Today, accredited Montessori schools around the world, staffed with Montessori-certified educators called 'guides', continue Dr. Montessori’s work. They strive to support the whole child, helping children at all stages of development become capable, independent, collaborative learners. Recent scientific studies have proven that children’s learning and mental development begins immediately after birth, and continues for the rest of their lives, but not at the same intensity that is demonstrated in the preschool years. With this in mind, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers need positive early learning experiences that will lay the foundations for their intellectual, social and emotional development, and later school success.