of Teddy Bears Montessori
Experience: Quailed Montessori Directress with Over 20 years’ experience working and teaching children
Area of Expertise: life coach specializing in building self-esteem in children and their parents,
Age Range: Aged 3 up to 6 years old
Previous Work History:
Worked at Clamber Club under Liz Senior
Worked at Thuthuka Montessori and Westcliff Nursery School
Worked with Jay Shetty Genius group for a year.
Worked with Coaching Minds UK during lock down hosted many online webinars, podcasts and discussions on various topics related to mindfulness
Building Self Esteem and ddidi volunteering at some of JHB Prisons and Bharagwanth Hospital
Experience: Qualified Montessori teacher with 10 years teaching experience
Area of Expertise: Practical Life, Sensorial & Maths Teacher
Age Range: Aged 3 up to 6 years old.
Experience: over 20 years experience
Area of Expertise: working and caring for our children, loved and adored by everyone.
This Code of Conduct serves as a guideline of the expected behaviour and attitude of children, parents and staff members at Teddy Bears Montessori.
I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation of the way you and the staff of TBM welcomed our two little children and integrated them into the TBM family. Like most parents, my husband and I were extremely anxious about our kids leaving home… We acknowledge the tremendous dedication and care that you and the staff put into looking after the children. Dropping the children off every morning knowing that they were receiving the best possible care gave us a great sense of peace. We have noted the amazing strides of growth and social development in both our children. Thank you for facilitating a sense of awareness and confidence in them. we appreciate that what they learn at school reflects that which we try to instil in them at home. You do an amazingly awesome job! May God bless you always.
Devi & I would like to thank you and the team from the bottom of our hearts for the superb education and well-being provided to Arya. When we were deciding on a Pre-School for Arya, it was without doubt that Teddy Bears Montessori stood out and we had no hesitation in allowing Arya to start her foundation phase in your school.
