Montessori Toddler Community

projected start date: September, 2014

The purpose of the Toddler Community is to encourage, assist, and protect the normal development of each child. A safe, beautiful and ordered environment is prepared to respect, support and respond to the young child''s basic needs. In this program, we seek to help the child follow his or her natural path of development, to gain independence, to be motivated from within by a natural curiosity, to interact with the environment as an active explorer, and to cultivate the child''s own natural desire to learn.

All furniture and materials are carefully selected to meet the developmental needs of the young child. The children are encouraged and assisted to develop skills in caring for themselves, such as dressing and undressing. Through their own observations, children often develop an interest in using the toilet independently. Simple, easily manipulated clothing assist the child in developing his/her independence.

The Toddler Community environment is divided into many different areas that provide interesting, purposeful activities. The young child absorbs the world around him/her through the five senses, and a rich environment caters to the child''s senses. The beautiful materials attract the child\\''s interest and fulfill the child''s natural urge to explore the world. Gradually, the child lengthens his/her span of concentration. The materials also assist the child to refine eye-hand coordination. Children are encouraged to experiment with paint, clay, glue and crayons.

Language activities are also very important as the young child is in the most sensitive period for acquiring language. The child''s language is enriched through conversation, songs, poems and stories as well as beautiful materials that help promote language development.

Each day some of the children assist in the preparation of a nutritious snack while others help in the setting of a beautiful table. The children and adults gather together each day for a "family style" meal. The children also assist in cleaning up and taking care of the environment.

Hours and tuition for the Toddler Community will align with our existing program for 3-6 year olds. Scholarships and tuition assistance will be available.