TODDLER

THE MONTESSORI TODDLER PROGRAM FOCUSES ON DEVELOPING THE CHILD’S ABILITY TO CARE FOR THEMSELVES, THEIR ENVIRONMENT, AND OTHERS.

THE CONTENT BELOW INCLUDES A SMALL SAMPLING OF OUR VAST OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED TO THE CHILDREN IN EACH TODDLER CLASSROOM.

THE TODDLER PROGRAM serves children aged 16 - 33 months and offers options for a half-day or full-day schedule. The half-day program is Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 11:30 am, 5 days per week. The full-day schedule is from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Students may also participate in Before and After Care. Learn more about Tuition Rates.

CARING FOR SELF

FOOD PREPARATION

FOOD PREPARATION enables the child to make food that they can consume and share with others. They can prepare simple dishes like freshly squeezed orange juice or more complex ones like muffins. Engaging in these activities helps the child develop fine motor skills, self-regulation, and independence. Preparing food for themselves and their community also provides opportunities to explore with all of their senses, use mathematical concepts, and develop a healthy relationship with food.

Toileting

Like other developmental areas, toileting independence is achieved through learning and acquisition. The child explores the toileting process by sitting on the toilet at routine times throughout the day. They wear cotton underpants to connect elimination with the sensation of being wet or soiled. With practice, they gradually learn to anticipate when they need to go and use the toilet independently. Our approach is grounded in respect for the child and meeting them where they are to make toilet learning a natural and empowering process.

CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Flower Arranging

FLOWER ARRANGING helps to develop functional independence and allows the child to contribute to the beauty of their classroom environment. This activity aids in the development of memory, the enrichment of language and vocabulary, and the refinement of motor skills, such as using two hands together and eye-hand coordination. It also serves to connect the child to nature within the classroom environment.

WASHING/CLEANING

Washing and cleaning are a natural part of caring for the classroom environment. The materials in the classroom are child-sized and functional, enabling the child to carry out the same activities they see their families doing at home. These activities support the child's strong need for movement and their developing independence, concentration, and will. In caring for the environment, the child's work benefits the community, fosters a sense of belonging, and aids in their self-construction.

GRACE & COURTESY

In the Montessori Toddler Community, we give GRACE & COURTESY lessons to respond to what is happening or indirectly throughout the day. A Grace & Courtesy lesson is role-playing, or modeling, how to respond in social interactions. The children are watching the adults in the environment for cues on how to act and use their own bodies. Therefore it is important for adults to set a good example by saying "excuse me", "thank you" and other social courtesies. If a child were to push another child we use the moment as a time to say "You may not touch their body like that, you could offer a handshake or a hug.” Providing children with the language to use is key at this age.