Toddler Classroom

Ages 18 months to 3 years. Our Toddler program offers so much more than childcare. A Montessori classroom for toddlers safely supports your child’s drive to do things alone, developing confidence and a sense of competence. The environment is language-rich, with adults using proper nomenclature rather than baby talk to expose the children to and develop a broad vocabulary. Adults also support toddlers in communicating with each other.

A range of books allows children to explore independently or read aloud with adults. In our learning environment, children work independently, observe others, explore freely, and express their curiosity and creativity. A self-care area fosters toilet awareness and independence in maintaining personal hygiene (such as learning to wipe one’s nose and wash hands independently). A sleeping area with individual floor beds/mats that allows toddlers to exercise autonomy in preparing for rest and allows them to get up independently once rested. There is also an area for gross motor activities to help children coordinate their movements and low tables that enable them to help prepare, serve, eat, and clean up their snacks and meals.

The routines of everyday living are the foundation of our program. Activities promote independence, order, coordination, and concentration and support social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. These learning activities include:

• Self-care: washing, dressing, toileting, and eating according to each child’s capacity

• Care of the environment: cleaning, food preparation, and food service; plant care and animal care

• Large-motor activities (indoors and out): walking, climbing, running, jumping, balancing, climbing steps, and more

• Fine-motor skills: reaching, grasping, picking up objects, transferring objects, using tools and utensils, doing artwork

• Language: naming objects, describing actions and intentions, discussing pictures, conversation, music, and singing

• Social skills: developing manners through interactions with peers, teachers, and adult-led small group games