Infants & Toddlers (MITC)

“The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct his own experiences.” Dr Maria Montessori

The Montessori Independent Toddler Community caters for children, between 15 months to 3 years of age, with children attending without parents. The environment is prepared to complement the home and offers the toddler a place where they can achieve self-esteem, self-mastery and self-awareness through practice and repetition at their own pace.

The environments meets the needs of the toddler. Practical Life activities form the core of this program with many new discoveries and opportunities to develop concentration, build confidence, exercise independence and take responsibility. Everything occurs at a slow pace – the pace of the young child.

The hours of operation are from 8:00AM to 4:00PM and the program operates from Monday to Friday, 48 weeks a year with the following attendance options:

Monday and Tuesday
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Monday through Friday

Federal Government Child Care entitlements are available for this program.

Daily Curriculum

The environment supports development of Practical Life Skills, Language, manipulative exercises and the outdoor learning environment.

Typically baking occurs every day alongside much food preparation; everything is done with purpose and the toddlers come together at lunchtime to celebrate the work and being a part of a community.

There are also opportunities for the children to practise the grace and courtesies that accompany such a gathering, such as setting a beautiful table with flowers and linen and observing and practising table etiquette. These are real experiences where your toddler will acquire life skills, using real tools to achieve practical goals.

The child’s routine is sequential rather than time based, as sequence is what they understand at this age. The toddler’s need for gross and fine movement is supported in almost everything they participate in.

Independent toileting is supported and children participate in a rest period.

Understanding the 0 to 3 year old child

“The essence of independence is to be able to do something for one’s self.” – Dr Maria Montessori

The child from birth focuses on a sensorial exploration of the world. They learn by watching and then doing for themselves. They begin to take control of their physical movement and their will. The beautifully prepared environments are designed to meet their developmental needs with an emphasis on Practical Life and the Sensorial curriculum.

The Environment for the 0 to 3 year old child

Children learn by watching and then doing for themselves – The Class Director gives a brief explanation or lesson when the child chooses a piece of material. Montessori “lessons”, at this age, are usually done silently or using as few words as possible, which allows the child to focus on the materials rather than on the adult. Once the child is engaged in the activity then silently move a little distance away and take the opportunity to observe the child at work.

Never do for children what they can do for themselves – Give the child the opportunity to explore and experiment; the process is more important than the final product.

Activities are selected from the shelves and returned upon finishing – The child chooses an activity and works at one of the tables or on a mat. Upon completion the entire activity is returned to the shelf before selecting another. The child will be assisted by the adult, but over time will be able to do things on their own.

Montessori materials are designed to develop specific skills.

The skills developing in the 0 to 3 child

Respect – for others, themselves and the environment including materials, equipment, furniture and the gardens.

Interacting with others – greetings, introductions, interruptions, consideration for others, waiting to take turns, working quietly.

Communication – learning to make eye contact, listening and focusing at appropriate times, listening to instructions, working within a group environment and negotiation skills.

Independence / Responsibility – working independently of parental support, taking initiative, tidying and putting away materials, learning to make choices.

General Awareness – of others in the world (such as cultures and dress), awareness of one’s own workspace and physical awareness. This includes moving objects and yourself quietly and deliberately through the environment.

Peace – conflict management through tolerance of others and acceptance of self, considering your own will as compared to the will of others.

Nido Community (with parents)

Please note that our Nido program operation is suspended until further notice.

The Nido Community caters for these children, between 0-3 years of age, with children attending with a parent or carer. The children operate in an environment that is based on respect, developing responsibility, grace and courtesy.

The Montessori classroom is the child’s world and is designed for the exclusive use of children and adults are guests in this Montessori community. The nurturing world within these walls provides the child with many new discoveries and opportunities to develop concentration, build confidence, exercise independence and take responsibility.

The role of the adult in the Nido Community, both teacher and parent, is one of chaperoning the children. We are there to support each child’s independence and the development of concentration skills and we can do this by being quiet and attentive observers. During your time in the classroom, quietly reflect on how capable young children are and enjoy their presence and their work.

The first six years of a child’s life are very important, with the first three years being the key time for orientation.