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:
- Program Hours
8:30am – 5:30pm
Max. Class size: 15 children
Ratio: 1 teacher to every 5 children according to CCEYA
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-9:30am: Arrival, Snacks, Exploring Prepared Environment
Good Morning! We welcome our children to another day of learning and exploring. 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 nutritious snacks for the children.
9:30am-10:30am Montessori Curriculum
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.
10:30am-11:30am 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.
11:30am-12:30pm Lunch: Working hard is hungry work! The educators seat the children at the family-style table set up, 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.
12:30pm-2:30pm 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.
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Afternoon snack and outdoor prep: 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.
3:30pm-4:30pm 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.
4:30pm-5:30pm Afternoon activities: Children in our after hours daycare service enjoy a snack and free play.
* Frequent diaper changes and washroom routines are scheduled throughout the day for the children. Additionally, our Educators regularly check if your child requires an extra diaper change.