1. Start With the Age Range: Not All Preschools Serve Infants
The first filter to apply when choosing a preschool in Downey is the minimum enrollment age. Many facilities in the area do not accept children under age 2 or even age 3. If you are a working parent returning from maternity leave, or a CalWORKs participant required to be employed or in training, you may need care for a child as young as 6 weeks.
Montessori Academy Downey is one of the only Montessori programs in Southeast Los Angeles County that operates a full Nido infant care environment from 6 weeks of age. The Nido (Italian for "nest") is a specially prepared environment designed for infants, with floor beds, low movement stations, and a 1:4 adult-to-infant ratio that California law requires for this age group. Our Nido is not a daycare room with cribs in rows — it is a genuine Montessori environment designed around the developmental needs of the pre-mobile and newly mobile infant.
Beyond infants, we serve toddlers (age 2), the Primary program (ages 3–6), Transitional Kindergarten, and a private elementary program through 3rd grade — the widest developmental arc of any of our three campuses.
2. Understand Your Subsidy Options: MAOF, CCTR, and CalWORKs in Downey
One of the most distinctive features of our Downey campus is that the majority of enrolled families use a childcare subsidy — primarily through MAOF (Mexican American Opportunity Foundation). If you are not familiar with these programs, here is a clear summary of what is available to Downey-area families:
| Program | Who Qualifies | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| MAOF | Working / in-training families, income-eligible | Full or partial tuition at approved providers |
| CCTR (Child Care & Dev. Training) | Income-eligible working families | State-funded childcare vouchers |
| CSPP (State Preschool Program) | Income-eligible 3–4 year olds | Part-day or full-day preschool |
| CalWORKs | Families receiving CalWORKs assistance | Childcare tied to employment/training requirements |
| Head Start | Low-income families with children 3–5 | Comprehensive early childhood program |
We will help you determine your eligibility and connect you with the relevant intake process. Many families assume they do not qualify and are surprised to learn they do. The first step is simply calling our admissions team at (562) 291-2324.
3. The Montessori Difference: Prepared Environment vs. Supervision
Once you have established a preschool can serve your child's age and accepts your subsidy, the next question is: what kind of education will my child actually receive? Many facilities in the Downey and South Gate area are licensed childcare providers that offer supervision and basic enrichment. Very few offer a true educational philosophy.
At Montessori Academy, the prepared environment is the foundation of everything. Every room — from the Nido to the elementary classroom — is designed to facilitate independent development. Infant rooms have intentional floor-level exploration areas. Toddler rooms have practical life stations where children pour, fold, and care for their environment. Primary classrooms have a three-hour uninterrupted work cycle during which children freely choose their materials and work at their own pace. This is education, not babysitting.
Our preschool program operates at a 1:5 teacher-to-child ratio — dramatically lower than the California state minimum and most Southeast LA daycares. Our Nido infant program maintains a 1:4 ratio as required. These low ratios mean every child is truly known by their teacher, not managed in a crowd.
Our teachers at Downey are AMS, AMI, and NAMTA-credentialed, with an average of 5 to 15 years of experience. They are trained to observe each child's sensitive period of development and introduce the right material at precisely the right moment. For a deeper understanding, read Why the Montessori Method Works.
4. Languages: Spanish, French, and Tagalog in Southeast LA
Our Downey campus offers three language immersion tracks — Spanish, French, and Tagalog — chosen specifically because they reflect the demographics of the communities we serve. Downey, Cerritos, Artesia, Bellflower, and Long Beach have significant Spanish-speaking, Filipino-American, and French-speaking communities.
Language immersion at Montessori Academy is not a once-a-week vocabulary lesson. Languages are used as the medium of instruction during practical life activities, outdoor time, and one-on-one teacher interactions throughout the day. A child enrolled from the Nido period who progresses through to our elementary program will develop genuine trilingual fluency — a credential that will serve them for a lifetime. Learn more about our language immersion program.
5. The Path to Elementary: Montessori Academy Downey Through 3rd Grade
Most preschools in Downey stop at age 5 or 6, forcing families to find a new school — and navigate a new transition — every few years. Montessori Academy Downey is unique in offering a seamless educational path from infancy through 3rd grade.
This continuity matters enormously for child development. Children who remain in the same Montessori environment for multiple years develop exceptional levels of independence, executive function, and self-regulation. The Montessori mixed-age classroom means a child's 3rd-grade experience is shared with 1st and 2nd graders — older children model academic skills while younger ones aspire to reach that level. This is the environment that produces the remarkable outcomes associated with the Montessori elementary program.
