TODDLER COMMUNITY
"The toddler program offers very young children a unique year of self-development in a tender atmosphere of special understanding, respect and support. "
Dr. Aline Wolf | From A Parent's Guide to the Montessori Classroom
Our Toddler Community welcomes up to twelve children ranging in age from 16 to 33 months. Led by Olivia Watson—who earned her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) 0–3 diploma from the Montessori Institute Northwest—our team offers a nurturing space tailored to this foundational stage of growth.
In our Toddler Community, children experience:
Budding Language & Emotional Growth: We honor the toddler’s sensitive period for language by surrounding them with rich vocabulary, engaging conversations, stories, object classification, songs, and poetry. Children also learn to identify and express their emotions, laying a healthy foundation for early social interactions.
Independence & Self-Help Skills: Daily activities prioritize self-reliance. Toddlers are gently encouraged to hang up their own coats and aprons and to practice thoughtful problem-solving rather than defaulting to "I can't." Because toddlers learn primarily through imitation, our Guides consistently model grace, courtesy, good manners, and consideration for others.
Movement, Creativity, & Freedom Within Limits: Through song, dance, and self-directed activity, toddlers engage in large-muscle work—jumping, climbing, balancing, crawling, and skipping—alongside creative art exploration. This freedom of choice in a safe environment is central to our program, always balanced by two lifelong limits: respect for others and respect for the shared environment.
Toddler Community Daily Schedule
7:30-8:20 a.m. | Early Morning Care (optional)
8:30-10:30 a.m. | Montessori Morning Work Cycle
Children work individually or in small groups, freely choosing activities across all areas of the prepared environment.
10:30-11:45 a.m. | Outdoor & Gross Motor Movement
Time for active play outside or large-muscle movement indoors.
11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Lunch & Cleanup
Toddlers dine together and practice practical life skills by helping clean up.
12:30-3:00 p.m. | Rest & Nap Time
3:15-3:30 p.m. | Group Afternoon Snack
3:30-5:00 p.m. | Extended Afternoon Care
Engaging indoor and outdoor exploration, play, and practical activities.
Our Toddler Community Guides:
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Nurture Self-Development & Independence: Create a warm, loving atmosphere that supports the toddler’s unique period of self-construction and growing self-reliance.
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Enrich Language & Emotional Growth: Honor the sensitive period for language by expanding vocabularies, facilitating communication, and giving children words to express their feelings and needs.
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Cultivate Respect & Social Grace: Instill a deep respect for self, others, and the shared environment while offering gentle guidance through early social interactions.
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Foster Problem-Solving & Self-Direction: Encourage toddlers to make self-directed choices and thoughtfully work through challenges independently.
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Encourage Sensory & Physical Exploration: Provide sensory-rich materials, creative art opportunities, nature exploration, and dynamic movement through song, dance, and gross-motor activities.
