Welcome to Melville Montessori Preschool

Come join us and discover the joy of learning through independent work and play!

By teaching our children to be self initiators at an early age, we are building a foundation that will follow them through the years. Our multi-age classrooms allow children to learn from one another.

While most daycares focus solely on play, our classroom approach fosters independence and growth, just like Maria Montessori intended. We offer dual languages- French & Spanish as well as optional dance & soccer classes held onsite.

We believe in creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive with time to explore, learn, work and play both inside and outdoors in our large onsite playground area.

We welcome children ages 2- 5 years old and offer year round open enrollment.

What is Montessori?

Maria Montessori found that next to learning from their own experience, the child learns best from other children. Montessori education is student-led and self-paced but guided, assessed, and enriched by knowledgeable and caring teachers, the leadership of their peers, and a nurturing environment.

The Montessori Method encourages multi-age classrooms and is designed to create natural opportunities for independence and accountability—through multi-sensory learning and passionate inquiry. Individual students follow their own curiosity at their own pace, taking the time they need to fully understand each concept and meet individualized learning goals.

Meet the Team

  • Erik Riveros

    Administrator/Owner

    Erik’s family has been in the childcare/education business for over 40 years. Having started his career in finance, Erik moved on to help oversee his family’s Montessori school 10 years ago. A native to Forest Hills and a New Yorker through and through, Erik attended Our Lady of Mercy, then St. Francis Prep and finally SUNY Buffalo. As a father to 3 young children, he is well versed on what it means to offer a loving and nurturing environment to our littlest learners. Erik is excited to bring a new Montessori program to the neighborhood he calls home.

  • Ilene Riveros

    Educational Director/Owner

    Ilene began her career in hospitality but always had a love of fostering learning in those around her. She spent her time developing her Montessori training and skills since 2019. As a mother now to 3 young children aged 3, 7 and 11, Ilene is very excited to be able to continue that nurturing environment outside of the home as well.

    With the opening of Melville Montessori, Ilene has found her passion of combining her creativity with her love of children. Ilene holds a bachelors from Cornell University, a masters in Education from Grand Canyon University and a Montessori license from NAMC. She is also a licensed NYS teacher.