18 months to 3 years old

The Young Children's Community serves young children from 18 months to 3 years old.

Children use a variety of materials specially designed for the Montessori classroom to assist in the important work of developing language, fine motor and gross motor skills. The toddlers also work extensively on social skills.

“Infancy is a period of true importance because when we want to infuse new ideas, to modify or better the customs or habits of a people, to breathe new vigor into its national traits, we must use the child as our vehicle….Out of this truth comes the importance of nursery schools, for it is the little ones who are building mankind and they can work only on the materials we give them.” — Maria Montessori

The Young Children's Community provides a small group Montessori experience to the young child. In this setting, the children come to feel the classroom is their own peaceful, special space where they play a meaningful role in their own care and the care of their environment. The classroom is carefully prepared to meet the unique needs of this age. All furniture is a size that allows maximum independence and the toddler materials are designed to be attractive and inviting to the child.

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. Lessons of grace and courtesy are practiced daily to help the children learn to be considerate of others and function successfully in a social setting.

The adults in the Young Children's Community are the children’s models. They conduct themselves in the way they expect the children to conduct themselves. Children at this age learn not only through individual lessons and independent practice, but also through their attention to what the adults in their lives do.

Guide: Morgan Harrington

Enrollment

Please visit our Enrollment page for more information on our enrollment process.