Toddler
15 months – 2 ½ years old
Our toddler classrooms are designed to meet the independent and curious nature of toddlers while fostering individuality in a child’s early years. Classroom lessons include sensorial work and instruction in math and language. As the child grows emotionally, physically and intellectually, the activities in the classroom continue to change to meet the child’s specific needs. This is a sensitive period of language and movement. It is an ideal time for the child to work with materials, songs, and activities that encourage development.
A brief introduction to some of the basic Montessori principles introduced at this age range:
Practical Life: During this age range, activities such as pouring, sweeping, dusting, buttoning, zipping, and table setting are introduced. This early exposure provides opportunities for children to care for themselves and their environment. Additionally, lessons of grace and courtesy are practiced daily in order to help toddlers learn about sharing and how to be considerate of others.
Sensorial: Sensory and manipulative exercises are designed to facilitate hand-eye coordination, muscle control, and spatial relationships.
Language: This age is a sensitive period for language as children learn to use words and expand their growing vocabulary to express feelings and needs. In this program, we also provide an early sequenced foundation of pre-reading skills. Literacy activities are presented during small group time, as well as, individual reading time to encourage and foster a love of literature.
Mathematics: At this age we begin introduction to mathematics using manipulative materials to enable children to internalize the concepts of number, symbol, sequence, and operation, as well as, memorization of basic mathematical ideas.
Peace: Lessons at this age give toddlers the skills to work through anger and frustration in a positive manner, while encouraging tolerance, cooperation, and respect for others.
Art and Music: Toddlers are able to experiment with many different art mediums and are encouraged to focus on the process, not the product. Additionally, early exposure to music fosters music appreciation and the development of a sense of rhythm.
Our emphasis during the Toddler stage is building a child’s independence and fostering the natural curiosity that toddlers possess which creases a long-lasting love of learning. Children benefit most not only from a nurturing environment but one that offers appropriate opportunities to develop their fullest potential.
Area of Focus
Individualized Learning Plans
Educators guide children to develop new skills and explore at their own pace in various developmental areas including cognitive, social, language, motor, sensory, and practical life.
Introduction to Language
Daily work with activities such as phonetic sound cards introduce children to the fundamentals of language.
Sensorial
Learning through the five sense helps children comprehend and classify the world around them.
Practical Life
Meaningful activities involving care of self and the environment including feeding or dressing oneself, washing dishes/utensils, and more.
Independence
The Montessori philosophy encourages exploration, self-awareness, and self-care. This is particularly important for Toddlers who are asserting their autonomy with the “help me do it me” mindset.
Parent Communication
Consistent and thorough communication, helping you stay informed and involved in your child’s care.
Social Interaction
Children engage in group activities like games, story time, and music class. Additionally, simply being in the presence of other children sets the foundation for interpersonal connection.
Respect for the Child
Every child deserves respect, to be treated as an individual and to be understood.
Health and Safety
Our top priority is making sure infants are healthy, safe and happy. Our team and the classroom environment is prepared with that in mind.