My Child 3-6 Pre-School
My Child 3–6 is a bilingual (Italian/English) pre-school inspired by the Montessori method and integrated with extracurricular activities designed to flexibly meet the needs of families.
A service that supports families throughout the entire year. My Extra School Service, available 49 weeks a year from 7:00 to 19:00, offers, in addition to pre-school and after-school care:
- My Weeks: themed weeks during cantonal school holidays;
- My Summer Camp: a summer camp held during the summer months.
The Extra School Service maintains the high educational standards and pedagogical principles that characterise the entire institution, ensuring educational continuity and excellent care also outside the curricular calendar.
A bilingual and stimulating learning environment. Children are guided by qualified educators trained in the Montessori method, including at least one native or bilingual English-speaking teacher. Once a week, they also take part in activities in our Reggio Emilia-inspired atelier, led by two atelieristas (one Italian and one English) who ensure a bilingual environment in this creative setting as well.
The Campus
Our facility: space, nature and light. The pre-school welcomes children in three mixed-age groups (3–6 years) within spacious, bright environments surrounded by nature. The classrooms overlook a wooded area with a stream and a large outdoor playground. Children also have access to covered outdoor areas for year-round activities and a small football pitch.
Indoors, the wide spaces allow children the freedom to choose their own work using Montessori materials in both Italian and English. The offer includes two specialised ateliers: the Creative Atelier, inspired by the “100 languages” of the Reggio Emilia approach, and the Closlieu – Arno Stern Painting Atelier. The latter is an intimate, protected space where children paint freely, without judgement or instruction, fostering authentic self-expression.
Outdoor Education: learning in nature
Outdoor Education is an integral part of daily life. Every day, children spend time outdoors, and each week they participate in trips to the woods and local walks. Regular woodland lunches are organised for the children, offering a convivial experience immersed in nature.
The pedagogical project
The educational pathway at My Child 3–6 is built on three pillars: Montessori Method; Reggio Emilia Approach and the child’s 100 languages; Outdoor Education.
All activities take place in an Italian/English bilingual environment through immersion, promoting natural and continuous exposure to both languages. Neuroscience confirms that early multilingual learning stimulates cognitive development, mental flexibility and attention skills.
Educational objectives. In line with the Canton Ticino Curriculum, our pedagogical project aims to:
- Value each child’s identity
- Foster functional and emotional independence
- Promote skills based on individual characteristics
- Encourage socialisation and a sense of belonging
- Stimulate curiosity and openness towards the world
- Actively involve families, creating continuity between school and everyday life
How does this translate into everyday life? In our approach, it is the role of the school – and of the adults working within it – to promote the child’s natural development, accompanying them with respect, attention and expertise. This is achieved through targeted pedagogical actions:
- Preparing an environment-as-laboratory: organised, welcoming and stimulating, where children can move freely, explore, build relationships and experience meaningful social interactions.
- Free access to developmental materials: carefully selected to support hands-on learning. Materials are always available and can be used autonomously, individually or in small groups, according to each child’s interests and pace.
- Constant presence of the adult-guide: an educated, attentive and non-judgemental figure who observes, encourages and supports each child’s personal pathway, promoting positive relationships and shared rules.
- Observation as an educational tool: a scientific approach that replaces traditional assessment and enables educators to understand the child’s real needs, intervening only to remove obstacles to their “self-construction”.
- A free work cycle of at least three hours a day: an uninterrupted period during which children can organise their own learning, follow their interests, and develop self-discipline, concentration and a sense of efficacy.
- Mixed-age groups: a pedagogical choice reflecting real community dynamics, where each child can take on different roles, receive help and offer support, learning through daily interaction.
- Hands-on experiences, research and educational outings: valuable opportunities to learn in the field through active observation and direct contact with the environment and the local area.
A typical day
A typical day at the nursery school is organised as follows:
7:30–8:30 a.m.: pre-school (on request)
8:30–9:00 a.m.: arrival
9:00–11:30 a.m.: classroom activities with Montessori materials / art in the Reggio atelier and in the Closlieu / outdoor activities
Morning snack
11:15 a.m.: Circle Time – moments of reflection, sharing and songs
11:30 a.m.: outdoor play
12 o’clock: lunch
1 p.m.: personal hygiene (teeth brushing) and nap time for those who wish
1:15–2 p.m.: second outdoor session for non-nappers
From 2 p.m.: classroom activities with Montessori materials
3:30–4 p.m.: pick-up time
4–7 p.m.: after-school care, on request, as part of the Out-of-School Programme
My Child throughout the year
Throughout the school year, My Child 3–6 offers a range of special activities and cross-curricular projects – some well-established, others experimental and constantly evolving. These are valuable opportunities to welcome the passing of the seasons, celebrate cultural events, enrich the school experience with input from the local area, and create moments of sharing with families and the community.
Here are some of the initiatives that characterise our educational year:
- Start-of-Year Meeting
A meeting between educators and families to present the educational project. It is an opportunity to share objectives, organisational details and to foster mutual understanding, laying the foundations for constructive collaboration between school and family. - Individual meetings with families
Twice a year, educators meet parents for thoughtful and respectful discussions. These are valuable moments to share observations, experiences and reflections, building educational continuity between home and school. Additional meetings can be arranged if needed. - Story Night
A national event promoted since 1991 by the Swiss Institute for Children’s and Youth Media. On the same evening across Switzerland, stories linked to a common theme are read aloud, celebrating the power of storytelling and the importance of listening. - Usborne Book Fair / Library
A day open also to the wider community, during which English-language books can be purchased with guidance from specialists and our teachers. Part of the proceeds is converted into books donated to the school, enriching our internal library. The school also has a children’s library and regularly organises visits to the local library to nurture a love of reading. - Montessori Birthday Celebration
A symbolic and meaningful ritual in which each child celebrates their birthday by retracing the most significant moments of their growth. Through photographs, objects and memories, children experience an emotional moment of awareness and connection with their personal life journey. - Charity collections
Special occasions to raise awareness of solidarity and support partner associations through simple yet meaningful initiatives. - Shared celebrations
Events linked to tradition and the seasons – such as Carnival, Halloween and Easter – experienced through games, creative activities and woodland treasure hunts. Joyful moments of community and sharing that combine learning and emotion.
Discover our team
Highly qualified educational staff in regular training, with native Italian and English speakers full time!
