Toddler
NURTURING THE CAPABLE CHILD
A Joyful Beginning to Lifelong Learning
Our Montessori Toddler Community is thoughtfully designed for children ages 18 months to 3 years, a stage of life marked by extraordinary growth and an incredible capacity for learning. During these first years, children develop independence, language, movement, social skills, and the foundations of their personality. Every experience during this time helps shape the confident, capable learner they are becoming.
Thoughtfully designed for your child's first years of discovery
Uninterrupted Work Periods
Your child will enjoy long periods of uninterrupted work blocks, allowing the time and freedom to choose meaningful activities that interest them. Rather than moving from one teacher-directed activity to the next, students work at their own pace, repeat activities as often as needed, and develop concentration, independence, and confidence. This protected time honors the toddler's natural desire to explore and learn through purposeful work.
Specially Trained Montessori Teachers
Our teachers are experts in early childhood development. They are specially trained in the unique developmental needs of children from birth to age three and have completed rigorous Montessori certification through either the American Montessori Society (AMS) or the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). This specialized preparation enables them to recognize each child's developmental readiness, thoughtfully prepare the environment, and provide the right level of guidance at the right time during these formative years.
Respectful Relationships
At the heart of Montessori education is a deep respect for the child. Our teachers cultivate warm, trusting relationships that help toddlers feel safe, secure, and valued. Through consistency, patience, and genuine care, they create an environment where children gain the confidence to explore, take healthy risks, and develop increasing independence. Your child leaves the toddler program with a foundation for joyful learning and emotional well-being.
The Montessori Guide
In Montessori, the teacher serves as a guide rather than the center of the classroom. Through careful observation, guides introduce each child to lessons that align with their developmental readiness, interests, and unique pace of learning. They model kindness, respect, grace, and courtesy in every interaction while creating an environment where children are encouraged to solve problems, make choices, and do as much for themselves as they can. By offering support only when it is truly needed, guides help children develop confidence, self-discipline, resilience, and a lasting sense of independence.
A Carefully Prepared Environment
A Montessori classroom is intentionally designed around your young child's developmental needs. Child-sized furniture, accessible shelves, hands-on materials, and even a toddler-sized sink invite children to participate fully in their environment. The classroom is warm, orderly, and beautiful, fostering a sense of security while encouraging exploration, independence, and respect for both the environment and one another. In this thoughtfully prepared space, your child builds the confidence, skills, and sense of responsibility to become a capable, independent member of their community.
Areas of Learning
Our Frequently Asked Questions
What are the curriculum learning goals of the Toddler Program?
Our Montessori Toddler Community lays the foundation for lifelong learning by nurturing the whole child. Through meaningful experiences and purposeful activities, children develop the skills, confidence, and independence needed for future growth and success.
Our program supports the development of:
- Confidence and a positive sense of self
- Independence and the ability to make thoughtful choices
- Concentration and the ability to engage deeply in purposeful work
- Coordination and both fine and gross motor skills
- Order, organization, and a sense of responsibility
- Respect for oneself, others, and the environment
- Responsibility and participation within the classroom community
- Language development, communication, and self-expression
- Observation, classification, sequencing, and problem-solving skills
Do the children have time to play outside each day?
Yes! Outdoor play is an important part of every day in our Toddler Community. Weather permitting, children enjoy multiple opportunities to play outside, depending on the length of their school day. Our safe, fenced-in outdoor spaces are thoughtfully designed to encourage movement, exploration, and discovery, giving toddlers the freedom to play, connect with nature, and develop their growing physical skills.
How do you handle behavior in the Toddler classroom?
The Montessori approach emphasizes respect and the development of self-discipline in every child. At the toddler level, this begins with providing clear, consistent routines and predictable classroom expectations. Children take comfort in knowing what to expect each day, creating a strong sense of security and trust.
Our teachers model respectful behavior in every interaction with the children and with one another. They use encouraging, validating language and guide children with clear choices, firm yet loving boundaries, and gentle redirection. This thoughtful, consistent approach helps toddlers develop self-control, confidence, and the social skills they need to thrive.
What enriching specialty classes are offered in the Toddler Program?
Our Toddler students enjoy weekly Spanish and Music classes designed specifically for young learners. During Spanish, children are introduced to greetings, songs, stories, and everyday vocabulary in a fun and engaging way. Music classes encourage movement, singing, rhythm, and participation, helping children develop coordination, language, and a love of music.
Do you offer care beyond the academic day?
We offer two options for families who need care beyond our half-day Toddler program.
3:00 p.m. Pick-Up
After the morning program, children enjoy lunch, a restful nap, and time to play outdoors before dismissal.
5:00 p.m. Pick-Up
Children stay for lunch, a restful nap, and an afternoon filled with enriching activities, including outdoor play, before being picked up at 5:00 p.m.
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