School administration and leadership support can take the form of a single-day consultation, weekly sessions or extended projects depending on the needs of the school. Single day consultations typically consist of an observation of classrooms, programs and operations, followed by written recommendations for school improvement. Weekly sessions resemble the single day consultations, however, the recommendations are supported with ongoing sessions to assist with implementing the changes. Administrative support is also offered for specific projects such as the accreditation process, handbook development, and curriculum enhancement. In all cases, the School Administration will meet with the consultant to develop a customized program. Services are available in topics such as:
Executive Coaching – Perspectives Montessori Consulting will work with a single school administrator or an administration team to help them reflect upon their own professional growth. Executive coaching usually focuses on the personal development of each individual by posing thought provoking questions rather than providing you with all the answers. The role of the coach will focus on being a sounding board, confidant, partner, challenger and catalyst for change.
Operations Assessment – Classrooms, programs and operations will be observed and evaluated. Written recommendations will be presented to the School Administration together with improvement plans as needed. Additional workshops and coaching for teachers and staff will be available to assist in implementing the changes.
Visual Image Audit – Internal and external marketing are key components to retaining and attracting students. Perspectives Montessori Consulting will observe and review the image, as a whole, you present to clients – from your marketing materials to admissions tours to how you answer the telephone. The end result will be a document which conveys a comprehensive examination of your Montessori “brand”, as well as, an improvement plan as needed.
Student Retention Program – Internal marketing is the most important student retention factor. Perspectives Montessori Consulting will examine the school’s current internal marketing strategies and create recommendations in areas for improvement.
Policies and Procedures – Perspectives Montessori Consulting will review the current parent or teacher handbook. Policies and procedures will be examined and recommendations will be presented to the School Administration.
Record Keeping and Reporting – after a review of the current record keeping and reporting systems, new systems will be recommended and devised. Additional staff training and support to implement the new system will be available.
Ontario Curriculum – after a review of the current curriculum documentation, the consultant will take the Ontario curriculum and meld it with the individual school curriculum. Meetings with the teaching staff will be used to determine the signs of mastery in each of the curriculum areas. The final result will be an individualized school document overlaying both curricula.
School Unity – often in the day-to-day running of a school, the School Administration needs support in handling difficulties with students, faculty and parents. Guidance and support for the administration will be offered from a neutral third party. Support can take the form of mentoring, written recommendations, workshops for staff or parents
Feasibility Studies for New Schools or New Classrooms – Prior to opening a new school or a new classroom, owners must decide if a location is suitable. Perspectives Montessori Consulting will provide you with an in-depth feasibility study, which will include: a demographic study, a local competition study, and a building assessment study. Reviewing the academic needs in the community prior to opening a new school or a new classroom will save you money in the long run.