Infant Program
6 to 18 Months Old
The goal of our Montessori Infant Program is to promote the development of basic trust and to help in the normal development of the child's personality. More than a Cambridge daycare program, the Montessori Academy Learning Centre is committed to providing quality Montessori infant care for children from 6 to 18 months old. An infant's basic trust develops in an environment where people respond appropriately to the need to be loved, respected, and accepted. Our low teacher-child ratio allows us to nurture your child's development and confidence.
Infants learn through their senses. They learn through observation and by having the freedom to explore and move. The freedom to move is essential to the development of the infant's potential. Children in our care are considered a whole person and we are keenly aware of the effects of the quality of holding and feeding, as well as the quality of physical care.
A Place for Curious Minds to Learn and Grow
At the Montessori Academy of Cambridge we provide individualized learning activities that are appropriate for even the earliest stages of a child’s development. Our materials are stimulating yet simple, and each is carefully designed to appeal to children at a specific level of his/her development. Our children flourish in carefully prepared, familiar environments that respect, support, and respond to their basic needs for independence, exploration, and movement. Materials are displayed on low, open shelves and on floor mats, all within easy reach of even the youngest child. A predictable sequence of activities and routines helps the infant feel safe and very much at home.
During these first formative years, we never lose sight of the infant’s need for individual care and attention. We know that through the quality of holding, feeding, and communicating, children acquire a strong and positive sense of self. While children are encouraged to be active, inquisitive learners, sensitive adults are always near to direct their exploration, to assist, or to gently comfort. Truly a daycare program for growing minds!
Interested in the INFANT program?
A Typical Day in the Montessori Academy Infants Room (6 – 18 months)
Program Hours:
- Program Hours
8:00am – 5:30pm
Max. Class Size: 10 children
Ratio: 1 teacher to every 3 children
The Montessori / ECE infant specialist is educated in these areas:
- Self-knowledge as preparation.
- Human growth and development.
- Observational skills to assist the development of each child.
- Preparing responsive environments to meet the infant's developmental needs.
- Respecting daily routines and incorporating them into the infant's curriculum.
- Both verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
- Respecting the infant as a person.
- Respecting the environment as a resource for the infant's development.
- Taking responsibility to assist and protect the infant's development.
- Nurturing infants
8:00am-9:00am Arrival Time: Good Morning! We welcome our children to another day of learning and exploring with the Montessori Academy of Cambridge. It is time to give your little one a kiss and a cuddle at the door, before saying goodbye. Children enjoy free playtime while remaining under our educators' close care. Our days always start with a healthy morning snack. Children enjoy nutritious snacks.
9:00am-10:00am Montessori Work Period: The early morning is time for our infants to explore and work with the Montessori materials around the room. Teachers will often present the children with a material, allowing them to explore and experience it in detail. The most popular curriculum areas in the infant class include practical life, sensorial and language.
10:00am-11:00am Outdoor Time: Children engage in outdoor play in the dedicated infant playground. Our educators carefully prepare the infant outdoor learning environment to encourage the children to learn and develop new skills every day.
11:00am-11:15am Getting Ready For Lunch: It’s time to get back inside and prepare for lunch. The staff prepare the children for lunch as we take turns washing their hands.
11:15am-11:45am Lunch: Working hard is hungry work! The staff warms up meals, prepare water bottles, and place bibs on the children. Each child's eating habits are documented for review by their parents. Staff also provide milk bottles and accommodate each child’s needs as requested.
11:45am-1:45pm Nap / Rest Time: In our daycare facilities, babies enjoy a scheduled nap time after lunch; however, we are happy to work around any sleeping schedule. Each child has their own cot, and we encourage our families to bring their own bed sheets when possible, and a comforter for their little one to snuggle with. Soft music plays while we put the babies’ down to rest, and any unsettled children are rocked to sleep.
1:45 pm – 2:00 pm Snack Time: It’s time for afternoon snacks. Staff change the children’s diapers, and provide afternoon snacks. Once snack time is finished, it is time to get ready to go outside and explore the outdoors again.
2:00pm-3:00pm Outdoor Time: Outdoor play changes every day. We have a sandbox, a playhouse, a variety of toy cars, and other many age appropriate toys for the children. The staff enjoy blowing bubbles and watching the children react with surprise when they pop. The playground is secured with a fence and staff closely monitor the children.
3:00pm-3:30pm Exploratory Play & Pick-Up: Good evening, and welcome back! Your little one is now ready to go home happy, safe and sound. Your child’s Educators will greet you at the door and help you collect your child’s belongings. We are happy to answer any questions about sleeping habits, their food and diaper changes. Our friendly team are always happy to assist.
3:30pm-5:30pm After Care: Children in our after hours daycare service enjoy a snack and free play.
* Frequent diaper changes are scheduled throughout the day for the children. Additionally, our Educators regularly check if your child requires an extra diaper change.