Programs

Toddler

Welcome to the Sandpiper classroom!

This is our toddler class for students 18–36 months old. Some refer to this developmental period as “The Terrible Twos.” We disagree; toddlers are terrific. We love everything about them – their energy, determination and curiosity – and purposefully created a very special place for your toddler to learn.

What to Expect

Our Program's Unique Features

An Environment Conducive to Learning

Where so many early childhood programs are chaotic and overwhelming, parents are often surprised to see the peaceful tone of our toddler classroom. The calm atmosphere and lack of distraction help your toddler to develop impulse control and concentration, planting the seeds for learning in this classroom and beyond.

A Community

Our classrooms are designed entirely around the needs of your child. A low rail anchored to the wall provides support as your child pulls himself up from the floor. A soft mat cushions falls. Custom floor beds allow your child to choose to sleep when tired. Infant size shelves display beautiful materials designed to stimulate your child’s senses. Teachers speak in gentle tones and the decor is understated and homelike. Your child will feel right at home in an environment created just for him or her.

“Help Me To Do It Myself”

Your child has a natural drive to be independent which we encourage by creating an environment where everything is just the right size for children to do things on their own. Child-sized tools that fit tiny hands allow your toddler to prepare a snack and serve it to friends. A miniature broom empowers independent clean-up. We teach the skills of self-care and toilet training. Your child learns a set of concrete life skills and self-confidence – but, more importantly, understands how to make a genuine impact on the world.

A Beautiful Environment

Our bright and sunny toddler classrooms are specially designed for your child between the ages of 18 and 36 months. It is a world scaled down to your child’s size. Here, your child paints, cooks, waters the garden, sings songs with friends and plays with materials that develop fine and gross motor coordination.

Absorbing Language

We surround your child with rich and stimulating conversation to support this once-in-a-lifetime period of rapid language development. Your child, trying to blow bubbles, might be encouraged with “Blow! Can you make the air move just like the wind?” Your child’s mind effortlessly absorbs the new vocabulary, which plants the seeds for reading, writing and self-expression in the future.

A Joyful Experience

Maria Montessori once said, “One test of the correctness of the educational procedure is the happiness of the child.” Take a peek into our Toddler classroom and you will see children who are happy, engaged, and deeply connected to their friends and teachers. As a result, your child develops a deep affinity for school and a true love for learning.

Ready To Move Up

Sometime between the ages of 2 1/2 to 3 years of age, your child’s language skills and self-expression will develop rapidly and you will see an increase in confidence in independence, as well as a keen interest in broader concepts. Your child will want to know what lies ahead, outside of the Toddler Classroom. At this point, it is time to move up to the Pre-primary program, which is designed for children from the ages of 3 to 6.

If you think your child would thrive in a Montessori environment, give us a call or schedule a tour. We would love for you to visit our school and learn more.