5b. Montessori vs. Public TK in Downey: An Honest Comparison
Many Downey families ask whether the free Transitional Kindergarten (TK) offered by Downey Unified School District (DUSD) is a viable alternative. Here is an honest side-by-side to help you decide:
| Factor | Montessori Academy Downey | Public TK (DUSD / LAUSD) |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher:Child ratio | 1:5 preschool / 1:4 infant | Up to 1:12 |
| Hours of operation | 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, year-round | School-year only, ~3–6 hrs/day |
| Minimum age | 6 weeks (Nido infant care) | 4–5 years old (TK eligible) |
| Languages offered | Spanish, French, Tagalog | Varies by school site |
| Learning approach | Child-directed, 3-hr work cycle | Teacher-directed, 20–30 min blocks |
| Meals provided | Yes — included for MAOF families | Varies / separate program |
| Cost | MAOF / subsidy eligible; call (562) 291-2324 | Free |
6. What to Ask on a Preschool Tour in Downey
When you visit any preschool in the Downey, Norwalk, or Paramount area, come prepared with these questions:
- What is your adult-to-child ratio for each age group?
- Do you accept MAOF, CCTR, or CalWORKs vouchers?
- Are teachers credentialed in their stated educational philosophy?
- What is the minimum enrollment age?
- Do you provide meals and snacks, or must families supply them?
- Are you open year-round, or do you close for school holidays?
- What is the language program — and how many hours per week is the second language actually spoken?
At Montessori Academy Downey, located at 7515 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241, every answer to these questions reflects our commitment to premium early education accessible to every family — regardless of income level. Campus Director Veronica Tapia and her team are available Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. CA Facility License: #198400903.
Frequently Asked Questions — Preschools in Downey, CA
What ages does Montessori Academy Downey serve?
Montessori Academy Downey serves children from 6 weeks of age through 3rd grade — the widest age range of any of our campuses. This includes our Nido infant program (6 weeks+), toddler program (age 2), Primary program (ages 3–6), Transitional Kindergarten, and a private elementary program through 3rd grade.
Does Montessori Academy Downey accept MAOF childcare subsidies?
Yes. The majority of our Downey families are enrolled through MAOF (Mexican American Opportunity Foundation) subsidies. We also accept CCTR, CSPP, CalWORKs, and Head Start vouchers. Our admissions team will walk you through the eligibility verification process at no cost.
What languages are taught at the Downey campus?
Our Downey campus offers Spanish, French, and Tagalog immersion — languages chosen to reflect the communities we serve across Downey, Cerritos, Artesia, and Long Beach. Language instruction is woven into daily Montessori activities throughout the day.
Is there a waitlist at Montessori Academy Downey?
No. As of 2026, Montessori Academy Downey has open enrollment with a total capacity of 125 students. Families can typically start within weeks of completing the enrollment paperwork.
What does Montessori infant care (Nido) cost in Downey?
Most Downey families access infant care through MAOF or other state subsidies, which can significantly reduce or fully cover the cost of care. Families without subsidy eligibility should contact the Downey campus directly at (562) 291-2324 for private-pay tuition information.
How do I apply for MAOF to cover preschool costs in Downey?
Contact our Downey admissions team at (562) 291-2324 or email veronica@montessori-academy.com. We will connect you directly with the MAOF intake process and help you gather the required documentation — typically proof of income, residency, and employment or school enrollment.
What if I lose MAOF eligibility — can my child stay enrolled?
Yes. Families who experience a change in MAOF eligibility are not automatically disenrolled. We work with each family individually to explore alternative subsidy programs (CCTR, CSPP, CalWORKs) or private-pay options. We believe in continuity of care and will not abruptly remove a child from their classroom environment.
Does Montessori Academy Downey provide meals and snacks?
Yes — uniquely among our three campuses, Montessori Academy Downey provides meals and snacks for enrolled children. This is included for MAOF-funded families and is part of our commitment to serving the whole child at this campus.
Call Us — We'll Help You Navigate MAOF
The fastest way to find out if your family qualifies for subsidized Montessori education at our Downey campus is a simple phone call. Our admissions team answers every inquiry personally, will explain your subsidy options clearly, and can schedule your tour within the same week.
Call Downey: (562) 291-2324