Who We Are?
Carla McQuillan
Executive Director
I have been an accredited Montessori Primary Teacher for 40 years. I have a degree in Speech Communication with an emphasis on Teaching through the use of Storytelling, graduating with High Distinction from the University of Illinois. Additionally, I am recognized as a Master Trainer with the Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education at Portland State University. I have been a Lead Teacher, Site Director and I currently serve as the Executive Director for Children’s Choice Montessori Schools, operating in Lane County for over 30 years. As a Montessori Primary Teacher, it has been a privilege and honor to support young children as they build confidence, skills, and knowledge in our Montessori environments.
Main Street Montessori Association is the non-profit corporation under which Children’s Choice Montessori operates. In 2003, Main Street Montessori Association supported a Teacher Education Program of which I was the Director and an instructor. Our training program certified people to become Montessori teachers. I was inspired as a teacher trainer as I had the ability to touch the lives of so many more children through the efforts of our graduates in the field. Watching the student teachers light up as the philosophy, materials and approach to learning became real to them and a part of their being.
Over the years, I developed parent education workshops, seminars, and self-authored brochures. These I presented at many Conferences, both local and National. My involvement with the National Federation of the Blind prompted me to include parenting of visually impaired children, encouraging parents to foster independence and self reliance in their blind children. Brochure topics include: Temper Tantrums, First Day of School, Developing Responsible Children, and Defusing the Bully. My love for teaching has not diminished over the last 40 years, and I plan to continue Parent and Teacher Education Programs as well as my most cherished role as Executive Director of Children’s Choice Montessori.
Staff
Sara Nibblett
Site Director
I have been teaching preschool aged children since 1999! I began my Montessori journey in 2003 as an infant and
toddler teacher. It did not take long for me to fall in love with The Montessori Philosophy and pursue my Primary
Montessori Training. In 2008 after receiving my teaching certificate through AMS, I began teaching my own Primary class
at Children’s Choice. I have been a classroom lead and site director for 11 years now. I have hundreds of hours in
continuing education. My favorite courses are those that pertain to Positive Discipline, Montessori Philosophy and
Peace Education.
Jason Hart
Assistant Director
I began my teaching career as an assistant teacher at Children’s Choice in 2009. From 2009 until 2021 I was also
employed at Early Childhood Cares as a classroom assistant. During this time I supported children with developmental
delays.
In 2011 I earned my certificate of completion of Montessori Assistant training through MSMA.
I appreciate the method of Montessori teaching because the style gives the freedom for children to learn at their own
pace and inspires social confidence. Seeing the excitement on a child’s face after they “master” a work is probably the
most rewarding part of being a teacher.
Katie Heidrick
Site Director
I started student teaching at Spring Creek Elementary in 2000 to 2001. From there I did my training with Carla in 2003/4. I then continued Montessori in my own home while running childcare as well as raising/home schooling my own children. I have been teaching for well over 20 years in a multitude of ways.
Extraordinary Experiences
In Children’s Choice Montessori classroom children daily are exposed daily to –
- Math
- Language
- Sensorial
- Practical Life
- Cultural-based Materials
- Art
- Peace Education
- Virtues
- Social Skills
- Grace and Courtesy
Provided in a non judgmental, nurturing environment, the children are encouraged to explore and experience the tasks that will foster their independence
Children's Choice Montessori Core Values
Children’s Choice Montessori provides a safe, developmentally appropriate, nurturing environment that promotes social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth, as well as a positive self-image and a love of learning.
Children’s Choice
Tuition Rates
Effective September 1, 2023
| Half Day | (8:30-1:00) | $850/mo | |
| Montessori Day | (8:30-3:00) | $1125/mo | |
| Extended Day | (7:00-6:00) | $1400/mo |
*Schedules subject to availability.
**Tuition rates are subject to change at any time.
Siblings will receive a 10% discount off the child with the shorter schedule.
Tuition is due the first 5 working days of each month. After that, a late fee of $25 is applied.
All schedules are 5 days per week, though we can adjust the tuition for
variable schedules during the week.
Please contact Carla McQuillan 541-726-2654 to make special payment arrangements.
ANNUAL MATERIALS FEE-
A $100 materials fee will be billed to all students on the first tuition billing.
DEPOSITS-
$250 Deposit is required to secure new enrollment OR to be put on the waiting list.
The deposit is refundable under the following conditions;
- A required minimum 30-day notice before student withdraws from CCM.
- The student never begins at CCM and CCM can fill the slot without losing tuition.
- For wait list enrollment – request for deposit refund after 90 days. Refund will forfeit place on wait list.
Visit my blog
- Montessori Primary Teacher for 40 years.
- A Master Trainer in Childhood Care and Education.
- Tips on parent education.
- Opportunities for individuals to become Montessori Teachers.