Toddler Program

12 mo. – 24 mo.

Our toddler program is committed to promoting quality Montessori toddler care for children from 12 months to 24 months, based on American Montessori Society principles. The aim is to accomplish the following:

• Foster the development of trust
• Assist in the natural development of personality, based on unique needs and wants
• Respond appropriately to the toddler’s needs to be loved, respected, and accepted
• Nurture toddlers through their senses, allowing children to observe and move freely
• Encourage independence with feedings
• Maintain a routine that is predictable so that the child feels secure in his/her environment
• Establish a partnership with the family. The family is considered an integral part of the individual’s total development
• Develop a stronger sense of self, self-confidence, and independence

For our Toddler Program, the BMS teacher in the toddler setting will incorporate the following tools:

• Knowledge of Montessori philosophy and methodology appropriate for toddlers
• Knowledge of early childhood development
• Observational skills to assist the development of each child
• Responsive environments to meet the toddler’s developmental needs
• Daily routines and incorporating them into the toddler’s curriculum
• Verbal and non-verbal communication skills
• Respect for the child as an individual human being
• Respect for the environment as a resource for the child’s development
• Responsibility to assist and protect the child’s development

In addition, the BMS Toddler Specialists will incorporate the following teaching concepts:

Exposure to Montessori sensory and language materials to build a foundation for confidence and independence, which will be expanded upon in the 2-3 year pre-primary program.

Some examples include the following:

Practical life: Includes helping the children prepare their table, eat unassisted, clean up after themselves and begins the foundation for potty training

Sensory: Allows the toddler to learn about the world through their senses, for example exploring the outdoors in a safe play space

Language: Language activities and materials to encourage using words, increase vocabulary and conversational skills

Art and Music: Through song and dance, toddlers have access to a variety of large muscle activities that offer them opportunities to jump, climb, balance, or skip