Aldea Toddler House

The Toddler program accommodates the young children starting at 18 months of age. 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 Toddler community provides a small group Montessori experience to the young child. Our classroom allows up to 10 students with one Montessori teacher and one assistant. 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 Toddler Classroom

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

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.

Adult Interaction

The adults in the Toddler environment 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.

A strong teacher-parent relationship is essential to the success of the Toddler program. Daily informal communication, formal conferences and parent education nights are part of our ongoing commitment to enhance these relationships.