About Us
Our Philosophy:
Our philosophy is rooted in the Montessori approach: respect for the child, trust in their natural development, and learning through purposeful, hands-on experience within a carefully prepared environment. We believe children are capable, curious, and intrinsically motivated to learn when given the freedom to explore within thoughtful, consistent limits.
As a family-run school, we take our responsibility to children personally. We treat every child with the same care, attention, and respect we would give our own, creating a nurturing environment where children feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow. This sense of belonging and trust allows children to take risks, develop independence, and build resilience.
We are equally committed to continual growth as a school. From maintaining Montessori standards and ongoing accreditation to making thoughtful improvements to our campus and programs, we are always striving to raise the bar for our community. By blending time-tested Montessori principles with ongoing reflection and care, we ensure our environment continues to meet the evolving needs of the children and families we serve.
At MCDC, Montessori is not just a method - it is a commitment to honoring childhood, strengthening community, and supporting the development of the whole child.
Our History
Montessori Child Development Center (MCDC) was founded in 1982 by Ann Balasuriya, a dedicated Montessori educator and international trainer with deep ties to the Montessori community. Ann’s passion and expertise helped establish MCDC as a nurturing environment grounded in Montessori principles. The school is proudly accredited by the International Association of Progressive Montessori (IAPM), which annually ensures that our programs meet the highest Montessori standards.
Following Ann’s leadership, the school was carefully run by sisters Ann VuandCyndi Wojciechowski, whose mother was a Montessori teacher. Their family roots in Montessori education helped maintain the school’s commitment to excellence and community.
Today, MCDC is lovingly managed by the Senanayake family, longtime Huntington Beach locals. Their deep dedication is visible in every aspect of the school - from ongoing improvements to creating a warm, family-like atmosphere where every child is valued and encouraged to thrive.
Our mission:
At Montessori Child Development Center, our mission is to create a warm, welcoming Montessori community that honors each child’s unique journey. We are dedicated to fostering independence, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning, while supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of every child in our care.
We believe children thrive when they feel safe, respected, and deeply known. At MCDC, each child is valued as an individual, and we partner closely with families to help children develop confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of self - laying the foundation for meaningful, purposeful lives.
What Makes Us Unique
A Natural, Thoughtfully Evolved Environment
Our campus is not manufactured or staged - it has evolved naturally over time. Each classroom and outdoor space reflects years of care, observation, and intentional improvement. The result is a calm, authentic environment where children feel comfortable, grounded, and at home.
Longstanding Lead Teachers and Continuity of Care
Our lead teachers bring a depth of experience shaped by many years at MCDC. Their long-term commitment provides consistency, strong relationships, and a shared understanding of our children and our Montessori philosophy. This continuity supports each child’s growth and creates a stable, nurturing foundation across all programs.
Deeply Interconnected Programs
All of our programs are designed to work together as a cohesive whole. From Toddler through Elementary, each stage builds upon the last, allowing children to move forward with confidence. Teachers collaborate across levels to support smooth transitions and a consistent approach to independence, responsibility, and learning.
A Community Where Every Child Is Known
MCDC is a close-knit community where children are recognized beyond their individual classrooms. Many of our teachers know each child by name, creating a sense of belonging and care that extends throughout the school day.
A Strong Partnership With Families
We believe a child thrives when school and home work together. We value open communication, mutual trust, and long-term relationships with families, creating a supportive partnership that benefits each child’s development.
A Campus That Builds Confidence and Readiness
Our location alongside neighboring schools allows children to experience the rhythm and structure of a larger school setting while remaining fully within our own campus. This environment supports strong safety and emergency systems and helps children feel comfortable and confident in a school community—an important foundation for those who may transition to public school in the future.