The Montessori Toddler
The Toddler program at Caboolture Montessori School is designed specifically for children between the ages of 15 months and 3 years and takes place during the school term from 8.30am to 11.00 each morning (except public holidays). After the age of 3, this program no longer meets the needs of your developing toddler.
This particular age group is an important transitioning time in the child’s life, only experienced again at puberty. The visible physical growth brings a need to move and to develop fine and gross muscle action. However, a more phenomenal transformation which is hidden from view is happening in this young explorer. Neural pathways in the brain are developing at a phenomenal speed and with a ‘quasi’ instinctual momentum. Amazingly, the child can focus for long periods and repeat over and over again any action to satisfy their own need for mastery. Independence is the subconscious goal for the child between 0 and 3 years old. It’s our job to help them achieve this.
The young learners are introduced to an environment where everything is placed in a prepared manner on shelves, easily accessible and visually alluring in order to entice the child to explore. The adult is an observer that guides the young mind by presenting some of the activities and then slowly but intentionally removes themselves from the child’s proximity. This is a deliberate action and is vital to provide space and time for the child’s personal experience.
The Montessori Education Program for Toddlers
This toddler curriculum prepares both the child and the adult for independent functioning, motivation to succeed and a love of learning that remains for life. For example, the environment for the Toddler community is carefully prepared to meet language learning. Your child is encouraged to express feelings and to name whatever surrounds them. The adult uses language carefully and purposefully, providing beautiful songs, poems and clear sentences. This prepared space offers your child an intimate familiarisation with their own culture and the support of their family. One member of the family stays at all times with the child and learns with them. Mum or Dad, Grandparent or Carer is still an important element in the security of the toddler and having this nurturing partnership with the trained Montessori educator provides a holistic environment meeting the needs of your 0-3 year old.
This Toddler room is a safe space where socialisation happens for the first time in a structured way. Children may work side by side with each other and the adult supports their interaction if and when it happens by giving simple explanations to clarify expectations.
The Montessori materials in this environment offer a single idea or skill for the child to focus on. The subsequent activities will add more complex skills and develop a more comprehensive ability. There is only one of each piece of equipment in the room and children are taught patience in a less intrusive and more practical manner, by waiting and observing.
How to enrol your Toddler
Ready to enrol? Please click the button at the top of the page, complete the form and send together with a copy of your child’s Birth Certificate and vaccination evidence (if any) to: admin@cms.qld.edu.au.