Aim

The aim of the Toddler Community is to offer an engaging environment designed according to Montessori principles and practices that will promote the development of the young child’s social skills, emotional growth, physical coordination and cognitive learning.

Age: 18 months – 3 years of age.

Time: 8:30a.m -11:45a.m. Monday through Friday

Staffing

The Toddler Community is lead by a trained Montessori (0-3 years of age) guide and an assistant. The class will have a maximum of 12 students. In this small setting, a dozen children all levels of Montessori education, early experiences are carefully shaped to prepare the way for years of growth to come.

Enrollment

HRIMS accepts children into the Toddler Community with the understanding that it is a direct preparation for their continued experience in the Montessori environment. When they are ready, in terms of personal independence and social readiness, students move up from the Toddler Community to the Children’s House classrooms (ages 3–6). This readiness is a gradual process and is determined by both the Toddler and Children’s House teachers who are in direct communication regarding the progress of each individual child.

Entry into this environment ideally begins gradually, with parent and child coming in together for short periods of time until the child builds trust and a level of comfort in the adults and the new environment. This “phasing-in” also supports the parent/child separation process which is a primary task of the toddler period of development.

Parent Involvement

The teacher and parents work in partnership to ensure the optimal experience for the child. Regular communication between families and the teacher helps build a bridge from the home to the Montessori environment. The sharing of information about a child’s new discoveries and milestones is essential to their overall wellbeing. All adults work together to understand new behaviors and developmental stages, to address challenges and to provide timely and relevant emotional support to the child.

The Environment

The Toddler environment is designed to be safe and nurturing, while allowing for the freedom of movement essential for the young child to explore his/her surroundings. The classroom is a place of respect for the young child. All the furniture is custom made and developmentally appropriate Montessori materials are available for exploration.

Gaining Independence —"Help me to do it by myself."

Young children have a natural drive and inclination towards independence. They gravitate toward activities that develop motor skills: running, climbing, carrying, and grasping objects. Control of their own bodies heralds a control of self, and the ability to dress, eat, and toilet independently. Children are expected to take on greater responsibilities for taking care of themselves and others with the passage of time.

Practical Life

The Practical Life area helps children develop real life skills while assisting in their physical independence, development of concentration and fine motor coordination. Activities like pouring, spooning, opening and closing, and stringing beads and other objects also strengthen fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and concentration.

Food preparation, setting the table, washing and drying dishes are all part of the daily activities.

Sensorial

The sensorial materials help the children become aware of themselves and the world around them. Stimulation of the senses also aids in the development of cognitive learning. Children explore materials that promote the development of the visual, sensory, auditory, and tactile senses.

Language

The environment is rich in language. Vocabulary, nomenclature and terminology are all an integral part of the daily routine. Storytelling and reading enhance this experience.

Socialization

Empathy, compassion, sharing, getting along and mutual respect are all part of the social awareness and development that takes place at this time. Group activities foster cooperation and friendships as children learn the art of working and playing together.

Outdoor Environment

The outdoor environment affords the toddler the opportunity for new experiences. Planting, nurturing and caring for growing things is one other many activities amiable. Play and games that promote gross motor skills are encouraged.

“Children Can Do Much More Than We Expect Them To.”