Before & After School – 2 Locations In Mahomet & Manhattan, IL

A Seamless Extension of the Montessori Day

At First School, we understand that many families need reliable, enriching care outside of traditional classroom hours. That’s why we proudly offer a thoughtfully designed Before & After Care program that complements the Montessori learning experience while supporting busy parents with extended care options.

Our Before & After Care services are available at both of our convenient locations, providing a consistent and nurturing environment where children can ease into or wind down from their school day with activities that feel purposeful, calm & engaging.

A Continuation of Montessori Values

Our extended care program is much more than simple supervision, it is a true extension of the Montessori philosophy. We maintain the same peaceful, respectful atmosphere found in our classrooms, with age-appropriate activities and routines that encourage independence, cooperation & creativity.

First School – Children In Before & After Care Enjoy:

• Hands-on activities and Montessori materials
• Outdoor play and movement
• Quiet reading and journaling time
• Practical life tasks like snack preparation and cleanup
• Art, music, and creative expression
• Opportunities for social interaction & collaboration

Whether a child arrives early in the morning or stays with us after dismissal, they remain in a familiar, caring space that supports their emotional well-being and developmental needs.

Before Care – A Calm Start to the Day

At First School, our Before Care program begins at 7:00 AM in Mahomet and 6:30 AM in Manhattan, giving working parents a flexible drop-off window while providing children with a smooth and peaceful start to their day. Upon arrival, children are greeted by friendly staff and invited to participate in quiet, purposeful activities. These may include working with puzzles, drawing, reading, or helping prepare the classroom for the day.

The relaxed pace and structured independence of the morning routine help children transition seamlessly into the school day feeling calm, focused, and ready to learn.

After Care – A Peaceful, Engaging End to the Day

Our After Care program begins at the end of the academic day and extends until 5:30 PM in Mahomet and 6:00 PM in Manhattan. The afternoon and early evening hours are designed to be restorative, fun, and engaging, giving children time to unwind while still benefiting from enriching experiences.

Children participate In:

• Outdoor play and gross motor activities, weather permitting
• Crafts and creative art projects
• Storytelling, music, and free choice activities
• Group games, board games, and puzzles
• Practical life exercises, such as tidying up and organizing materials

Healthy snacks are provided, and the environment remains structured yet relaxed, supporting the child’s need for both activity and downtime after a stimulating school day.

Trusted & Consistent Care

Our Before & After Care program is led by the same dedicated and trained staff members who understand the Montessori method and maintain our school’s standards of grace, courtesy, and respect. Children benefit from being with familiar caregivers and peers in a safe, predictable environment.

We prioritize small group sizes to ensure personalized attention and strong relationships. Our team communicates regularly with parents and works closely with classroom teachers to support each child’s continuity of care and learning.

Flexible Options for Busy Families

We know that every family’s schedule is different, which is why we offer flexible enrollment in our Before & After Care program. Parents may choose full-time or part-time care, with options to register for mornings only, afternoons only, or both.

This flexibility ensures that your child receives consistent, high-quality care that fits your family’s routine and needs.

Why Parents Love Our Before & After Care

Families appreciate First School’s Before & After School program because it provides:

• A smooth transition between home and school
• Extended care that mirrors Montessori principles
• Peace of mind knowing children are in a secure, enriching environment
• Opportunities for continued learning, creativity, and social development
• Consistent routines and familiar staff members
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate working parents

Schedule a Visit or Enroll Today @ First School – 2 Locations

Whether your child joins us early in the morning or stays later in the evening, our Before & After Care program provides a nurturing and enriching environment every step of the way. We invite you to tour First School, meet our team, and see how our extended care offerings can support your family.

To learn more or reserve your child’s spot in our Before & After Care program, contact us today. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our Montessori community – where learning, care, and respect are at the heart of everything we do.