Our Program

Our Mission

At Holding Hands Montessori, our mission is to nurture each child’s unique potential through a Spanish bilingual Montessori preschool experience. We foster independence, a love for learning, and personal growth in a supportive and enriching environment.

We value our dedicated teachers, investing in their professional development to ensure exceptional guidance and care. Together, we create a lasting positive impact on children, families, and communities.

Our Philosophy

Holding Hands Montessori embraces the Montessori approach, focusing on the holistic development of each child—cognitive, emotional, physical, and social—within a loving, safe, and respectful environment. Our structured yet flexible setting encourages independent exploration and self-directed learning.

Inspired by Dr. Maria Montessori’s principles, we place children at the center of their educational journey. Our classrooms provide engaging, hands-on experiences in Science, Math, Language, Art, Practical Life, Sensorial Exploration, Cultural Studies, and Geography.

We emphasize self-regulation skills through Conscious Discipline principles, fostering meaningful connections between children and educators. Lessons in self-regulation, grace, and courtesy build a foundation of respect and kindness. We believe that children learn best when they feel understood, actively participate in problem-solving, and make choices within a supportive environment.

Our Story

Holding Hands Montessori was founded to address the growing need for affordable, high-quality early education for working families while ensuring equitable compensation for teachers. Our Executive Director, Julia Wolfe, previously founded A Step Ahead Montessori in Oakland. Recognizing the demand for a Spanish-bilingual Montessori preschool in Contra Costa County, she and a dedicated board of directors sought a community partner to host the program.

They found the perfect home at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, which provided a cozy classroom and a spacious outdoor play area. In November 2024, Holding Hands Montessori became a licensed preschool, committed to making a meaningful and lasting impact on children, families, and the broader community.

Our Academic Programs

At Holding Hands Montessori, children work independently or in small groups under the guidance of experienced staff, progressing at their own natural pace. While core subjects such as reading, writing, science, and arithmetic are emphasized, our age-appropriate, diverse curriculum nurtures a wide range of interests.

Preschool/Pre-K Program

Designed for children ages 2 to 4, our preschool/pre-k program introduces five key areas of the Montessori environment: Science, Math, Language, Art, Practical Life, Sensorial Exploration, Cultural Studies, & Geography. We foster independence, concentration, and strong learning habits in a warm and engaging setting.

Program Options:

  • Half-Day: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
  • School Day: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Full Day: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Available 2, 3, or 5 days per week

Kindergarten Program

Our Kindergarten program for five-year-olds combines a morning mixed-age class with an afternoon focus on advanced academic skills, including reading, math, language, penmanship, and other subjects. This structure ensures continuity in social development, work habits, and academic growth.

Program Options:

  • School Day: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Full Day: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Available 2, 3, or 5 days per week
Montessori students in a Spanish bilingual preschool classroom
Spanish bilingual Montessori preschool teacher and children
Montessori teacher demonstrating Montessori materialsto students in a Spanish bilingual preschool classroom