~ Kinder Haus History & Recognition ~

Kinder Haus was founded by Pat Lacoste Lytle, who began her love affair with Montessori while teaching in Einseidlerhof, Germany. Up until that point she had been involved in early childhood education in traditional settings. “When I watched a three year old carry a glass pitcher of water across a classroom, full of busy children, I was totally enthralled,” says Pat. From that point on, she began her studies of the Montessori philosophy and in 1976 received her diploma from St. Nicholas of London, a Montessori training center established by Dr. Maria Montessori.

Her dream was to open a Montessori school that would address the demands of a modern family while providing children with a supportive environment, which nurtures their normal development. On July 2, 1984, Pat achieved her dream by opening the first location of Kinder Haus Montessori, in Metairie Louisiana. On July 15, 1996, she furthered her vision by opening the second location in Mandeville Louisiana. Her daughter Michelle O’Brien was the first director and responsible for establishing the vision and standards of Kinder Haus on the northshore.

During the first few years of life, children develop the basis of their opinions of themselves, their capabilities and their self worth. They also develop trust, coping skills, and attitudes toward the world in which they live.

At Kinder Haus children become a lover of work –one who carries out their chosen task with a genuine joy. Learning a respect of others brings out children to a higher level of accomplishment in the classroom and in their community.

Pat and her dedicated staff of educators are grateful to the many families who have entrusted their children to Kinder Haus, for their love and support. They also look forward to getting to know new members of the Kinder Haus family. Call us for your personal tour.

Recognition

• One of the first Montessori school in the country to institute an all day Montessori school program
• Chosen as a tour site for educators attending conferences of the National Association for Education of Young Children, Louisiana Association for Education of Young Children, and the American Montessori Society
• One of the pioneers in instituting a Toddler Montessori programs in the country

Nationally recognized for outstanding work in Peace Education by Tomorrow’s Child Magazine.