A Montessori environment prepared to support their natural curiosity and developmental needs.
Come and bond with your child as you both experience the benefits of a Montessori environment in a welcoming group setting.
Free Parent-Infant Class
This class is designed for non-walking infants and their caregivers. Adults will have the opportunity to observe and interact with their child as he or she explores an environment prepared to support their natural curiosity and developmental needs. Informal discussions will give caregivers an opportunity to share their successes and challenges regarding topics such as breastfeeding, weaning, toilet learning, and issues regarding sleep and how to encourage freedom while maintaining limits. A Montessori-trained teacher will facilitate these discussions as well as discuss ways to promote language, movement, independence, and self-discipline at home.
Session Duration: 4 weeks
Classes per Week: 1
Class Duration: 1 hour per class
Class Size: Up to 12 families per class
This class is for children 0-12 months.
Materials
Materials Needed for Class
This is a Parent and Baby class. Parents/caregivers are to bring their infant to the class. They will also need their diaper bag with what they typically pack. We will be on the floor with our little ones, so wear comfortable clothing.
Materials Provided During the Class
Instructor will have the Montessori environment fully prepared for each class.
Baby-Parent Friendly
All classes are baby-parent friendly. Babies will do what they need to do: eat, cry, fuss, move, etc. Not only is this okay, it is expected! While attending to your baby's needs during the class, ease into it and try to stay in tune with the group the best you can. Even if you are up and walking with your baby, you're sure to pick up valuable information. When you feel ready, rejoin the group. If your baby needs more time, keep doing what is best for your baby. This process is anticipated for the first few classes when everything is new to the little ones, so don't worry. The bond between you and your child is the key aspect of all the classes and as they continue to settle in, they are sure to enjoy every moment!
Meet One of Your Guides
Toko Blais-Odorczuk
Toko has over ten years' experience guiding Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Toddler Communities. In addition to her in classroom experience, she has been accepted into the 2019 AMI Teacher Trainer Program for Assistance to Infancy, a five year program for training future AMI Teachers. For the last three years she has been a featured guest lecturer at area colleges and universities presenting on Montessori education and its pedagogical approach to childhood. Toko has offered numerous parenting workshops throughout New England and is an expert in child development for birth-three. She provides free parenting programs throughout Greater Hartford in underserved communities. Toko holds a BA in English Literature and a BA in Music Theory/Composition. Her Association Montessori International diploma in Assistants to Infancy (0-3) is from The Montessori Institute in Denver, Colorado. Additionally, she is a certified Instructor of Infant Massage through the International Association of Infant Massage. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano and sharing the joy of music with her two little ones. She is an avid reader and loves to spend time with her husband, family and children (who attend MSGH).
