Orange Montessori Kidz, USJ Taipan

For many working parents, finding a suitable preschool or daycare for your child can be a challenging feat. You want to ensure that your child is getting the best care and education, since this is where they’ll be spending most of their time. 

Conveniently located in the heart of USJ’s Taipan, Orange Montessori Kidz provides a space where infants and young children aged between two months and six years old can grow and thrive in a fun and invigorating setting. 

The centre’s extended operating hours from 7.00am to 7.30pm is a boon for busy parents, especially those who get off work late. It is also open during the school holidays. 

This is the brand’s third and latest branch, the other two being located in Puchong and Seri Kembangan. 

Founder Dr Mila has over a decade of experience in early childhood education, where she cut her teeth as teacher and principal at established preschools and kindergartens before opening her first taska in 2018. 

More than just providing peace of mind to parents, the centre is also committed to ensuring each child that walks through its doors receives a well-rounded education. 

It blends a Montessori and thematic approach with the Malaysian national curriculum (KSPK), with activities that encompass not just academics but also physical and emotional development. 

Combining fun and play with structured activities 

Stepping into the spacious, air-conditioned premises, visitors are welcomed by a bright and cheerful environment, complete with colourful and child-safe furniture. There are dedicated learning corners and an indoor playground. 

True to the Montessori method, which outlines that children learn best through play, shelves in the main area and classrooms come stocked with Montessori materials, giving children the freedom to explore and fulfil their innate curiosity. 

“For infants and toddlers, healthy development takes top priority. We want to develop their senses and gross motor skills,” shares Dr Mila. 

“For example, they should be able to sit up by the time they are six months old, and start standing and walking by 11 months. For one- to two-year-old children, we have fun activities to develop their motor skills such as pushing trolleys, so they can control their hand movements and strengthen their grip,” she adds. Parents receive daily updates on their infant and toddler’s progress via an app. 

Meanwhile, older children are exposed to more structured activities and materials. Using creative teaching tools such as flash cards, they are taught alphabets and how to recognise different shapes, colours, and sizes, before gradually moving onto pronunciation, phonics, reading and writing. 

By the time they are in the four to six age bracket, the children are exposed to Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin, and English subjects to prepare them for primary school. 

The centre also offers plenty of enrichment activities which are included in the full-day programme, such as Science and Little Builders, arts and crafts, speech and drama, dance and music, as well as ‘Little Chef’. 

These activities help to build confidence and independence in children, aside from ensuring their overall development. Additional classes for piano and Taekwondo are also available. 

As for teachers, aside from having the proper qualifications in early childhood education, teachers are hired for their patience and experience. This is particularly important with infant care. CCTV is also installed around the premises for safety. 

Meanwhile, a rotating menu of nutritious, balanced meals includes either rice or noodles for lunch, accompanied by a protein dish and sides of vegetables and fruits. 

Hands-on and practical learning

As part of its thematic approach, Orange Montessori Kidz organises quarterly excursions that revolve around different themes, so children can learn more about the outside world. 

Some that were organised previously include trips to the National Science Centre (above), as well as the National Botanical Garden to learn more about local flora. 

There have also been career-themed trips such as a visit to the dentist’s clinic to help children understand more about the role of dentists and what they do.  

Conclusion

The early years are some of the most critical years in a child’s life, and at Orange Montessori Kidz, parents can be rest assured that their child is in good hands. 

More than a place to learn, study, and interact with their peers, it’s where children can develop their imagination, express themselves, and have fun in a supportive and nurturing environment, where each individual child is valued and treated with respect.