Toddler Program
18 Months to 3 Years Old
Our toddler program provides an environment that is carefully prepared to meet the unique needs of children aged 18 months to 3 years old. Our classroom is specially designed to accommodate children these ages with a teacher-student ratio one teacher for every five students. At the Montessori Academy we are dedicated to providing outstanding early childhood education for Cambridge families.
It is important that the children come to feel the classroom as their own peaceful, special space where they play a meaningful role in their own care and the care of their environment. All furniture is specially designed to allow maximum independence, and the Montessori toddler materials are designed to be attractive and inviting to the children.
Our toddler classroom environment is carefully designed to allow the children to explore and develop concentration and coordination. Beyond childcare, the teachers observe the children each day and monitor their development and readiness.
Early Childhood Education at Montessori Cambridge Childcare Program
The main focus of the toddler program is language and motor development, assisting the child develop self-help skills (including toilet-training), and helping the children build trust in relationships. The Montessori Academy of Cambridge toddler program is based on a constructivist or "discovery" model, where students learn concepts from working with materials, instead of by direct instruction from the teachers.
Our rich curriculum for toddlers is especially designed to:
- Develop and strengthen fine and gross motor skills
- Teach practical life skills and foster the beginning stages of independence
- Instill confidence, kindness, grace and courtesy
- Allow children to learn by doing, using all their senses to explore the world
- Help joyfully instill social skills and cooperation
Interested in the TODDLER program?
A Typical Day in the Montessori Academy Toddler Room
Program Hours:
- Before Care (additional Fee)
8:00am – 8:30am - Program Hours
8:30am – 3:30pm - After Care (additional Fee)
3:30pm – 5:30pm
Max. Class size: 15 children
Ratio: 1 teacher to every 5 children
The Montessori/ECE toddler specialist
In a Montessori environment a toddler teacher is trained to provide practical and social skills. These skills involve toilet training, eating etiquette, and more. Through the use of Montessori Materials children learn through their senses. The child becomes the center of education. This environment provides an atmosphere where learning is fun and holistic. Children forge their own path in the learning process that is unique to their developmental stage and capabilities. This element of self-directed learning is a key component of Montessori Philosophy.
In addition to work time, children participate in circle time. Circle time is an opportunity for children to learn orally in a collaborative environment. Teachers take this time to introduce new friends, learn months of the year, days of the week, show and share personal objects, and more. Children learn to respect each other’s spaces, and learn other social cues. This especially becomes critical as children transition into the Casa Classroom.
8:00am-8:30am Before Care: Free Play
8:30am-9:00am Arrival Time: Good Morning! Welcome to another day of learning and exploring with the Montessori Academy of Cambridge. Please place your child’s belongings in their cubbies. When entering the classroom, please remember to knock on the door, and wait to be greeted by your child’s teachers. We encourage families to say goodbye at the door so as not to disturb the children’s work.
9:00am-9:30am Snack Time: Morning snacks begin before outdoor play. Children enjoy snacks like yogurt and fruits. Afterwards staff check diapers and prepare them for outdoor play. Staff encourage children to independently get dressed and provide assistance as needed.
9: 45am-10:45am Outdoor Play: Now is outdoor play time! Our prepared outdoor environments are designed to invite interest and activity. This environment is set up daily with rotating activities to meet children’s developmental needs and interests. Outdoor play is a time for the toddlers to socialize with other age groups and exercise their gross motor skills.
10:45am-11:30am Circle Time: Circle time allows the class to develop a strong sense of community through shared learning and experiences. Group time activities for our toddlers typically include: show and tell, walking on the line, grace and courtesy, story time, interest based projects, music and movement, language activities, geography study, and art and craft.
10:45am-11:20am Montessori Work: During this time children freely choose Montessori Work from one of the five curriculum areas. Children may work with several materials for the whole work cycle, or they may move freely from one activity to another. Young toddlers are guided through the activities and lessons by the Montessori trained Educators.
11:30am-12:15pm Lunch and Clean Up/Washroom Routine: Working hard is hungry work! Children wash their hands before and after eating as good practice for practical life. The school provides catered nutritious food. The staff check the quality of the food prior to serving, and also check the temperature. Teachers encourage children to learn about foods from different cultures, encourage food-based discussions, and fosters a greater understanding of healthy eating.
12:15am-2:15pm Nap/Rest Time: Teachers play soft music to assist children in sleeping. Children are gently patted or rubbed on their backs to sleep.
2:15pm-2:30pm Snack Time: Children wake up and wash their hands. Snacks are served to prepare them for outdoor activities.
2:30pm-3:45pm Outdoor Time: Children are able to explore the playground, and enjoy the sandbox. Additional toys are provided such as shovels, buckets, balls, bikes, and hula hoops.
3:30pm Pick-up Time: 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. A clipboard near the cubbies provides all the daily information about your child. Things such as: eating, diaper changes, and sleep time.
3:30pm-5:30pm After Care (Snack & Free play): Throughout the day frequent diaper changes are scheduled for the children and our staff regularly check if your child requires an extra diaper change.