Montessori schools are a top choice for many families today, especially in the early childhood development years. The unique Montessori model allows young children to learn in an environment that encourages self-correction, social confidence, and interest-based skills building more than standard education programs.
If you’re in the process of starting a Montessori preschool, read further to learn the step-by-step process of creating a business plan.
1. Have the Right Training
Before starting a Montessori business plan, make sure you are properly trained in Montessori methods and techniques. Running a Montessori preschool requires you and your staff to understand the teaching philosophy and overall classroom structure to effectively run a Montessori preschool. Training is available in colleges and training programs around the world, both online and in-person.
2. Create a Budget
One of the main aspects of starting a preschool business plan is to determine the financial needs of your business. To create a budget for a Montessori preschool, research and outline all the expenses you’ll manage, such as:
- Revenue (tuition, fees, other services)
- Business expenses (fixed, variable, startup costs)
- Administrative costs (licensing, insurance, legal fees, etc.)
- Cost of Montessori equipment and supplies
- Payroll
- Taxes
- Marketing
Every preschool is different — factor in all operating costs and Montessori equipment when making your budget.
3. Make a Montessori Schedule
What days and times will you operate your Montessori preschool? Create a set schedule. While this is your business and you get to decide how it’s run, keep in mind that families rely on you for childcare. Hours ideally resemble standard preschool hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Most Montessori preschools are open on weekdays from morning into the afternoon or evening.
4. Consider Your Competition
How is the Montessori preschool market in your area? If there are few or no Montessori schools available, you’re in a great position to start one so that parents looking for this type of childcare can find what they need. If there are multiple Montessori schools already, evaluate what makes yours unique.
Here are some guiding questions:
- Who can you market to in your area?
- How much will you charge for tuition?
- What’s the average cost of existing Montessori preschools?
- How many families are searching for Montessori options in the area?
- Where are Montessori schools currently operating (in-home or at a facility)?
Observing your competition isn’t malicious; it simply prepares you with the information you need to offer the best services possible.
5. Find a Location
When you have an idea about your budget, schedule, and local competition, start finalizing a location for your preschool. Some Montessori schools are offered as in-home daycares, while others are more formal inside a classroom or facility. Choose the option that’s most feasible, affordable, and abides by state licensing requirements.
6. Hire Montessori Employees
Most Montessori schools operate with the help of multiple teachers and support staff. Before opening your doors, begin hiring your team. Consider what qualifications they will need to be a good fit. Make sure they’re either 1) already trained in Montessori education and philosophy or 2) willing to receive adequate training during early employment.
7. Create a Montessori Preschool Curriculum
The unique curriculum utilized in the Montessori education model is one of the stand-out features that will set your preschool apart from the rest. Once you’ve hired your team, bring everyone together to establish a Montessori curriculum for preschoolers.
This type of curriculum contains similar learning objectives to conventional preschools. However, it often includes regular plans for multi-age activities, group and individual learning stations, practical life skills training, and special Montessori equipment.
If you need help making a Montessori curriculum, view the Daily Connect Montessori Platform to access 270 built-in lesson plans and activities.
8. Purchase Montessori Supplies and Equipment
The Montessori classroom is set up and structured differently than other early childhood education facilities today. Mainly, classroom equipment and everyday materials are noticeably different.
Here are some examples:
- A classroom equipped with a miniature kitchen, sink, and age-appropriate utensils helps children learn to prepare food.
- Common Montessori supplies such as the “pink tower,” moveable alphabet, brown stairs, thermal tablets, and bead frames often take the place of routine workbooks.
- Coat hangers, cubbies, and storage racks are lowered so children can practice responsible self-care.
- Class decorations are minimal — and often neutral-toned — to decrease over-stimulation and distraction during class.
Other special supplies and equipment will vary depending on your class size and curriculum. Do some online research to discover specific options you can adopt.
9. Get Organized
Of course, being organized with your lesson plans, scheduling, snack prep, parent communication, and payroll is essential. But aside from organizing the administrative duties and operations of your preschool, organization is a top skill to execute when starting and maintaining your business.
Because of your preschool’s self-guided, independent learning atmosphere, Montessori children need to know where items are located, how to put things away, and when they’re allowed to engage in group/individual activities. Get plenty of storage equipment, design your classroom layout wisely, and instruct teachers to help students practice being organized.
10. Set Up a Montessori Preschool Software
When creating a Montessori business plan, one way to get organized ahead of time is to set up a preschool management software. This digital software helps you streamline nearly every aspect of your preschool, from attendance and curriculum to parent billing and customer communications. It can also help you organize important documents, such as licensure, incident reports, employee certificates, and more.
Daily Connect: The Ultimate Montessori Preschool Software
Whether you’re in the beginning process of setting up a Montessori preschool business plan or you need to optimize an existing classroom, a Montessori preschool software can help.
Daily Connect is an affordable preschool management app that was designed specifically for Montessori educators. Its features include:
- Child learning and development tracking
- Online invoicing and billing
- Secure parent-teacher communication
- Attendance records
- Daily activity records
- Administrative automation
- And more
Make your Montessori preschool business the best it can be with the support of our top-rated childcare management software. To get a free, two-week trial, join Daily Connect today.
