Toddler Program

The Toddler Montessori Program at Oakridge provides a warm, nurturing environment where children develop independence, confidence, and a love of learning through purposeful hands-on experiences. 

For children ages 18 Months to 3 years old.

Program options include:

For children ages

18 Months to 3 years old.

Program options include:

School Year

180 days

September-Mid June

Year Round

240 days

Full Year

Summer

50 days

Mid June-August

Toddler Program

Curriculum

This program is more than just a childcare center. Our thoughtfully prepared classroom encourages toddlers to explore at their own pace while learning how to choose meaningful work, complete it with care, and return materials to their proper place. They are fully immersed into the Montessori education at levels appropriate for their developmental stage. These early routines build concentration, responsibility, and respect for their environment.

Throughout the day, children practice essential life skills that foster growing independence. They are encouraged to dress themselves, feed themselves during meals and snacks, and develop self-care habits with gentle guidance and encouragement. We partner closely with families during the potty-training process, supporting each child as they gain confidence and master this important milestone. 

By building these foundational skills, toddlers develop the independence and self-assurance that prepare them for future success in the Montessori classroom and beyond.

Practical Life

Practical Life activities help toddlers develop independence, skills, and confidence in completing every day tasks.

Toddlers may engage in:

  • Feeding themselves

  • Using the potty

  • Learning how to choose a "work" and put it away

  • Fine motor development

  • Introduction to what cleaning looks like. This is guided cleaning and classroom care with the help of a teacher

  • Introduction to using a broom and a towel to clean up spills

Sensorial

Sensorial materials help toddlers refine their senses while developing observation, concentration, classification, and critical thinking skills.

Toddlers explore:

  • Texture through sensory bins

  • Learning and matching colors

  • Grading by size

  • Sound- Using shakers to match sounds

  • Shape and form matching

Language

Toddlers build strong foundations for reading, writing, communication, and literacy through developmentally appropriate introductions to different concepts.

Areas of exploration include:

  • Phonemic awareness

  • Counting and numbers

  • Vocabulary development through simple conversations

  • Reading readiness through story time

  • Creative expression

  • Gross motor skills

  • Fine motor skills

Mathematics

Toddlers are introduced to developmentally appropriate foundational skills that will help them to master more complex concepts as they progress through their education.

Areas of exploration include:

  • Counting

  • Sorting

Science

Guides accompany the toddlers outdoors, allowing them time to explore and observe the natural world around them, building an early love and curiosity for science.

Areas of exploration include:

  • Plant observation

  • Outside animal observation

Cultural Studies

At this stage, toddlers are exposed to the concepts of different cultures and ways of living through books and pictures.

Areas of study include:

  • Books and images of different countries and languages around the wrold

  • Currently we have the privileage of having bilingual guides (teachers) in the toddler room. One speaks Ukrainian and one speaks Spanish. They are able to read to the toddlers in their native tongue and share stories about their cultures.

Arts

Toddlers are given access to art materials with which they can explore early concepts of art techniques and creative expression.

Areas of exploration include:

  • Color crayons

  • Guided Art

  • Hand print and foot print art

Enrichment & Outdoor Learning

Learning beyond the classroom through experiences that encourage movement, creativity, exploration, and connection to nature.

Children participate in:

  • Gross body movement through outside play

  • Outdoor exploration

Excellence

Excellence

Curious, Confident Children

Values

Community

It Takes a Village

Values

Whole Child

Mind, Heart, & Character

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