Santa Monica Montessori School Toddler Program
The Toddler Program at Santa Monica Montessori School provides a beautiful, calm, and nurturing environment year-round for children around age two. Our Montessori toddler classroom allows children to explore, learn, and grow at their individual pace, building confidence and independence during one of the most important stages of development.
A Montessori Nursery Classroom Designed for Toddlers
Our Montessori nursery classroom is carefully prepared to meet the developmental needs of young children. Toddlers continue to work on:
- Socialization and emotional growth
- Toileting and self-care skills
- Using authentic Montessori materials
These materials help children:
- Gain independence
- Improve hand-eye coordination
- Develop a positive self-image
Weekly art projects, cooking activities, and daily outdoor play support creativity, coordination, and joy in learning.
Why the Toddler Years Matter
This stage of life is marked by tremendous physical and cognitive growth. Toddlers learn best by exploring rich environments with all five senses and through active, responsive interaction with adults.
You’ve likely seen this curiosity firsthand—your child stopping to examine every bug, leaf, stick, or exciting discovery along the way. Montessori honors this natural desire to explore rather than rushing children through it.
Independence Is at the Heart of Montessori
Toddlers have a strong, inborn drive to be independent. They may not yet have all the skills—but they are eager to try.
Maria Montessori said:
“No one can be free unless he is independent.”
In our Montessori toddler classroom, children are gently guided toward independence through meaningful, purposeful work tailored to their natural development.
Montessori Activities for 3 Year Olds (and Younger Toddlers)
While toddlers are still very young, many Montessori activities for 3 year olds begin developing during this stage. Our classroom focuses on foundational skills that prepare children for future Montessori learning.
Key Areas of Development
Language Development
Gross Motor Development
Fine Motor Development
Social & Emotional Development
Cognition & Early Learning
Montessori Preschool vs Traditional Preschool
When comparing Montessori preschool vs traditional preschool, parents often notice that Montessori begins much earlier and focuses on the whole child.
Montessori:
- Supports development from birth onward
- Encourages independence and self-directed learning
- Respects each child’s unique pace
Traditional programs often wait until children are older, missing the critical window when the brain is developing most rapidly.
Montessori School Age Range & Early Start Benefits
Dr. Maria Montessori recognized that from birth to age three, the brain develops more rapidly than at any other time. This understanding shaped the Montessori school age range and its emphasis on starting early.
By enrolling your child in a Montessori toddler program, you support:
- Early independence
- Strong emotional regulation
- A lifelong love of learning
This early foundation naturally prepares children for later Montessori levels, including Montessori activities for 4 year olds and beyond.
A Safe, Home-Like Montessori Environment
Our Montessori Toddler classroom offers a peaceful, home-like setting where children learn to care for themselves and others. Teachers are loving, nurturing, and rigorously trained in child development.
In this environment, your child’s natural curiosity, wonder, and joy for discovery come alive—safely and confidently.
