About Us

Holding Hands Montessori, a nonprofit Spanish bilingual Montessori preschool program, is set to launch its Contra Costa County campus in 2024, catering to children aged 18 months to 6 years. Our devoted staff, all of whom are Spanish-speaking, are CPR & First-Aid certified and have backgrounds in Child Development, fostering a nurturing and familiar environment.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower each child’s unique potential through a Montessori preschool experience that fosters independence, a love for learning, and personal growth. We value our dedicated teachers, supporting their professional development to provide exceptional guidance.

Together, we create a lasting positive impact on children, families, and communities.

Our Philosophy

Holding Hands Montessori embraces the Montessori approach, fostering holistic child development – cognitive, emotional, physical, and social – within a loving, safe, and respectful environment. We provide a structured yet flexible setting, inspiring independent exploration and self-directed learning.

Drawing inspiration from Dr. Maria Montessori’s principles, we place children at the center of their educational journey. Our classrooms provide a structured yet flexible space, allowing children to explore and engage with a wide array of subjects, including Science, Math, Language, Art, Practical Life, Sensorial, Cultural Studies, & Geography.

We prioritize the development of self-regulation skills through Conscious Discipline principles, and meaningful connections with our educators. Lessons in self-regulation, grace, and courtesy are foundational, fostering an environment of respect and kindness. We believe children learn best when they can connect with their teachers and understand the reasons behind rules, actively participating in solving problems and making choices.

Our Story

Holding Hands Montessori was established in response to the pressing need for affordable and educational childcare for working parents, and fair compensation for teachers. Our Executive Director, Julia Wolfe, previously founded and operated “A Step Ahead Montessori” in Oakland. Seeing the demand for a Spanish bilingual Montessori preschool program in Contra Costa County, she, along with a dedicated board of directors, founded Holding Hands Montessori to make a positive and lasting impact on children, families, and communities.