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Toddler Program
The Toddler Montessori environment is especially prepared for their developmental needs with miniature tables and chairs and didactic materials that offer toddlers the opportunity to exercise their senses. Children from 18 months to three years can gain sensory-motor development appropriate for their age level. This class also focuses on socialization, communication, and toileting skills.
All of our programs are structured with a consistent daily schedule. We believe that children function best in an environment in which they know and understand what to expect and what is expected of them.
Circle Time - Each day begins with a circle time (also called line time). During this time, the teacher takes role, works on name recognition using the child’s name card, introduces group lessons, reads a book, and sings songs. The duration of circle time varies depending on the toddlers’ attention span.
Work Time – During Work Time, children are allowed to move about the classroom and choose various materials to work on. The teachers use this time to give individual lessons and to check the children’s work before they put it away. All of the materials in the room are didactic and stimulate learning. Materials aid and develop hand- eye coordination, and small motor skills, as well as introduce and improve their knowledge of shapes, colors, numbers, and letters. This is an opportunity for the children to work independently, with a friend, or one-on-one with a teacher.
Snack Time - Snack is served each day and teaches valuable lessons about manners. We ask that parents sign up to bring snack in twice a month. Snack calendars are posted outside the classroom.
Outside Time – Weather permitting, the children have approximately 15-20 minutes of outside time each morning. This is an important time for them to socialize and run off some energy.
Arts /Crafts – Projects are incorporated into the program 2-3 times per week and are representative of the current area of study or a holiday. Children usually bring home at least one project per week.
Potty Training – Twice each morning we have a group potty time. During this time we ask each child to sit on the potty. A potty chart is kept for each child and a record kept each time they tried or went potty. We will work with the parents to develop a potty training plan. Each child is asked to go potty before and after naptime or their diaper is changed. Parents also supply diapers and wipes for their children.
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