Meet Amanda Doering of Brookside Montessori

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Doering.

Hi Amanda, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Over a decade ago, as I began to look at baby items for my firstborn, I realized so many items are loud and overly bright. When I looked at my options, I felt furious and overwhelmed sensorially. As I broadened my search for simple wooden toys, I started to see the word “Montessori” pop up. When I saw these items, I felt calm and like they would allow a baby, toddler, and child to peacefully and joyfully play. I did not understand what the word “Montessori” meant. A teacher friend in St. Louis explained the philosophy to me. When I moved back to Kansas City, I quickly found a school for my oldest to attend and for me to work part-time. I was hooked and worked there for over 4 years. I also began a children’s yoga program and taught in various early childhood centers. Due to low pay, I took a break from being a Montessori assistant. But my soul never stopped loving Montessori, and we incorporated many principles into our life. Flash forward to covid, and I started a Montessori learning group in our home. After the birth of my third child, I paused the program but continued to find folks asking me for Montessori care. In the spring of 2023, my husband encouraged me to expand my program. With his assistance, we formally launched Brookside Montessori, a home-based school for toddlers and primary (ages 2.5-6 years) children.

We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, it has been a fairly smooth road. I am thankful for seeing a variety of early childhood centers. This has helped us create policies to avoid confusion and to help create a consistent rhythm and environment for the children.

We’ve been impressed with Brookside Montessori, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
We are a home-based Montessori school for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners. Montessori is a whole child experience, so not only will children have hands-on math, language, science, history, and geography, but they will also do art, practical life, music, gardening, and work on manners. In addition to Montessori work cycles, we have ample outdoor time and free play. We also serve organic and local foods. We have small numbers in our school to maximize attention to individual children.

What matters most to you?
At the end of the school day, I want to say that each child has engaged their minds, hands, and hearts fully and in developmentally appropriate ways.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Brooksidemontessorikc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087370283002&mibextid=9R9pXO