Toddler
Our Montessori Toddler Program offers very young children (ages 20 + months), a safe and loving environment in which they can explore, learn independently, and gain a healthy sense of themselves. Children at this age are working on trust, separation from their parents, language, and the early steps of socialization. Their personalities are emerging for all to see and they are beginning to both assert themselves and learn how cooperate with their peers.
The toddler curriculum is found on the easy to reach shelves from which children may choose a rich variety of activities designed to foster their growth. The environment allows for and supports independence. This frees children to explore as they wish while giving them opportunities to interact with others and learn acceptable social skills.
Many of the materials are designed to develop the self-care skills that lead to independence. Others encourage language and math development, large and small motor skills, and also creative expression.
We engage the hands and minds of our youngest students as they sort items… group items… listen to stories… pour liquids… use scoops… practice climbing… learn to take turns… gain confidence… enjoy friends… taste and smell new treats and enjoy the experience of being at school.
Toddler Curriculum
Play is the young child’s work. The object of his efforts is the creation of the adult he will become. The child shows clearly an inner need to learn to know himself and his world. He wants very much to develop his intelligence, to learn to control his motions, to explore, and order his impressions of the world, to become independent and responsible. The toddler curriculum provides materials and experiences that support this inner drive to grow and develop.
Language is woven into all parts of the program. Toddlers are very excited by language. Isolated photographs of common objects, and real objects, are used for learning names. Words are attached to experiences: “Would you like a sweet taste, or a sour taste?” Stories, songs, conversation, simple explanations, and questions add to their understanding.
