As a teacher and parent in Montessori schools for 20 years, I can comment on the importance of a mixed-age classroom in quality Montessori schools with a ratio of 1:14 at the 3-6 level.  It is essential that there is a balance in the ages in each classroom so that younger children have older students to look up to and learn from and the older children can model behavior for their younger peers and help guide them as well.  In order to foster independence, it is also important that there is an adequate number of children at each age level and a limited number of adults in the classroom for the purpose of encouraging independence, self-confidence and cooperation.   

Please clarify the language to allow Montessori schools to continue to offer multi-age preschool classrooms balanced by age and not as stated in subsection 'C' requiring that the ratio be based on the youngest age group in the classroom.  Balanced multi-age classrooms of 3-6 year olds are an essential component of our well-developed pedagogy.