Which kind of schooling?

I have an almost 14 month old daughter and I want to get her into an early learning school. I have looked at two different ones; one is a Montessori and the other is a learning experience. They are both close in price but the learning experience offers more curriculum than the Montessori does. But they are more hands on at the learning experience. There is also food, the Montessori is you pack them a meal and the learn experience is they make them meals. I guess I am trying to figure out from other moms what you would prefer your kid to go to. A Montessori school that teaches independence Or A learning experience where they are more hands on.

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I have worked in a few different school settings and the effectiveness of the different methods depends on the teachers/aides and the child themselves. I would meet with the teachers and ask to visit and observe for a period if you can. This can help get a better feel of what the class culture is like and if you think it'll make much difference at 14 months. It also depends what your goals are for her too. More info is needed in my opinion.

I'd say the style of school is less important than the individual school itself. Which has a higher teacher/student ratio? Which has higher turnover?

I believe that Montessori schools are so neat but I think it strongly depends on how your child is if they like being more independent life things and alone or like learning school thing with a group

If the price is basically the same I'm going for the learning/hands on that makes lunch

I am biased, but why is the Montessori school not hands on? The toddlers prep the community snack and take care of their environment as well as learning all the 'academic' stuff. It's true, if you don't have concerns about allergies or how the food is sourced then the one that provides meals is easier in general. If you can go to the open houses in both and get a feel for the teachers that is best. Our Montessori school is very calm, the toddlers have a bunny that roams around, my oldest is at elementary level and goes to read to toddlers, the parents are welcome into the school for various volunteering and observation opportunities

Personally, neither as academics & curriculum are not developmentally for young children (especially those under 5). Places like this claim "play-based curriculum" which is a fancy way of saying adult-led activities. Modern research and anthropology show us that young children learn best through child-led play, time outside, being read to, and having involved and responsive parents/caregivers who provide them with a life filled with opportunities and experiences. If childcare was a need I'd opt for a forest school or play-based & nature focused program. If I didn't have access to that, I'd do a nanny share or hiring a mother with a child to babysit who could take my child out to experience new things. I was a nanny & brought my younger to with me up until 2020. Now we homeschool & we have a far more active and vibrant social life.

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