THE PROGRAM

The Infant & Toddler program is open all year round. It is a mixed age classroom designed for children from 3 months to age three. Here, our first and foremost goal is to provide a safe, clean and peaceful child care environment. Children use a variety of didactic materials specially designed for the Montessori classroom to assist in the important work of developing language, fine motor and gross motor skills. Children learn to be independent and confident, while developing these skills. When ready for more challenging work, our Toddlers master introductory phonics, numbers, and science concepts in preparation for the Children’s House (ages 2 ½ – 6). The toddlers also work extensively on social skills.

This program aims to....
• provide a safe, engaging and nurturing environment for the child

• promote trust in themselves and their world

• develop confidence in their emerging abilities

• develop gross motor coordination, fine motor skills, and language skills

• offer opportunities to gain independence in daily tasks

​

Infant
The Infant Centre supports children aged 3 months to 12 months. The adult to child ratio is 1:3 with a Montessori Certified Lead and two assistants.

The program strives to foster independence, physical development, and language development for the infants. This is achieved by having and open, safe classroom where the children are not inhibited by items such as playpens and walkers.

The children who can move around sleep on futons instead of in cribs. This allows the child to understand that sleep is a choice that she makes for herself instead of something that is forced on her by an adult putting her into a “container”. Children fall asleep and wake up feeling self-assured and independent.

The parents and the teacher must work together VERY closely during this time in order to ensure that there is consistency between home and school.

AREAS OF INTEREST

There is a provision  for nursing mothers in the Infant/Toddler room. This is a private corner for mothers to breastfeed and/or pump breast milk. 

Sign language is used in  in order to help the young child communicate effectively.

Toddler
The toddler program is designed for children 12 months to 3 years of age, to assist the child during this special period of growth. It provides children of this age with an opportunity to explore new relationships with friends and to interact with adults in a loving and nurturing environment. As part of their early Montessori experience, toddlers are introduced to age-appropriate Montessori materials and invited to make choices from a variety of activities that support their developmental interests and needs. Outdoor play is a part of the daily routine. 

In the Toddler Community one of the major areas of focus is toilet training. The teacher and parents will partner together to determine when your child is showing readiness to toilet train. When your child begins toilet training, you will be asked to provide ample amounts of underwear and extra clothes. The children wear underwear throughout the day in order to begin to understand their own bodily functions. The children have numerous opportunities for group and individual toileting throughout the day. 

Language development is essential at this age. Teachers do many lessons involving language and they are always encouraging the children to “use their words” to communicate their needs and feelings.

At this age, the children will begin participating in “group time.” This is a time of day when all of the children gather with the lead teacher and enjoy doing the calendar, singing songs, and reading stories as a group.

The following curriculum areas are present in the infant/toddler classroom :

• Practical Life 
• Sensorial 
•Language 
• Mathematics 
• Cultural 

Enrolling your child in a Montessori toddler program, rather than at a childcare center, has many benefits. Here are just a few for you to consider:

• A positive toilet learning experience. Done the Montessori way, almost all children above 2 years old, can be diaper free soon after starting in our program. 

• Fewer toddler struggles. Montessori toddlers learn how to actually do things by themselves, making family meals more fun, and getting out of the house easier.

• A child who learns to play happily by himself. Montessori toddlers learn to play independently. You may be surprised how your 2-year-old can occupy himself happily, without your constant attention, no TV baby-sitting needed!

• A huge spurt in language capability. Many parents report that their children’s vocabulary increased dramatically within a few months of joining our program. Better language skills = more fun interactions with your child, and fewer tantrums caused by not being understood!