Toddler: aged 24-36 Months

Toddler: aged 24-36 months

The Toddler level was new to MSM in the 2014-2015 school year, and we are having so much fun with our Toddlers!

The main focus of the Toddler curriculum is social/emotional development, language skills, gross and fine motor control, extended concentration, independence, toilet learning, and preparation for the Primary level. Children must be between 24-36 months of age when starting school.

In 2014, we started with eleven Toddlers, and our program has become so popular that we now have twenty-four Toddlers in our program, in two classrooms.  Our team consists of two Infant/Toddler Montessori trained teachers, each with two assistants, creating a 1:4 adult/child ratio.  (The ratio required by the Virginia Department of Education is 1:8.)

The Toddlers enjoy time in the classroom with materials, including Montessori Toddler materials, art materials, imaginative play, and gross motor play.  They learn to prepare their snack and other foods, to cooperate with their friends, take turns, and follow the directions for the group.  They play on the playground every day, a smaller playground with smaller equipment than the playground for Primary-Elementary.

They also enjoy group time with the Music, Outdoor Classroom, Physical Education, and Spanish teachers.

The program is five days a week.  Toddlers can participate in the morning program only, or also stay for Extended Day (until 3:30), and Aftercare (until 5:30).  Students who stay past the morning session have lunch and take a nap.