YOUNG CHILDREN’S COMMUNITY

Each of our Young Children’s Community environments consist of one Montessori certified guide and one assistant with a maximum of 16 children ages 18 months to 3 years. The Young Children’s Community is carefully prepared to aid the toddler in achieving independence and reach their full potential. The materials are chosen for their ability to enhance particular skills based on movement, language, and order. The child is free to move about the environment at will.

Maria Montessori outlined the importance of focused attention and the unobstructed use of the hand in the development of the mind. The freedom experienced in this carefully prepared environment gives the children the opportunity to discover and follow their own interests, and to become inspired by all they touch and see. Children in this age group have a strong drive and desire to do what they see adults do. This setting provides them not only with the opportunity to do adult work (preparing food, washing dishes, caring for plants, etc.) but also provides them with the appropriate tools to accomplish these tasks.

The sense of pride children feel in learning to care for themselves and their environment is a true thing of beauty. Hearing a child proclaim, "I did it!" is one of the best feelings a Montessori guide or parent can ever experience.