
Firefly Family Montessori:
A Well Prepared environment for the spiritual embryos


Daily Routine
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Arrival & Breakfast (8:30–9:30 AM)
A gentle drop-off to ease into the day, followed by a self-serve breakfast to promote independence.
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Morning Work Cycle (9:00–10:30 AM)
Children engage in Montessori activities focused on language, math, sensorial exploration, and practical life skills. Diapers are changed as needed during this time.
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Circle Time (10:30 AM)
A rich group experience including songs, stories, classical music, food tasting, cultural exposure, and bilingual learning in both Chinese and English.
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Handwashing & Gratitude Ritual (10:50 AM)
We pause to wash hands and share a moment of gratitude—building a habit of thankfulness and mindfulness.
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Lunch (11:00–11:30 AM)
Enjoying homemade, balanced meals together fosters healthy eating habits and social connection.
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Recess (11:30 AM–12:30 PM)
Outdoor play (weather permitting) gives children time to move, explore, and digest their food before rest—supporting better overall health.
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Transition Time (12:30–1:00 PM)
Children wash hands, change diapers, drink milk, and settle down with quiet books to prepare for rest.
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Nap or Quiet Time (1:00–3:00 PM)
Nappers are gently supported into sleep. Non-nappers enjoy some quiet time.
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Afternoon Work & Snack (3:00–4:00 PM)
Children wake up, put away bedding, have diapers changed, and enjoy a healthy snack along with music or a story.
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Recess & Pick-Up (4:00–5:30 PM)
Outdoor play continues (weather permitting) as children enjoy free movement until pick-up.
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We Are What We Eat!
Investing in early childhood nutrition is a surefire strategy. The returns are incredibly high.
--- Anne M. Mulcahy
We’re excited to share our food policy at Firefly Family Montessori—because here, food is more than just a meal. It’s a celebration of care, nourishment, and love!
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All meals are included in tuition, and we take great pride in serving healthy breakfasts, snacks, and homemade lunches every day. We know how busy life can get, and we’re here to make sure every child gets the nutrition they need to grow and thrive.
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And the best part? Even our pickiest eaters dig in with delight—eating vegetables they might refuse at home! What’s our secret?
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We create a calm, joyful, and pressure-free mealtime atmosphere where food is enjoyed—not forced.
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Meals are served in a thoughtful order: vegetables first, then protein, and finally carbohydrates—gently encouraging healthy habits to form naturally.
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All our food is prepared with toddlers in mind—tender, flavorful meats, soft, fresh vegetables, and pasta soaked in chicken broth for added taste and comfort. We serve in small portions so children feel confident and never overwhelmed.
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To make food even more exciting, we introduce a food tasting program during circle time. Children explore new fruits and vegetables with curiosity and focus—making them far more likely to give unfamiliar foods a try!
One little one once pointed at our chef and said, “My grandma cooking!” That’s exactly what we hope to create—a cozy, home-like experience where children feel safe, loved, and nourished, inside and out.


Typical Lunch Menu
Monday
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Cooked broccoli
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Chopped pork rib meat
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Pasta soaked in pork broth
Tuesday
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Tofu and vegetable (carrot, pea, corn) soup
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Chicken and shrimp meatballs
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Noodles
Wednesday
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Beans
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Curry chicken with potatoes, onions, and carrots
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Steamed rice
Thursday
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Tomato beef sauce
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Pasta
Friday
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Smoothie made by children
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Pizzas on home-made zucchini pancakes


Not All Snacks Are Equal!
We offer wholesome, balanced snacks that fuel growing bodies and minds. A typical snack may include:
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Crackers with low or no added sugar
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Fresh seasonal fruit
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Cheese
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Homemade smoothies
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Yogurt
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Sliced cucumber
Every option is carefully chosen to support healthy eating habits and keep little ones energized throughout the day.


Diaper Changing & Potty Training
We create a calm, respectful diapering routine that builds trust, encourages cooperation, and fosters independence. Here’s how we do it:
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Clear Communication
We always talk to the child before and during diaper changes, letting them know what’s happening and inviting their participation. -
Active Involvement
Children are encouraged to take part in the process—retrieving their own diaper bin, helping with undressing, or tossing wipes. This gives them a sense of control over their own body and helps build working memory. Many of our toddlers can not only find their own bins but also recognize which one belongs to each friend!
Over time, this respectful and engaging approach not only makes diapering smoother—it also lays a strong foundation for successful toilet learning.

Potty training is not just a big milestone for toddlers—it’s also a meaningful step for families. It brings a sense of independence for the child, relief for parents, and marks an important phase in a child’s emotional and psychological growth.
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At Firefly, we carefully observe each child for signs of readiness. When the time is right, we partner closely with parents to support this transition with patience and consistency. Every child is unique, and we respect each one’s natural pace—we never rush the process.
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Accidents are treated as a normal part of learning. We reassure children with calm, positive guidance, helping them feel safe and confident every step of the way.

FireflyFM is now an AMS member school!