Toddler Class (18 months through 3 years of age)
St. James provides a rich Montessori toddler program. We have three classrooms; our smaller classroom houses twelve toddlers and our two larger classrooms hold eighteen children. We have a 6:1 ratio, with a lead teacher and assistant(s). Our lead teachers are Montessori certified. Our teachers and assistants must complete 15 hours of continuing education courses each year as well. All of our teachers are c.p.r. Certified.
The Toddler Curriculum
The Montessori curriculum was designed with sensitive periods in mind. We focus on care of self and care of environment, relying on the toddler’s “do it myself” mode of thinking to increase their own independence. A simple lesson, setting one’s place mat for snack, has a rhythm, sequence and order. It builds throughout the year into a full sequence of preparing and serving the snack, staying seated to eat the snack, cleaning off one’s plate when finished, wiping off the place mat, returning items where they belong, washing the dishes, washing the cloth napkins, hanging them to dry, ironing and folding the napkins, and finally, preparing the shelf of table setting for the next day.
We present lessons as a group and individually. We are sensitive to the child’s need for focus. Even while presenting a lesson, minimal words are spoken so that the focus is trained on the lesson. The teachers track the works each child chooses. We observe when the child is ready for the next work, or if they need more time to master the particular skill.
Our toddlers are also introduced to spirituality through an on hands felt-board, where we act out some of the stories from the Bible. Prayers and blessings are an important part of our day!
Gross motor is key for the toddler. Works in the classroom encourage movement with a purpose. Our Natural Playground allow for toddlers to practice balancing, climbing and running. Our Children’s Garden not only is a place for walking paths, digging, planting and harvesting… it also is a place that reveals the power of creation as we actively participate in the life cycle of the butterfly and the seed.
Toddler Schedule
8:15 - 8:30 Children begin entering the classroom and choose work
8:45 - 9:00 Greetings/calendar/weather/songs
9:00 - 9:45 Individual work time
9:45 - 10:00 diapers/toilet
10:00 - 10:20 snack preparation/snack
10:20 - 10:40 clean-up/personal grooming
10:40 - 11:10 outside time
11:15 - 11:30 diapers/toilet
11:30 - 11:45 story time/goodbye song
11:45 - 11:55 dismissal for half day toddlers
12:00 - 12:30 lunch
12:30- 1:00 diapers/toilet/clean-up
1:00 - 3:00 nap/quiet time
3:15 - 3:30 extended day ends
3:30 after school care begins