Introduction to the Toddler Program
Tiny Todd's School's Toddler Program is comprehensive, challenging and diverse. The program offers professional childcare and an early childhood education program, with a general introduction to the Montessori Philosophy and Methodology for children from 18 months to 2.5 years of age. Our teachers are committed to providing quality care and education. The program's mandate is to provide a nurturing and positive environment for children and their parents.
Student Teacher Ratio
At Tiny Todd's Montessori School, we are strongly committed to maintaining an optimal teacher to student ratio. For the Toddler Class, it is a ratio of 1:5, with the maximum number of students in each class set at 10.
Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, Culture and Science
The practical life area is the building block for future development in all areas of the Montessori environment. For the toddler children, the practical life materials offer an opportunity to begin developing their fine and gross motor skills, focusing abilities, attention span and concentration levels. The sensorial materials introduce sizes, colours, basic geometric shapes and sounds allowing children to begin "classifying" the world around them. The children are introduced to preliminary language exercises allowing them to learn the sounds that make up words. The focus, however, remains enriching the toddler's vocabulary, sentence formation, and the development and enrichment of their oral language skills. In the math area, simple concepts of numbers and time are introduced through songs, counting by rote and the daily calendar. In the culture and science areas the children are introduced to basic concepts, learning about animals, botany and geography. The work with such materials as the puzzle maps, leaf pressing and discover interesting facts about animals from around the world. Science experiments that are age appropriate, interesting, fun and interactive are also a part of the curriculum.
General Information
Diapers and Toilet Training:
Parents must supply disposable diapers, creams, powders and wipes etc. for use at the school for children who are not yet toilet trained. Please check your child's diaper supplies daily.
When children begin the toilet training process, please dress them in clothing which they can manage by themselves. Practice with your child at home, so that they will feel confident in their dressing skills. Items like belts, suspenders and tight fitting clothing make it difficult for your child to master the toilet training process.
The washroom process requires patience and time. It is common for the child to regress temporarily during this routine. We feel that it is important for the washroom routine to be a positive time for the child and when "accidents" occur, gentle reminders are given with an encouraging attitude for the "next time".
Snack and Lunchtime
Lunches are catered by Food for Tots, a leading catering company that provides healthy, delicious, child-friendly meals to child care centres and schools. Snacks are provided by the school and are well balanced and nutritious. All meals are served in a happy, relaxed atmosphere where staff join the children at the table and encourage the children to eat so they look forward to meal and snack time.
Sleep Time
Sleep time allows the teacher(s) to comfort each child individually. All children are expected to take a nap or have quiet time lying down after lunch. This is necessary for the child to regain their energy. Sleep time is from 12:15-2:15. The school provides the cot and sheets and we ask that each child bring a blanket (which is sent home weekly for washing).
Field Trips
The school schedules field trips throughout the year designed to complement our curriculum goals. Toddler parents/guardians MUST accompany children on all trips (one: one). Parents will be notified of each trip well in advance and individual permission slips must be signed and returned before the child can participate.
Discipline
The Toddler Program has a Behaviour Management Policy. It is our policy to set limits with boundaries for children to ensure a safe and secure environment. A positive approach is taken when disciplining children and we help children to: express themselves using words, understand another person's point of view and reflect on their own feelings. Children are only removed from a situation if the conflict is not resolved. The child may rejoin the group whenever they feel that they can interact appropriately. Leaving the decision up to the child enhances their self-esteem and promotes self-control. You are welcome to discuss any questions concerning discipline with us.
Our Curriculum's Focus:
Class Environment and Classroom Materials
The class is set for an infant's exploration, relaxation and problem solving. Soft areas are available for young infants to lie on, allowing them to explore their immediate environment. There are also challenging areas for older infants who are ready for physical activities and more exploration around the classroom. Different areas in the classroom offer educational toys and materials that respond to the young child's needs to reach, grab, dump, and for the older infant to push, carry, build, etc. Our children also enjoy the outdoors, (weather permitting), taking "walks "enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.
Music and movement ?Miniature musical instruments and toys are introduced, which make noises and sing a melody to the children
Circle Area and Book Corner ?including an infant library with board books, puppets, soft animal toys, etc.
Sensorial ?Due to the age of these children most of the materials in the classroom are sensorial by nature, introducing basic concepts of colour, shape, size, texture, etc.
Gross and fine Motor Activities ?including large wall structures, activity walkers, tunnels, climbing mats, push toys, a mirrored bar and Montessori educational materials and toys
Language Development ?a general enrichment of age appropriate vocabulary ?including objects, storytelling, pictures (classified) cards and singing
