The toddler classroom offers children eighteen
months through three years of age a unique
beginning of self-development in a
warm atmosphere of special understanding, respect, and support. The
experienced teaching staff fulfills the social, physical, emotional,
developmental and psychological needs of each child.
Our Toddler program follows the Montessori philosophy
that encourages vocabulary development, independence, and
self-confidence for each child.
In this classroom, there is space for movement, individual work,
and group activities. Everything in the environment is proportionate to
the child's size and is designed to be safe and aesthetically pleasing.
The toddler classroom offers an inviting extension (a “doorway”) between
the child’s home and entrance into the future preschool classroom
awaiting him.
Toddlers are presented
opportunities to work in the development of language skills (phonics),
basic math skills, sensorial exercises, practical life, art and music.
The practical life area is particularly emphasized as the activities in
this area allow children the chance to develop skills to appropriately care for
themselves and their environment in the following areas: control of
movement, appreciation of the environment and respect.
Practical life activities are simple and
can be accomplished by each child. They offer repetitive cycles that
help the child establish patterns of order and sequencing - even at an
early age. Being that the classroom contains very real and specifically
purposeful lessons, each child becomes grounded in reality, builds his
confidence and gains self-esteem through his success with these early
age-appropriate activities.
Of significant importance to
toddlers are group activities that stimulate muscle coordination,
balance and rhythm – all practiced daily. Through song and
dance, and freedom of choice, the toddlers have access to a variety of
large muscle (gross motor skills) activities that offer them
opportunities to jump, climb, balance, crawl, or skip. These exercises,
as well as creative art activities, are a daily part of the classroom
routine provided under the guidance of the certified teaching staff.
This freedom and guidance provided in the toddler classroom in a safe
nurturing environment is overseen by a Montessori teacher and two
capable assistants. Through these positive daily activities, even the
young child will gain an appreciation and respect for his/her
environment and for his/her peers.
Everything in the environment is
proportionate to the child's size and is designed to be safe and
aesthetically pleasing. The toddler classroom is presented as an
inviting extension of his home - a “doorway” between the child’s home
and entrance into the future preschool classroom awaiting him.
Of significant
importance to toddlers are group activities that
stimulate muscle coordination, balance and rhythm –
all practiced daily.
