Offered at Taylor. More than childcare: everyday routines that support independence, language, concentration, and coordination in the years of fastest growth.
Our Montessori Toddler & Bambini Program is for children from 18 months to 3 years. It is designed to foster a young child's emerging independence and desire to explore.
During the first three years of life, children develop more rapidly than at any other time. These years lay the foundation for later learning. Classrooms are set up so children can do things independently, observe others, explore freely, and express their creativity and curiosity.
The routines of everyday living are the foundation. Activities support social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Music, French, yoga, the gym, and food are part of the day, not an add-on.
Music and movement introduce children to the language of music in a collaborative setting. Singing, storytelling, dancing, and instruments support musical development, and also social interaction, impulse control, spatial awareness, and focused listening.
A visiting teacher introduces Canada's second official language, starting with numbers and colours and moving on to animals and foods. Lessons use Montessori language and math materials, with songs and dancing.
Yoga is introduced with music, games, stories, and simple poses, in a light-hearted way. Play and personal discovery help children find the poses for themselves, in a setting meant to build on their strengths and confidence.
Full-day and half-day children use the gym as part of the Enhanced Montessori Program.
A balanced snack is served at school. It is planned so it is safe for the children attending, and the month's snack menu is posted on the bulletin board.
A daily hot lunch gives children a freshly prepared meal at school. Mealtimes are also a chance to practise healthy eating habits and independence at the table.
The summer program runs through July and for three weeks in August. It is different from the school-year program. Every two weeks there is a new theme, and the class spends as much time as possible outside, playing, exploring, and discovering. The classroom is set up to match the theme, with art and craft work planned for those weeks.
The prepared environment stays in place, and so do independence, grace, and courtesy. Most of the activities themselves change. Children still have individual and group experiences suited to their age.
A visit is the clearest way to understand the day.
