Toddler Program
From the earliest days of life, the youngest among us are accorded with measures of commitment and esteem that echo our deepest understanding of respect.”
- Maria Montessori
A Joyful, Nurturing Introduction to Montessori Education
At Jarrow Montessori School, we honor the unique spirit of our youngest learners (Ages 18 months-3 years) — a time of deep curiosity, connection to the natural world, and joyful movement. Our thoughtfully prepared toddler environments are designed to support each child's innate desire to explore, make meaningful choices, and move freely within a calm and inviting space. Within this gentle structure, children naturally begin to engage with others and grow into confident members of our school community.
When your family joins our Jarrow family, you enter a community where meaningful bonds and lifelong friendships naturally grow.
Montessori Toddler Communities
Our Toddler communities are calm, inviting spaces designed just for young children, with low shelves, natural materials, and child-sized furniture. Here, toddlers safely explore their drive to “do it myself,” building independence, confidence, and joy in discovery.
Teachers—loving, nurturing, and trained in child development—guide children gently as they develop foundational life skills, language, and movement. Daily routines like washing hands, preparing food, and caring for the classroom foster self-reliance, while story time, songs, and rich conversations build vocabulary and communication.
With cozy nap areas, opportunities for movement, and child-sized tables for shared meals, every part of the environment supports the toddler’s growth. In these spaces, curiosity, wonder, and independence come alive.
Toddler Curriculum
The first three years of life are a time of extraordinary growth, when children absorb knowledge from every experience and lay the foundation for all future learning. Maria Montessori called this the “unconscious absorbent mind” — a stage when young children take in everything around them effortlessly, much like a sponge.
Our toddler program (18 months–3 years) is designed to nurture this natural process by fostering independence, curiosity, and joy. Toddlers are driven to “do it myself,” building the beginnings of movement, language, personality, and a sense of self.
In a safe, loving, and orderly environment, children explore freely, practice new skills, and develop confidence, autonomy, and a strong sense of belonging.
The Absorbent Mind
In the Montessori toddler classroom, every activity has a purpose. Children learn through hands-on experiences that encourage:
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Practical Life Skills – Toddlers practice everyday activities like washing hands, pouring water, preparing snacks, and caring for their classroom. These small tasks foster independence and pride.
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Language Growth – Through stories, songs, conversations, and naming objects in their environment, children expand vocabulary and develop a love for language.
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Movement & Coordination – Children strengthen both fine motor skills (using puzzles, stacking, sorting) and gross motor skills (climbing, balancing, exploring outdoors).
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Sensorial Exploration – Activities that engage touch, sight, sound, taste, and smell help toddlers make sense of the world around them.
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Social & Emotional Development – Grace and courtesy lessons, along with plenty of opportunities for collaboration, help toddlers learn kindness, empathy, and respect for others.
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Creativity & Nature – Daily experiences with art, music, and time outdoors allow children to express themselves and connect with the natural world.
Most importantly, toddlers discover how capable they truly are—developing focus, independence, and joy in learning.
Daily Rhythms in the Toddler Classroom
Jarrow's Toddler program is a 5-days-per-week program that spans the academic year. Half day and full day programs are offered. The half-day program is 8:30-11:45, while the full-day program is 8:30-3:15. There is no extended care offered at this time.
Our toddler schedule supports the development of independence and security, creating daily and weekly learning rhythms in each classroom. Our toddler students enjoy daily outdoor time, independent play, and whole-class art, music, language, and movement.
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Toddler Classroom Schedule
Our Toddler classrooms enjoy daily indoor and outdoor work time, a snack and lunch, and weekly music and movement with our Jarrow staff.
8:30-8:45: Drop Off
8:45-11:15: Indoor and Outdoor Work Cycle, including Morning Meeting, toileting as needed, free choice time, morning snack, and Specials with our Music and Gym teachers.
11:15-11:30: Daily walk around campus
11:45-12:00: Half-Day children go home
12:00-12:45: Lunch / Toileting
12:45 -2:30: Nap Time (Children nap on mats or cots in the classroom)
2:30- 3:00: Toileting and preparing to go home
3:15-3:30: Pick-Up
"Our son started in the Jarrow Montessori Toddler Program at 18 months old. It’s been amazing to watch him grow and thrive in the Montessori setting. He is learning life skills and how to be a caring and considerate person in a fun, safe environment. Jarrow is truly his home away from home."
- Jarrow Toddler Parent