About Toddler  Program

The first three years of life are the most fundamental in the development of the human being.  Dr. Montessori refers to the child at this period as the “spiritual embryo”.  During that time, the child's personality and intelligence are formed, and the child acquires the culture and language into which   he / she is born.  The Montessori Toddler program is specifically designed to meet the needs and natural curiosity of children from 18 months to 2 ½ - 3 years-old, and to foster independence, development and language acquisition during this special period.

Our Toddler environment is being conducted by a Montessori-trained directress with special qualifications for the Toddler level, and teacher’s assistants help with classroom management.  The adults in the classroom gently guide and support the toddlers in a manner which enhance their innate love of learning, sense of order and of independence.  Since this is an age of very strong imitation, the teachers constantly model appropriate social skills, good manners and consideration for others.  The teachers also observe the children each day and monitor their development and readiness.

Children in the Toddler community choose activities, explore, and experiment at their own pace, in an environment which is carefully prepared to meet each child’s individual needs.  This nurturing, joyful, secure, social environment offers the child many opportunities for self-confidence, self-expression, movement, cognitive development, language and social skills.  In the Toddler community, all furniture is toddler-sized in order to allow maximum independence, the carefully designed Montessori materials are inviting, and the various activities are purposeful. 

The Toddler program offers young children a unique year of self development in an atmosphere of respect, understanding, and support.  In this setting, the children come to feel that the classroom is their own special space, where they play a meaningful role in their own care and the care of their environment.

Parkdale Montessori Toddler program creates a very gentle and gradual separation for each child from his/her parents.  As the toddlers gradually become comfortable in their new environment, they learn to trust the teachers and the other children around them.

Toddlers have their own distinct playground with appropriate play equipment.  Each day (unless the weather is inclement), the children go outside.  In the spring, toddlers sometimes go for short walks or our nearby park. 

Hot lunches, milk and two snacks are provided everyday for the children. 

Parents have the option to enroll their child all year-round in the Toddler program.