Toddler Program (14 months – 3 years)

The Toddler Community aims to provide very young children with a learning experience away from home and parents, to foster self-confidence and a good self-image, and to develop a positive attitude toward learning.  Toddlers, ages 14 months to 3 years old, focus on learning to move their bodies, use language, and care for their basic needs (e.g., eating, dressing, and using the toilet). What makes a Montessori toddler program unique is the prepared environment.  Low shelving, toddler-sized furniture, and materials specially designed to entice each child’s individual developmental needs allow the child to navigate through their environment.  The toddler community is designed to be warm and inviting to these small explorers. Toddlers can imitate adult activity in a controlled and safe setting, which builds independence and self-esteem.  Time for developing independence is offered daily and includes self-care, meal preparation, care of the environment, practical life skills, language exploration, fine and gross motor activities, exercises of daily living, art, and music. Fingerplays, songs, movement, and other creative activities all serve to craft a day of gentle rhythms and smooth transitions.