I first encountered Montessori pedagogy in Ireland, where I worked as a preschool teacher 20 years ago and completed a Montessori course with a diploma.
Even back then, I realized that this was the path I wanted to follow in life. I want to work with children, educate them, and be part of their fascinating development and thought processes. Working with children is incredibly creative and fulfilling for me.
„After returning to the Czech Republic, I graduated from Charles University in Prague with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I gained experience in various preschools—both public and private, traditional and Montessori.
These experiences allowed me to compare different approaches. However, the key role in every preschool is played by the teachers. Their quality lies not only in their education but also in their kindness and enthusiasm for working with children.
Alongside my work as a teacher, I have always taught English to children. I love being creative, designing games and materials for their lessons. During my maternity leave, I founded the successful project Englishland, under which I continue to teach English to children and train other instructors. I create movement and musical games as well as interactive teaching tools to help them lead lessons focused on spoken English. I encourage them to teach children English through play and in a natural way.“
English has always been close to my heart, and I wanted to give my children the same opportunity.
During the preschool years, children go through a sensitive period when their ability to acquire any language is heightened. This makes it the perfect time to expose them to another language, which they can ‚soak up like a sponge.‘ Children learn it naturally and effortlessly, simply by being in an environment where the language is spoken. I wished for my children to be surrounded by English as well.
At home, however, we naturally spoke only Czech, and I couldn’t find any bilingual preschool with a respectful approach in our area.
„When my firstborn daughter reached preschool age, I had a clear idea of the kind of preschool I wanted for her.
I dreamed of a bilingual preschool with a respectful and individualized approach. A place without pressure to perform, competitiveness, or comparison with other children. A place where children wouldn’t be scared with tales of devils or subjected to the so-called ‚good kid‘ labeling.
„I knew in advance that we wouldn’t be interested in a traditional state preschool. Of course, there are excellent teachers and well-thought-out methodologies in traditional preschools, but in my experience, a preschool is always primarily about the people—the teachers. The problem is that parents often don’t have the opportunity to truly see the day-to-day atmosphere of the preschool.
During my teaching career, I encountered many ‚behind-the-scenes’ stories. For example, one teacher locked a child in a storage room because they were ‚misbehaving.‘ When the parents came to pick up the child, the teacher couldn’t find them because she had forgotten she had locked them there. It was the other children who reminded her.
In another preschool, a teacher intimidated a child, saying, ‚If you don’t leave the garden right now, I’ll lock you in here, and you’ll die.‘
On another occasion, a teacher ignored a child crying for their mother in the cloakroom and told them, ‚Don’t cry too much here; no one will help you anyway.'“
I witnessed many such insensitive situations toward children during my career and knew I would never allow such approaches for my own children.
Because I firmly believe that the quality of a preschool depends on the people, I didn’t want to rely solely on luck that my children would have a ‚kind teacher.‘ I wanted a preschool where children would gain the skills they need for life and be nurtured in an environment that is safe, respectful, and inspiring.
I am speaking primarily about the development of social skills, healthy self-confidence, respect, independence, and the ability to learn.
Learning is a lifelong process. To grow and keep up with today’s world, we must continuously educate ourselves—and do so with joy.
I know many people who lose their desire to learn after finishing school. This reluctance often holds them back in both their personal and professional lives. They end up living average lives with average salaries, unwilling to invest in their own growth. But where does this resistance to learning come from? After all, children are born curious, eager to explore the world. When and why does this natural desire break?
I began to long for a place where children are treated with respect for their individuality, where their self-confidence is supported, not destroyed.
A place where children learn to work with mistakes, rather than being criticized for them. Where they are motivated to continue growing, not compared or shamed.
These are the skills that give children a much greater chance of succeeding in life.
I wish to raise children who love learning, want to explore, and develop. Children who will one day enrich the world with their talents—whether in business, politics, sports, or other fields. I want our preschool to send out future leaders who are not afraid to chase their dreams.
My vision of education is fulfilled by the Montessori pedagogy.
However, there was no Montessori preschool in our area, so a big dream was born—to open my own. My main motivation was not only for my own children but also the desire to show the world that it can be done differently: thoughtfully, meaningfully, with respect and kindness for every child.
The first step was to find a suitable building with a pleasant garden. It was a bit of a challenge, but after a year of searching, we found the perfect place. It is a bit further from our home in Újezd nad Lesy, but we are willing to commute for quality education. Moreover, the preschool is close to the forest, which is a great environment for the children.
Intensive preparations are now underway, and the preschool will open in September 2025, and I can’t wait. I share my journey of opening a prestigious Montessori preschool on social media. I warmly invite you to follow me on Facebook and Instagram.
I look forward to your support.
I support a compassionate approach to children and focus on creating a safe and stimulating environment where they can grow and develop their full potential.
Podporuji laskavý přístup k dětem a zaměřuji se na vytváření bezpečného a podnětného prostředí, kde mohou růst a rozvíjet svůj plný potenciál.