Toddler Program (Ages 18 mo – 3 yrs)

From birth to 3 years, a child is in a stage of rapid development, during which their brain is most receptive to new information and their greatest learning takes place.

The Montessori toddler program is designed around Maria Montessori’s philosophy that the child from birth to 3 years is in a stage of rapid development, during which their brain is most receptive to new information and their greatest learning takes place.

As the toddler child is in such an influential period, so impressionable on their beliefs and malleable in their brain development, it is essential to provide them a safe space in which to receive guided and purposefully designed learning opportunities.

The classroom is filled with Montessori materials, with specific education aims, all presented to the child as work. These real world activities appeal to the needs and interests of the toddler, and truly are the work of a child. The youngest of children is most able to effortlessly absorb knowledge and most intrinsically motivated by their own curiosity to explore and make discoveries.

The Montessori toddler program creates an environment that is very intentionally planned to give the toddler child more focused and formal educational experiences, while also maximizing on their desire to create their own learning. A beautiful balance is achieved of both directed learning and independent choice, which fosters a healthy classroom environment and children well supported in their unique developmentally growth. The program nurtures the toddler child’s inherent wonder through freedom of exploration and an entirely child-centered approach, while also encouraging their independence through providing guided opportunities to safely practice skills that allow for self-sufficiency.

At this age, the child does not have to actively try to learn, but naturally absorbs when given the proper tools, experiences, and surroundings. With this principle, the goal of the Montessori toddler program is to expose the child to real concepts in the advanced language provided to them, the opportunities they are afforded to challenges themselves in life skills, and the liberties they are offered in dictating their own educational journeys.

In their first structured educational experience, Montessori toddlers are taught to care for themselves, care for their environment, and create a self-driven foundation for their own unique paths in education and beyond. The toddler experience does not just prepare the child for their future Montessori learning, but prepares the child to succeed in life.