Toddlers
"The development of the child during the first three years after birth is unequaled by intensity and importance by any other period that precedes or follows in the whole life of the child. If we consider the transformations, adaptations, achievements, and conquest of the environment during the first period of life from zero to three years, it is functionally a longer period than all the following periods put together from three years until death. For this reason, these three years may be considered to be as long as a whole life." ~Maria Montessori.
The FVMS toddler program is for children ages 20 months to 3 years old. It meets 2, 3 or 5 days per week (MTW or ThF or MTWThF). Our morning program meets from 8:30 AM - 11:15 AM. We do offer extended care outside of these hours and are open from 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
The FVMS Toddler Program works to maximize the development of young children through a prepared environment. In our toddler environment, everything is toddler sized, allowing maximum freedom and independence for the children. As with our Primary program (ages 3-6), toddlers are given opportunities to work in the areas of language, art, music, sensorial, and practical life as well as gross motor skills in our gymnasium.
Some of the goals of our program are:
- A small group experience for toddlers in the security of a safe, loving environment. (The maximum is 15 children per day.)
- Children are guided by an experienced Montessori certified teacher with two assistants.
- A place where a positive separation experience is encouraged and to help the child make a successful transition from home to school.
- An opportunity for toddlers to explore and experiment in an environment which has been carefully prepared with challenging and stimulating materials. As children work together in the classroom, they are gently guided in a manner, which enhances their innate sense of independence, order, respect, and kindness.
- A place where each child is treated as an individual and is encouraged to move at his or her own pace.
- A wonderful outdoor play area where children will have plenty of opportunity for gross motor activity so important to their growing bodies.
- A supportive atmosphere for parents as they watch their children grow into happy, self-confident children.
- A natural flow through growth and development building self-confidence, self- esteem and enhancing overall well being.