Montessori Infant Program (Ages 0 to 18 Months)
A calm, prepared room for the youngest children
Program Overview
The Montessori infant program gives babies a warm, safe room that supports the fast development of the first 18 months. Adults set up the space so infants can move freely, reach for objects and hear rich spoken language throughout the day.
Good to Know. Schools draw the line between infant and toddler groups at different ages. AMI standards, for example, describe a nido for babies from about 2 months to 12 or 15 months, followed by an infant community up to age 2.5 or 3, with a ratio of one adult to three babies in the nido (AMI/USA standards).
Key Development Areas
Physical Development
- Gross motor skills
- Fine motor development
- Movement coordination
Cognitive Development
- Sensory exploration
- Object permanence
- Cause and effect
Environment & Materials
Prepared Environment
- Safe, child-sized furniture
- Floor beds that let babies get in and out on their own
- Low mirrors
- Mobiles and other things to look at
Learning Materials
- Sensory materials
- Grasping objects
- Language materials
- Movement mats
Daily Activities
Morning
- Arrival routine
- Individual exploration
- Movement activities
Midday
- Feeding time
- Rest period
- Gentle activities
Afternoon
- Sensory activities
- Music and movement
- Departure routine
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