Rooted in Montessori
principles and practice
Welcome!
There is no shortage of information when it comes to raising young children — advice, opinions, methods — and so much of it can feel overwhelming, conflicting, or disconnected from everyday life. Parents can find themselves left wondering what truly applies to their child, in their home, in their current season of life.
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This is where The Heart of the Guide begins.
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I’m Anita Calo, a Montessori educator, child development specialist, and mentor, and I serve as a thoughtful guide for parents who want to better understand their child and respond with clarity and confidence. My work brings together both professional experience and deep respect for the individuality of each child and family.
Together, we focus on simple, meaningful ways to support daily life — honoring development, creating calm and intentional home environments, and nurturing independence, connection, and trust.
The Heart of the Guide is a place for learning, mentorship, and community as you discover new ways of seeing and supporting your child.
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If this resonates, I invite you to explore current offerings or reach out to begin a conversation about your child and your family.​
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Current Offering:
Parent Series
The Heart of the Guide offers small, in-person gatherings for parents of young children, designed around key stages of development -- helping parents better understand what their child is working to master and how to support that growth at home.
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These 4-week gatherings are held in my home, Montessori-inspired environment, thoughtfully prepared with materials that support the specific stage of development for each age group. ​Explore the offerings below to find the stage that best fits your child.
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Note: Parent Series are offered at different times throughout the year. To see currently scheduled gatherings and register, please visit the
The Beginning Stage:
Birth - 9 months
​​Observation, movement, and the foundations of early development.
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In-person meeting once a week for four weeks, this series explores how observation, simple environments, and thoughtful responses support a baby’s natural growth. Each session includes a short teaching, demonstration of simple Montessori-inspired materials and environments, and guided conversation surrounding each family's unique circumstances.
Parents are invited to bring their babies if they wish, though some may choose to attend on their own. Gatherings take place seated on the floor with babies on blankets, creating a relaxed and supportive environment for observation and discussion.
(See booking page for current Parent Series schedule.)
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This stage focuses on understanding the baby’s earliest drives for movement, connection, and exploration while creating calm, supportive environments at home.
The Young Explorer Stage:
9 - 18 months
Supporting curiosity, movement, and the first steps toward independence.
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In this in-person four week series, we explore the rapid developmental changes that occur as babies become mobile explorers. Together we consider how movement, language, and curiosity unfold during this stage and how simple, thoughtfully prepared environments can support growing independence.
Each session includes a short teaching, demonstration of simple Montessori-inspired materials and home environments, and guided conversation as we consider practical ways to support exploration, communication, and confidence during this exciting stage of development.
(See booking page for current Parent Series schedule.)
As babies become mobile, parents learn how to prepare environments that encourage exploration, language development, and growing autonomy.
The Emerging Independence Stage:
18 - 24 months
Understanding the toddler’s growing sense of self.
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In this series, we explore the toddler’s growing sense of independence and identity. As language develops and the child begins asserting their will more clearly, parents are invited to consider how daily routines, boundaries, and environments can support both autonomy and connection.
Each of the four sessions includes a short teaching, demonstration of simple Montessori-inspired materials and home environments, and guided conversation with other parents as we explore practical ways to support your child's independence, communication, and emotional development during this dynamic stage.
(See booking page for current Parent Series schedule.)​
This stage explores the toddler’s powerful drive for independence, imitation, and order, while helping parents establish supportive routines and clear boundaries.
The Growing Confidence Stage:
2 - 3 Years
Nurturing independence, concentration, and participation in daily life.
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This series offers a space to explore the increasing capability and confidence of the young child. As children seek to participate more fully in daily life, parents learn how prepared home environments and practical activities can nurture concentration, responsibility, and independence.
Each of the four session includes a short teaching, demonstration of Montessori-inspired materials and practical life activities, and guided conversation with other parents as we explore ways to support cooperation, language development, and meaningful participation at home.
(See booking page for current Parent Series schedule.)​
Parents explore practical ways to support their child’s growing capability, language, and desire to contribute meaningfully to the home environment.
The Early Childhood Stage: 3-6Years
​​​​Supporting curiosity, responsibility, and deeper independence.
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This four week series is devoted to the rich developmental years of early childhood. During this stage, children deepen their independence, concentration, and curiosity about the world around them.
Each session includes a short teaching, demonstration of Montessori-inspired materials and home environments, and guided discussion to support responsibility, learning, and a growing sense of capability during these formative years.
(See booking page for current Parent Series schedule.)
This stage focuses on fostering concentration, responsibility, and a love of learning as children move through the rich developmental years of early childhood.
About Me
I’m Anita Calo — a Montessori educator, teacher trainer, and mentor with decades of experience supporting children, teachers, and families both in classrooms and in homes. My work is rooted in deep respect for child development, thoughtful observation, and the belief that those who guide children deserve guidance as well.
​I do this work because, after years of experience both in my professional work and in my own life, I feel deeply called to share this wisdom in a way that supports and honors each family’s unique journey.
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If this approach resonates with you, I invite you to explore the Parent Series offerings designed for different stages of early childhood development on my Booking page.
