Toddler

18 - 33 months

Assisting children on their journey toward trust, separation, independence, and self-control.
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“The toddler is a reality of the present, yet a glimpse of the future.”


- Maria Montessori


Journey to Independence.


The aims of the Twin Parks Montessori Schools toddler program are to assist children as they fulfill the basic human tasks of trust, separation, independence, and self-control. The focus is both on curriculum and materials and on helping the toddler respond to the rapid and conflicting changes of this developmental age. The carefully planned and meticulously prepared class environment beckons the toddler’s strongest desires to make order out of chaos, to move with intention and coordination, and to communicate with others.

Toddlers need to know that they are safe, both physically and emotionally, and that they are loved for whom they are.

In a Montessori toddler environment, the child develops feelings of support, security, and self-esteem. Children are guided toward appropriate behaviors through a non-judgmental atmosphere that offers consistency; children come to understand the balance between freedom and limits. Toddlers need to know that they are safe, both physically and emotionally, and that they are loved for whom they are. The comfort and reassurance of caring adults is never far away.


During the beginning weeks in a toddler class, children experience a major transition. To ease this transition, we require a one to two week “phase-in” period. The first day is one hour with a parent in the classroom. Both the parent and child leave after one hour. We try to increase the time by an hour each day and to slowly move parents out of the classroom as children become comfortable with their teachers and environment. After a child has experienced the phase-in process, the best way children can feel comfortable at school is if they see that their parents have trust in the new situation. Consistency in the daily way parents handle the transition away from their child also helps to support the child’s ability to build trust. A tender hug or kiss and a confident demeanor as you leave are routines that help your child adjust to the “newness” of school. To successfully pass through separation anxiety is one of the major learning experiences for the toddler.

An Environment Conducive to Learning

Most toddlers quickly adjust to the Montessori environment. Nature assists by offering him or her an insatiable curiosity and a boundless enthusiasm for activity. Toddlers literally propel themselves through their busy day! Out of this newfound freedom of movement, there eventually comes a flourishing of concentration on an enticing activity. Despite minor distractions, children focus and engage in hands-on activity, music and song, group time, and participate both in the daily care of their class and in their own personal care. Patience, self-control, and respect of peers emerge as children participate in community life.

Absorbing Language

Toddlers also learn to use language skills, both verbal and non-verbal, to solve conflicts in social situations. They quickly grow in their ability to carry on extended conversations and request help. Gestures and physical communication remain valid ways of communicating, but they diminish as the child’s phrases and simple sentences are understood. As words become a primary means of communication, we are careful not to attribute an understanding to the toddler that he or she does not yet possess.


One of the several challenges unique to toddlers is toilet learning. Adults become aware of a child’s readiness to entertain this challenge when the child exhibits certain characteristics, but children must make the decision on their own. As they do, teachers help ease this new routine naturally into the child’s personal care. Children experience independence, self-control, motivation, and confidence in their success.

Incorporating Nature

Our toddlers activate their senses and their awareness of the world around them with daily experiences in Central Park and Riverside Park. They explore the parks and playgrounds and walk to specific destinations like the Turtle Pond, the Hudson River, Crab Apple Grove, the Duck Pond, Great Hill, the North Woods and the Pinetum. Nature is incorporated into the daily curriculum and children are encouraged to make observations and discoveries while outdoors.

Well-trained Professionals

Of course, the adults who work with this age group must have both incredible energy and deep sensitivity. Our Twin Parks Montessori Schools teachers are experienced in teaching—and compassionate and loving in nature. And they love to laugh! Working with toddlers is simply joyful.

Toddler Typical Daily Schedule

8:00-9:00 am

Arrival

8:00-9:30 am

Morning Work Cycle (Freedom of Movement)

9:30-10:00 am

Morning Circle and Snack (Music, Movement, Food Tasting, Story time)

10:00-11:30 am

Outdoor Exploration or Gross Motor in Gym (Nature Walk, Playground)

11:30-12:30 pm

Lunch (Option of Little Green Gourmets)

12:30 pm

First Pick Up

12:30-2:30 pm

Rest Time (Toileting)

2:30-3:30 pm

Prepare for Dismissal (Toileting, Snack)

3:30 pm

Second Pick Up

Toddler Extended Day Schedule

3:45-4:30 pm

Outdoor Exploration or Gross Motor in Gym (Nature Walk, Playground)

4:30-5:00 pm

Snack, Toileting

5:00-6:00 pm

Work Cycle

6:00 pm

Dismissal

What Parents Think

  • We are so happy we are a Twin Parks Family, and are looking forward to another great year next year as we transition into the Orange Room.

    Park West Montessori School Parent
  • Over the past two years we noticed how much more inquisitive and outgoing socially our son has become. We believe this experience will instill in him a lifetime love of learning

    Riverside Montessori School Parent
  • It has been such a caring and friendly environment for our children. Every day, we picked them up from school with a smile on their faces, full of stories of what they were learning, the work they were doing and the friends they had made.

    Central Park Montessori School Parent
  • We can't thank you all enough for such a wonderful year at Central Park Montessori!  We were so sad leaving the school today for the last time.  It has been such a caring and friendly environment for our children.  Every day, we picked them up from school with a smile on their faces, full of stories of what they were learning, the work they were doing and the friends they had made.

    Central Park Montessori School Parent
  • In such a short time, you have instilled in them a love of learning, a love of life and the world around them, a sense of independence and helpfulness, a great appreciation of friendships, and the stamina to walk very long distances!! Thank you! You are teaching these children such important qualities, as well as a first rate academic education at such a young age. The curriculum is fantastic. We are very grateful for the time, energy and enthusiasm that all of you put into your work every day.

    Central Park Montessori School Parent
  • Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for hiring such fabulous, dedicated and caring teachers to take such amazing care of our little boy. He has grown so much because of his experience in Green Room A. We are so happy we are a Twin Parks Family, and are looking forward to another great year next year as we transition into the Orange Room.

    Park West Montessori School Parent
  • We are impressed with the implementation of the Montessori method at Park West. The daily schedule allowed time for children to come together as a community for circle time, snacks and lunches while also allowing time for children to focus on self-directed and small group activities during work cycles and daily trips to the playgrounds in Central Park. The children’s interests guided the activities and projects that took place throughout the year.

    Park West Montessori School Parent
  • One of the defining aspects of an excellent school is a teaching staff that interacts with the children and guides their learning each and every day. The experience, commitment, caring and compassion demonstrated by all of these teachers created a nurturing and positive environment where all the children in the Blue Room could develop and thrive and truly be themselves.

    Park West Montessori School Parent
  • There was a tremendous sense of community fostered at Park West. Park West was a wonderfully positive, fulfilling and nurturing experience for our son. We offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to all of the dedicated staff of Park West.

    Park West Montessori School Parent
  • Our son came home most days excited about what he had done in school. He was constantly talking about his friends and teachers, and was eager to return to school each morning. He was proud of the jobs he had each morning, his accomplishments, and the things he learned. He was very quiet when he began at Montessori, and over the past two years, we noticed how much more inquisitive and outgoing socially he has become. We believe this experience will instill in him a lifetime love of learning.

    Riverside Montessori School Parent
  • As parents, knowing that he was attending school with experienced and friendly teachers put our minds at ease. Seeing your child run into a classroom and hug a teacher each morning makes it much easier to say goodbye for the day. We feel very fortunate to have been part of the Montessori family.

    Riverside Montessori School Parent

Ready to help your child become a life-long learner?

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