Toddler Program

Ages 14 months to 3 years

Dr. Montessori observed that the first three years of life are the foundation in the development of human beings and their potential. Programs are offered according to developmental needs. The Toddler program is for children walking well to 3 years old.

Also referred to as "The Nest" to convey a sense of warmth and gentle transition, the Toddler environment is prepared so the children can explore, interact and fulfill their needs. The furniture and materials are proportioned to the children to enable them to succeed as they strive for independence. The environment and activities are designed to meet the specific needs and sensitive periods of children this age. Through purposeful work such as “practical life” the children develop their coordination, independence, self-confidence and strong self-esteem.

The Toddler program offers half and full day programs, five days a week.

When the child is ready, between 2 1/2 and 3 years of age, he transitions into the Children’s House/Primary.

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Language Cards

This child is working with identical matching language cards. He is fully concentrating to determine if they are exactly the same. By comparing details to find exact matches, children strengthen visual perception, a foundational skill for letter recognition later on.

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Dressing Frame

This child is working with the zipper dressing frame. Dressing frames allow children to practice fastening skills in a low-pressure setting before applying them to their own clothing. Working with small buttons, zippers, or snaps strengthens the hand muscles and coordination needed for writing later on.

Baking

Baking activities allow toddlers to do real work with real tools, which is central to Montessori. Measuring, pouring, mixing, and kneading build fine motor control and hand–eye coordination, while following a sequence of steps helps toddlers develop order, concentration, and confidence in their ability to complete meaningful tasks.

Mortar and Pestle

The grinding motion required when working with a mortar and pestle strengthens the wrist, hand, and arm—building the exact muscles toddlers will later need for writing and self-care tasks (like buttoning or pouring). Using two hands together in a controlled, circular movement refines hand–eye coordination. Toddlers must sustain focus and repetition, which develops their ability to concentrate.