The Montessori toddler program is centered around helping Toddlers become independent and confident. As Montessorians, we understand that supporting a child means preparing them for life—and often, that means helping them do things for themselves, being by their side as they struggle with new challenges, and savoring the pride that comes from succeeding. Much of our teaching in the Toddler Community centers around independence tasks, such as:

• Setting a table for snack time—and cleaning up afterward.

What happens at school when a child misbehaves? Do you do time-outs? What if my child bites? Good questions! 

It's a good time for us to keep reminding ourselves what we are thankful for, focusing on what we are fortunate to have.  We can apply that when we look at our children.  Each child is unique and special.  Even though we look at the milestones for the age group, we focus on the individual's development.  Let us think about how much your child is talking (able to express their needs in words), how much physical independence he/she has, and about their self-confidence. 'Respect' is vital to parenting, but the word can confuse us, especially when it comes to setting limits with toddlers.

Dr. Maria Montessori, the Italian educator and scientist who, more than 100 years ago, developed the system of education that bears her name, knew that from birth to age 3, your child’s brain develops more rapidly than at any other time. More learning takes place than at any other stage of development.

Children have been enjoying singing and reading books that talk about emotions. For toddlers, it's hard to control emotions, especially frustration, anger, and sadness. Most of the time, they will cry, scream, and even throw things. As adults, we can feel frustrated and upset, but instead of seeing this as a difficult time, we can see it as an opportunity to guide them. We can give validation to their feelings but, at the same time, establish limits.

Dr. Montessori observed that children go through sensitive periods during which they are mainly disposed to develop specific abilities. Sensorial exploration is a sensitive period of the toddler years: They want to touch, see, hear, smell, and taste everything! Through sensorial exploration, young children learn about the fantastic world around them. 

Toddlers have what Dr. Montessori called an Absorbent Mind. They learn just by experiencing what we do: they mirror how we act (which is why using kind language matters!), imitate our every action, and take in language like little sponges.

The Montessori toddler program is centered around helping Toddlers become independent and confident. As Montessorians, we understand that supporting a child means preparing them for life—and often, that means helping them do things for themselves, being by their side as they struggle with new challenges, and savoring the pride that comes from succeeding.

Toddlers have what Dr. Montessori called an Absorbent Mind. They learn by experiencing what we do: they mirror how we act (which is why using kind language matters!), imitate our every action, and absorb language like little sponges.

Food plays a significant role in Montessori. Learning about foods (it’s a big part of the language area), growing food in our garden (where and when it is possible), and preparing food (cutting an apple, peeling an egg) are all part of the daily toddler routine. You may even see toddlers baking—or helping to prepare dishes for special events in our classroom!