One of the most influential pioneers in early childhood education. Dr Maria Montessori’s ideas have become known and recognized throughout the world and have significantly influenced mainstream education.

Born in Italy, she was the first woman to graduate from the University of Rome Medical School and later worked as a doctor treating what are known today as children with “special needs”. Using the classroom as her laboratory for observing children, she devised a method of education which combines a philosophy with a practical approach based on the central ideas of freedom for the child within a carefully planned and structured environment.

The great pioneering achievement of Dr. Maria Montessori was to recognize the crucial importance of a child’s first six years of development. It is during this time that a child’s powers of absorption are highest and lifelong attitudes and patterns of learning are firmly formed. It is for the sensitive periods that the Montessori system of education was most uniquely and effectively designed.

So great was her success that she traveled the world, establishing schools and lecturing about her discoveries. Today, Dr. Montessori’s books have been translated in more than twenty languages and her method has become part of every good teacher training course.

Dr. Maria Montessori died in Holland at the age of 82, leaving behind her wonderful legacy. Today, her revolutionary concepts bring a sense of joy, freedom, and achievement to classrooms throughout the world.