Curiosity. Exploration. Confidence. Growing Independence. Young children are compelled to observe and explore their environment.
Based on a deep understanding of child development, MSGH provides a prepared indoor and outdoor environment that creates opportunities for observation and exploration, and encourages children’s natural sense of adventure.
Toddler Program
MSGH’s Toddler Program is designed to give children ages 15 months to 3 years a warm, nurturing ‘home away from home,’ where they are supported in:
- taking their first steps toward independence;
- developing their powers of speech and communication;
- strengthening fine and large motor skills;
- learning to work and play in a beautiful, cooperative community setting.
Daily Schedule
Morning Work Cycle
During the morning work cycle, children may explore the many beautiful Montessori materials in the classroom or garden, receive individual or group lessons from the teacher, or participate in small group activities such as singing, dancing, story-telling, gardening and food preparation.
Snack and Lunchtime
The Montessori classroom recognizes the importance of these daily activities. Children help prepare the food, set and clear the table, and wash up the dishes – all the while acquiring new vocabulary, honing motor skills, absorbing social norms and taking great satisfaction in their contribution to the life of the classroom.
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Naptime
Lunchtime is followed by naptime. After sleeping mats are placed on the floor and favorite ‘snugglies’ are retrieved from cubbies, low light and soothing music send the children off to sleep. Children who awaken early are free to choose indoor or outdoor activities before dismissal time.
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Helpful Parenting Tips
Read the following articles below for toddler parenting tips, toddler montessori articles and resources!
TODDLER ART: PROCESS OVER PRODUCT
Montessori places emphasis on the process of creating art versus the product. Children are encouraged to explore with a variety of mediums. On the shelves, we offer an array of tools with which children may create their own form of art.
TODDLER INDEPENDENCE IN THE HOME
The young child is far more capable than you might think. Supporting your child's budding independence at home can seem daunting, but there are ways you can encourage it and, in turn, help support their experience at school.
Parent Observation
Parents of prospective students are encouraged to experience a working Montessori classroom for themselves by planning a visit during the school year. Visiting parents receive a full tour of the school and observe the classroom during the morning work cycle while the children are immersed in learning activities.
Program Details
Teachers: Toddler teachers augment their undergraduate or graduate-level experience with a diploma earned at an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Training Center. Each classroom is also supported by a Teacher’s Assistant who is a native Spanish speaker. In one of the classrooms, the teacher is the Spanish speaker and the assistant speaks English.
Classroom Composition: MSGH has four Toddler classrooms, all of which are carefully balanced by age, gender, cultural background, and children’s maturity and activity levels.
Half-Day, Full-Day and All-Day Programs: MSGH’s half-day Toddler Program runs from 8:30 to 12:00; the program includes snack and ends prior to lunchtime. The full-day program runs from 8:30 to 3:00, and the all-day program runs from 8:30 to 5:30.
Early Morning Care: An early morning care program is available from 7:30 to 8:00.
Transition to the MSGH Primary Program: Children transition from the Toddler Program to the Primary Program when they are developmentally ready. Children generally move between ages 2 ½ and 3 and may transition at any point in the academic year.
