TODDLER

Throughout The First 3 Years Of A Child's Life, Their Most Sensitive And Foundational Period Of Development, Is Where The Most Learning Is Taking Place.

After the seed is planted during the Pre-Primary years, there may be a period where there is minimal discernable growth on the surface and yet: this is the time of the most learning in the shortest amount of time: Independence, Languages, Counting, Community, Sensory refinement, Respect, Independence, Love for learning, Speaking the truth.

PRE-PRIMARY - TODDLER PROGRAM - 18 months to 3 Years

The Toddler classroom is a specially prepared environment designed to systematically stimulate the senses and awaken curiosity. While in this environment, the children will discover beautiful lessons and materials arranged on shelves just waiting to be explored.

Each day our teachers provide rich experiences that support the burgeoning language and motor skills through lesson presentations, musical expression and movement, rich literature, and outdoor exploration.

Children in the Toddler program arrive between 7:45 and 8:30 each morning and spend their day interacting with other children. While in this environment, children will be engaged by their teachers, and work with developmentally appropriate materials within a prepared environment.

A daily log of individually presented lessons will be tracked and reported for the parents via email.

Example of the Toddler Schedule

7:45-9:30- Work Cycle

9:30-11:30- Outdoor Exploration

11:30-12:15- Lunch

12:15-2:30- Rest

2:30-3:00- Afternoon Snack

3:00-3:45- Work Cycle & Dismissal

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Weekly Special Classes: Music, Languages, Movement, Art

Requirements for the Toddler Program: Children must be confident walkers

Food: Parents must provide a nutritious lunch(including needed utensils), 2 snacks, and a water bottle each day.

Clothing: Clothing must allow the toddler to have full movement of their bodies. Please avoid clothing which would restrict movement when exploring outside and toileting. We foster each child’s desire for autonomy during self-care routines. Providing clothing that supports the child’s ability to independently pull up and down items will build confidence in self-care and toileting practices.

Diapering: Families provide disposable or cloth diapers/pull-ups, as well as diapering creams and/or lotions. MSoC will provide unscented wipes.

Bedding: Please provide a fitted crib sheet, familiar blanket, and comforting item (i.e. small stuffed animal, etc.)

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Meet Our Pre-Primary Team

Jules Munoz — Pre-Primary Teacher

I attended UTM (Tec Milenio) university in Mexico from 2004-2006 for Engineering before discovering the Montessori philosophy and have worked in the field since 2013. I earned a Montessori certification in infant/toddler through the North American Montessori Center. I have been a part of The Montessori School of Cleveland since 2021.

I fell in love with Montessori education when I was given the opportunity to work for an AMI certified guide.

I love how it is based on self-directed activities, hands-on learning and how it provides an environment that supports natural development.

Brooke Burnette — Pre-Primary Teacher

I recieved an AAS In Early Childhood Education.

The Montessori Method was something that I was introduced to in college. I quickly fell in love with the philosophy after seeing it in action while completing my degree. One crucial part of the philosophy is the focus on the intrinsic values of learning and working rather than the extrinsic values. The Montessori Method creates an environment where children work and learn for inherent satisfaction rather than for some separable consequence. This love for learning when fostered in a supportive, child-centered environment builds a passion to continue seeking knowledge as the child grows. It’s wonderful to see the children working happily in an environment best suited for them.

Niki Elwood — Pre-Primary Teacher

About me coming soon!

Hannah Bailey — Pre-Primary Teacher

About me coming soon!

April Savage — Pre-Primary Teacher

About me coming soon!

Lindsey Watson — Pre-Primary Teacher

About me coming soon!

Carla Cocilion — Pre-Primary Teacher

I attended a local community college in my hometown graduating in 2007 with a Technical Certificate prior to becoming a mom. I am a proud mother of two children on the spectrum which led me on an extensive search for various teaching methods that would aid in my kids' academic growth.

During my quest, I learned about the advantages of the Montessori approach for kids with autism. The Montessori philosophy places a strong emphasis on individualized learning and sensory engagement that has substantially benefited my children's educational path. The autism journey our family has experienced has shaped the person I am today and made me aware and appreciative of the importance of early childhood education. Infants are at a crucial stage of development where every interaction, environment, and experience influence their growth. The Montessori philosophy has not only shaped my approach to teaching, but also the way I see children and their unique potential. Infants in the Montessori classroom have taught me greatly about their capabilities and the beauty of self-directed learning.

I look forward to continuing creating enriching, peaceful environments for infants, where they can develop into independent and confident individuals. I also dream of sharing my experiences with other educators and parents, advocating for the Montessori approach to early childhood education, children with different learning abilities and special needs. In every child, I see endless possibilities, and my mission is to help them uncover those possibilities in a way that respects their individual growth and development.

Caramie Lowe — Pre-Primary Teacher

About me coming soon!