Montessori Toddler Program (Ages 18 Months to 3 Years)
Supporting independence and discovery in early childhood
Program Overview
The Montessori toddler program serves children at the age when they start insisting on doing things themselves. The room is set up so toddlers can reach what they need, try real tasks like pouring water or wiping a table, and practice them as often as they like.
In AMI terms this group is called an infant community. AMI standards describe groups of 10 to 14 children with one adult for every five or six, and a two-hour work period each morning (AMI/USA standards).
Good to Know. Other schools set their own ratios within state licensing rules.
Key Development Areas
Language Development
- Vocabulary building
- Communication skills
- Early literacy
Social Development
- Peer interaction
- Grace and courtesy
- Emotional awareness
Practical Life Activities
Self-Care Skills
- Hand washing
- Dressing frames
- Toilet learning
- Feeding skills
Care of Environment
- Table washing
- Plant care
- Sweeping
- Organizing materials
Daily Schedule
Morning
- Welcome circle
- Work period
- Outdoor time
- Group activities
Midday
- Lunch preparation
- Quiet reading
- Rest time
- Gentle activities
Afternoon
- Snack time
- Art activities
- Music and movement
- Closing circle
Learning Materials
Sensorial Materials
- Texture boards
- Sound cylinders
- Object permanence boxes
- Matching exercises
Motor Development
- Climbing equipment
- Push and pull toys
- Balance beams
- Fine motor tools
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