Partnerships
Partnering with AEME
Partnerships open the door for many more children and families to have access to high-quality neighborhood preschools—we Partner to Make it Happen!
We seek partners within Oregon who share our vision and want an AEME preschool co-located in Portland-metro communities. We do the work to fund, plan, open and operate—and make it easy for our partners.
Do you have:
- space for a pre-school—or the interest in planning with us to build or remodel a space?
- an elementary school in your neighborhood where families would benefit from having a high-quality, full-day preschool?
Together, we can plan, open and operate high quality early childhood education classrooms that are financially strong for years to come. Together we keep promises to the community and parents.
Site Hosts
Ideal AEME Local Host Partnerships
- Public school districts
- Charter or private Montessori schools – to be tuition-free
- Culturally Specific Organizations
- Affordable Housing Providers
- Community Service Organizations
- Colleges and Universities
- Child Care Centers who want a Preschool partner
- Churches and other owners of properties great for a preschool
Location of School – Our Evaluation Criteria
- Within Multnomah, Clackamas, or Washington County in Oregon
- The Host has space for 2-4 classrooms and an office
- Bathroom & Kitchen Spaces
- Walkable/student transportation program friendly
- Dedicated outdoor area appropriate for very young children – 75 sf per student
- Community Family Demographics: Number Overall & Economic, Racial, Language Disparities
What AEME Provides as a Partner to our Site Hosts
- Furnishings, educational materials, and classroom/office supplies and equipment.
- Renovation of space as needed for a welcoming, safe and child-centered preschool.
- Purchase and collaborate with our host for any installation of outdoor play equipment.
- Operation of the program, all costs covered at no cost to the Host Partner or Families we serve.
- Responsible for community outreach and partnership development on behalf of the families.
- High standards – we will meet or exceed State and local early childhood licensing requirements.
- Recruit, hire, train, support and compensate skilled educators (competitive pay and benefits).
- Excellence in early childhood Montessori education, either school year- or year-round model.
- Take care of the children during each school day. Meals and snacks, and napping needs.
What We Ask of Hosts
- Rent free or low-rent space for a period of at least 6 years (if no renovations needed), 10 years with renovations.
- An outdoor area with protected access during some or part of the day for our children/program.
- Information on other Host partnerships who also serve children and families.
- Collaboration on initial outreach and information sessions to local families to confirm interest and the local family’s needs related to number of classrooms, student transportation,
Do You Have Space? Are You a Possible Site Host?
AEME eagerly seeks partnerships with organizations that are passionate about making a meaningful investment in the lives of local children. By offering their facilities as hosts for tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschools, these organizations can join forces with AEME in shaping a brighter future for the community’s youngest learners.
Site Host Interest Form
AEME Partners With Public and Charter Schools
Benefits for ours Partners:
- Parents tend to keep their children at an elementary school where they’ve had positive pre-K experiences.
- Children thrive with the consistency of progressing at the same location.
- Our Montessori focus on reading, writing, and language skills strength the child and help them be prepared for their educational journey to come.
What can happen when we do this:
- Parents get access to tuition free preschool in their neighborhood or chosen charter school—geographic access—financial access.
- Children can walk to school with their older siblings/ parents, or have access to safe student transportation from the school partner.
- Children transition easily from our preschool into elementary classrooms.
Learn more about public Montessori programs in the US from the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector.
AEME Partners with Community and Culturally Specific Organizations—Site Host Partnership
What can happen when we do this:
- Parents get access to tuition free preschool in a place that is convenient for them.
- Children attend preschool where they live and play—this is great for parents and kids.
- We will link children and parents to enter their elementary school when it is time! Our kids gain confidence and the language skills to express their needs and interests.
We’ll bring the quality, early education and resources.
Our site partners provide the space.
AEME Partners for Families Beyond the Classroom
What can happen when we do this:
- We can increase connections with health programs for very young children and families.
- We can offer parents books and resources to read to their kids and actively lead their education.
- We can offer parents opportunities they want when they are able to utilize those opportunities.
- Providers can gain feedback from parents on what they want, need, and value for their families.
AEME Partners With Funders
When we partner with a funder we make your contribution matter—great things happen:
- We leverage private and government resources.
- We can expand access and open new schools and classrooms.
- We can provide excellence in early childhood education.
- We can provide families and communities the Montessori option—kid centered education always.
Partnering to Make it Happen
Enhanced Support for Students and Their Families
Talk to Us
Have a Partner in Mind?
Please consider sending our promotional Story to them.