During the early part of the 20 century, Maria Montessori, the first woman doctor in Italy , began her studies and observations of young children. She developed a unique educational method, which gave children a sense of independence, self-discipline and accomplishment, in and out of the classroom. Montessori recognized in a child his natural curiosity and desire to learn. The Montessori environment and materials are designed to encourage a child’s desire to gain knowledge, develop concentration and learn a sense of order.

While Children’s House Montessori is fully equipped with Montessori teaching apparatuses, and devoted to the philosophies of Dr. Montessori, it is eclectic in it’s use of learning materials and encourages creative expression of the child, making use of a variety of materials and methods to establish an Early Childhood Education program that is maximally suited to the needs of it’s students. Our main goals are to help your child grow and develop in self-confidence, independence, socialization, self-discipline, respect for self and others, courtesy, social grace and manners.  

A Montessori school is neither a traditional play school nor a day care program. Rather, it is a unique cycle of learning designed to take advantage of the child’s sensitive years between birth and the age of six, when he/she can absorb information from an enriched environment. A child who acquires the basic skills of reading and arithmetic in this natural way has the advantage of beginning education without drudgery, boredom, or discouragement. By pursuing his/her individual interests in a Montessori classroom, he/she gains an early enthusiasm for learning.

Our Toddler Class is a wonderful, fun and unique environment for children ages two - three years of age.

First Steps Toward Independence

The Environment

Our Toddler classroom is carefully designed to meet the physical needs of the children, both in the size of the furnishings and in the opportunities for motor development. Areas of learning are defined, yet the space is open to allow plenty of room for social interaction and activities required for growth and development. Low shelves feature carefully chosen activities that encourage language development, art, music, and manipulative play.

Areas of learning include large muscle movement and fine motor exercises for hand-eye coordination. Practical life exercises such as pouring, sweeping, dusting, buttoning, zipping and table setting are introduced early, providing opportunities for children to care for themselves and their environment. An eating area includes a place for the children to help with preparation of the food they will eat. This area provides sensory input and real experiences, with real tools for a real purpose. Lessons of grace and courtesy are practiced daily to help toddlers learn to share and be considerate of others.

Engaging, Meaningful Activity

We are committed to providing our toddlers with engaging, meaningful activities which:

• provide experiences that stimulate the senses

• enrich the child’s vocabulary and understanding of language

• provide time for the child to repeat and master activities as long as it is productive

• teach our children how to use tools in the specific environment such as eating utensils, brooms, sponges, etc.

• give children the opportunity to gain a sense of self esteem, self worth, and self confidence

Parent Collaboration

Particularly with this age group, communication and collaboration with parents is essential. We work in partnership and provide support to make the toddler years productive and happy for the entire family.

New Toddler Class Students

We encourage parents of our new toddlers to begin their journey into our school with a Parent and Me Toddler Class which is an alternative introduction to Montessori and can aid in the transition of your child from home or daycare to the Montessori school environment. This class is offered on a Saturday morning at the beginning of the school year. Our Toddler teachers facilitate this class while parents stay with their children helping to engage them in circle time activities, snacks, recess, and or outdoor classroom projects. While this won’t take away all the tears or fears of being left at the school for the first few weeks, it does assist in helping parents feel more comfortable with the toddler class routine. It’s always a fun time and we encourage new toddler students to attend when they can.

In addition to our Toddler Class, our school hosts 2 beautiful Pre-Primary/Primary Classrooms, a dedicated art-room, a fun hands-on Outdoor Class, a Planting Garden and 2 large playgrounds for students ranging in age from 3-6 years.

Both of our Primary classes are filled with Practical Life and Sensorial materials as well as the highly developed Montessori Math and Language materials. These classes enjoy in depth units of study in the areas of cultural subjects and science. Our Teachers incorporate daily music, art, cooking, crafts and even gardening into this well rounded program.  The 3 year age span allows for cross age tutoring as well as a balanced 3 year Montessori cycle to take place.

The Art Room is a favorite class of our Primary students. The Primary classes are given opportunities during the week to spend time in our beautiful Art Room with a teacher who presents lessons in light, color, shape and design as well as lessons in art appreciation and the study of famous artists from many different cultures and time periods.  Our students work with many varied art mediums and are encouraged to engage in the exploration and  development of their own artistic and creative expression and interpretations.