Christine Silva became a Montessori teacher when her daughter, Emily, was in kindergarten and has taught in Montessori elementary and primary classrooms for more than 15 years. Silva will continue utilizing her teaching skills at the new Nampa Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten she opened in October at 312 N. Canyon St. “The ‘whole child approach’ uses Montessori materials that promote the development of social skills, emotional growth, physical coordination as well as cognitive preparation,” Silva said. “This is a place that belongs to the children. Their works are on shelves and all desks and chairs are at their level.”Maria Montessori, (1870-1952), an Italian physician and educator for whom Montessori schools and program are named, designed materials and developed her own teaching method by observing and supporting the natural development of children, according to the Montessori Web site, www.montessori.edu. “Montessori believed the best way for children to learn was by doing,” Silva said.Jessica Mansell agrees. Her 7-year-old son, Tyler, and 4-year-old daughter, Samantha, have been enrolled in Montessori schools in Boise. “My son, Tyler, is now in public education, but was in Montessori for three years. He just recently had some testing at his school and he scored off the charts in reading comprehension and vocabulary,” Mansell said.When Mansell’s job location changed, she was glad to find a Montessori school in Nampa, where Samantha started in November.”I was ecstatic to find a (Montessori) school on this side of the Valley,” she said. “It’s too bad more parents don’t take advantage … it’s a great early education program.”AROUND THE VALLEYCENTER USES TECHNOLOGY TO KEEP PARENTS CLOSEThe Land of Nod Childcare, which opened Nov. 12, is celebrating its grand opening with an open house from 3 to 7 p.m Friday at 1167 E. Iron Eagle Drive, Eagle. Tuition at the childcare center is all-inclusive, including tumbling, a ballet/jazz/hip-hop dance class, music and movement, applied math and science, Spanish and kindergarten prep. Lead teachers in each class have degrees in education, child development, and/or have multiple years experience in childcare facilities and schools. The center also has state-of-the-art electronic equipment that allows parents to view their children throughout the day.”We utilize Webcam, video phones and electronic personalized security keys for optimum security,” said owner David Rossow, who opened the business with his wife, Kristen Rossow. “Parents will be able to log in on a secure Web site to observe their child’s classroom.” Video phones also will allow parents and children to see each other up close with a clear, real-time image throughout the day.The facility is accepting enrollment for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age. Business hours are 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 629-3696 or visit www.the-land-of-nod.com. FISHERS CELEBRATES NEW BOISE LOCATIONFishers Document Systems will be celebrating its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at 575 E. 42nd St., off Veterans Memorial Parkway in Boise. The locally-owned business moved into the building in September. In addition to hardware solutions such as copiers, printers, scanners and fax systems, Fisher’s also provides software solutions and professional services to streamline business processes.For more information, visit www.fishers-boise.com, or call 375-4410.CANDLEWOOD SUITES NOW OPEN ON COLE ROADCandlewood Suites has opened at 700 N. Cole Road in Boise. The hotel offers 84 guest rooms and 84 suites located on three floors and accepts pets for an additional fee. The fitness center includes a treadmill, recumbent bike, elliptical machine and a three-station weight machine. A business center, laundry facilities and a convenience store are located on the premise.For more information or reservations, call 322-4300 or visit www.candlewoodsuites.com.Stephanie Eddy: 377-6481
