Save the accredited Montessori primary classroom

The Virgin Islands Montessori School, which has been in existence for over 40 years, is seeking to amend the Title 34 Virgin Island's Code, Section 383 (b)(4) to exempt the AMI Certified Montessori Primary Classroom from the Department of Human Services jurisdiction as a daycare facility. Currently, AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) certified primary classrooms teach children starting at the age of 3 years old in a multi-age classroom. The Department of Human Services, has jurisdiction over daycare facilities, which may include 3 year old children, but the AMI (and AMS-American Montessori Society) certified Montessori programs teach 3 year olds in a primary classroom, and not a daycare facility or setting. We are calling on VI Senators of the 29th Legislature to support our efforts to maintain the AMI Certification of the Virgin Islands Montessori School by amending the VI Code to exempt the AMI and AMS Montessori certified primary classrooms, and allow them to continue educating Virgin Islands children in the multi-age 3-6 year old classroom utilizing the proven Montessori methods and philosophy. Some of the mandatory rules governing daycare facilities are counter to the methods, philosophies and practice for AMI classrooms, and if implemented, would negate the AMI certification of the only certified Montessori program in the territory.