Mosaic Montessori is a small independent school that opened its doors in 2021 and was endorsed as an Eco-Healthy Child Care® (EHCC) facility in the same year. Located in Carnation, Washington, the center cares for 48 children daily, ranging in age from 2.5 years to 3rd grade. With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Christine Meredith, the center director, is passionate about fostering a nurturing, sustainable environment for children.

The center’s journey to EHCC endorsement began when Ms. Meredith discovered the program while researching practices implemented by other health-conscious and eco-friendly schools. Motivated by a desire to demonstrate her commitment to children’s health and environmental conservation, Ms. Meredith sought the endorsement as a way to build trust with families served and create a community of eco-conscious individuals.

Implementing the EHCC checklist was seamless for Mosaic Montessori, as many practices were already in place such as hand washing and avoiding pesticides. Annually, the team builds on its sustainability efforts, implementing new initiatives to enhance environmental awareness and health consciousness. These efforts include: prioritizing reusable products and composting or recycling disposable items when reusable options are unavailable. The team also emphasizes second-hand shopping for supplies to minimize waste and promote sustainable purchasing habits.

One of Mosaic Montessori’s most notable initiatives is its garden-to-table program, which teaches children about nutrition and sustainability through hands-on experiences in gardening and food preparation. Additionally, the outdoor learning spaces, designed with sustainable materials (like wood and native plants), allow children to explore and connect with nature in a healthy and safe environment. These spaces have become a source of pride for the center, highlighting its commitment to eco-friendly education.

The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Sourcing sustainable materials and safer cleaning products can be costly, and implementing new initiatives demands time and effort from staff and families alike. For example, integrating eco-healthy cleaning products and organic gardening techniques required research, adaptation, and education. However, the team at Mosaic Montessori remains committed to overcoming these obstacles to prioritize the well-being of the children and the planet.

The community has embraced Mosaic Montessori’s eco-healthy practices, with families learning about the EHCC endorsement through newsletters, social media, and fact sheets distributed during enrollment. As a result, some parents have adopted similar practices at home, reinforcing the impact of the center’s initiatives.

Looking to the future, Mosaic Montessori plans to expand its outdoor learning environments, integrate more locally sourced organic food into meals, and further incorporate sustainability education into the Montessori curriculum. The team is also focused on reducing its carbon footprint by adopting energy-efficient practices and enhancing waste reduction initiatives.