Toddler

Morning Toddler   

8:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Afternoon Toddler

12:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Toddler Program Details 

^{Toddlers should be stable on their feet before they join us}

^{Toilet learning is part of the curriculum}

^{Students may attend 3, 4 or 5-days a week}

^{3 DAYS: Monday/Tuesday/ Wednesday or Wednesday/Thursday/Friday}

^{4 DAYS: Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday}

^{5 DAYS: Monday–Friday}

Gentle Introduction to Montessori

Highly skilled, trained teachers guide each child through the comprehensive Montessori toddler curriculum. The curriculum addresses all aspects of development by nurturing the whole child intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally. By providing young children with meaningful learning experiences, they begin to understand their very important place in the world and lay the foundation for years of growth and learning to come. The toddler program is designed to create a gentle transition from the child’s home to their first school experience. At Woodland Hill, the toddler classrooms are where our youngest children explore the world together. They work in a carefully-designed and prepared environment; together they learn much more than any of them could alone.

Gaining Independence

Young children have a drive towards independence — “Help me to do it by myself” is often said by children at Woodland Hill, and in the toddler classrooms this growth toward independence is remarkable to behold. Most children walk into the classroom for the first time and immediately want to take things from the shelves and use them. Curiosity is the first step toward becoming an active learner instead of a passive watcher. Young children gravitate toward activities that develop motor skills: running, carrying, climbing, swinging, grasping knobs, handling paintbrushes and petting animals. Gaining control of their own bodies ushers in new opportunities for the control of self as well as the ability to dress, eat, and toilet independently

The Prepared Environment 

The Montessori classroom is a place of respect. Respect for the child, the teacher, the materials, and for each other. Everything is child-sized, from the custom-made tables and chairs to the shelves, vases, plates, utensils, and even the toilets. It is an environment that offers developmentally appropriate challenges. Children are encouraged to take on greater responsibilities for taking care of themselves and others and they eagerly do so.