When Joanne Mendolia’s first-born, Simona, was 2 years old she decided to enrol her in Casa Dei Bambino Montessori School in Woodbridge, Ontario. "I was pregnant with my second child and we decided that Simona needed something more than being at home with me," Joanne says. "We wanted more than babysitting, we wanted her to be in a learning environment."

"They are like sponges as toddlers. It’s a time of rapid growth and brain development and I had heard so much about the benefits of a Montessori setting."

Now that Simona is 4 years old, Joanne says she is sure she made the right decision to start her daughter in a supportive private school environment at an early age. "She has such a strong vocabulary. She doesn't use any baby words and she can show you the continents on a map."

Joanne was so pleased with Simona's progress that in February she decided to enrol 18-month-old Martina in the school's three-day-a-week toddler program. "Even after a few months, I can see her growing independence and love of learning."

Joanne has decided to keep her daughters at the Montessori school until Grade 1 and then she'll consider other options. "My husband and I are really happy. We think our daughters will be well prepared for whatever comes next. We’re spending this money and we’re getting good results."