Toddler Program (ages 18 mos - 2.9 yrs)
Early learners, exploring and gaining independence
The Montessori Toddler classroom is designed to allow the young child the freedom to explore and gain independence at their own pace in a clean, safe and beautifully appointed environment.
OCMS has two Toddler classrooms. These classrooms are dedicated to our youngest students, ages 18 months to 2.9 years of age. There are up to nine students in each classroom each day, with one Montessori guide and one assistant.
This is a half-day program that meets from 8:20-12:00pm. There are three options:
5-Day: Monday thru Friday
3-Day: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
2-Day: Tuesday & Thursday
We are now offering an extended day program for Toddler students. Our Toddler Care is available Monday through Friday from 12:00 to 3:00pm. The cost is $56 per day and is billed monthly. Students will eat lunch, listen to stories and have rest time. Parents will supply a nut free lunch and a crib sheet and blanket for rest time.
Visit our tuition and financial aid page, or learn how to apply.
Meet the Toddler Guides
A typical day in Toddler:
Arrival and dismissal activities: dressing/ undressing of outerwear, indoor/ outdoor shoes
1:1 lessons between student and guide
Independent exploration in the prepared environment
Snack, prepared by student and/or peers
Outdoor play in the Toddler-specific play space
Group story time and/or singing, dancing
Components of the Toddler Curriculum
1) Practical Life
Everyday activities related to the care of oneself and the care of the environment.
OCMS prepares children for practical life through activities such as: preparing and cleaning up snack, hand washing, putting on and zipping jackets, pouring water, plant care, sweeping, dusting, and, most importantly, toileting.
2) Sensorial
Activities of increasing complexity are designed to help refine a child’s senses.
OCMS helps children develop sensorial awareness through activities such as: describing or identifying unknown objects, identifying sounds, and matching like objects, colors and shapes.
3) Language
The young Toddlers work to enrich their vocabulary and refine pronunciation. As they mature and progress through the program, they are given their first lessons on phonemic awareness using the Montessori Sandpaper Letters.
OCMS exposes children to language through activities such as: reading books, storytelling, Spanish class, music, and rhyming.
4) Mathematics
OCMS helps even the youngest students learn mathematical concepts with activities such as: counting, matching, pairing and sorting.
5) Other areas of the curriculum
Music & Movement
Arts & Crafts
Grace & Courtesy
