Toddler
An academic program for students 15 months to 3 years old in Gilbert, Arizona.
The toddler years are often deemed to be the most trying times, however, we feel toddlers are unique and magical. We cherish their energy, self-determination, and curiosity, and have purposefully created a very special environment for your toddler to learn.
A prepared environment
Our bright and sunny toddler classrooms are specially designed for your child between the ages of 15 and 36 months at our Montessori school. It is a world scaled down to your child’s size where they can paint, cook, water the garden, sing songs with friends, and work with materials that develop fine and gross motor coordination.
Where so many early childhood programs are chaotic and overwhelming, parents are often surprised to see the peaceful tone of a Montessori toddler classroom. The organization of materials and orderliness of the shelves create a calm atmosphere and provide less distractions. Your toddler will learn to develop their control of movement, fine motor skills, care of self, and concentration; all tools for learning in this classroom and beyond.
A Toddler community
Children in a Montessori toddler classroom begin to learn the elements of a caring community; sharing, boundaries, care of themselves and care of their environment When children work and grow together, they develop important social skills and enter the early stages of caring for others.
“Help me to do it myself”
All children have a natural drive to be independent. We encourage their autonomy by creating an environment where everything is just the right size for children to do things on their own. Child-sized utensils allow your toddler to prepare a snack and serve it to friends. A miniature broom empowers independent clean-up. In the toddler classroom, children gain the skills of self-care and toilet independence. Your child begins to learn concrete life skills and to build their self-confidence.
Absorbing language
Toddlers in a Montessori classroom are sponges waiting to absorb all that is introduced to them. Enlarging the child’s vocabulary in the toddler room is a vital component to their language development. Children in the toddler room are given language and nomenclature for all things in their environment, and their surrounding world.
A joyful experience
Maria Montessori once said, “One test of the correctness of the educational procedure is the happiness of the child.” In our Toddler classrooms you will see children who are happy, engaged, and deeply connected to their friends and teachers. As a result, your child develops a deep affinity for school and a true love for learning.
Ready to move up
Sometime between the ages of 2 1/2 to 3 years of age, your child’s language skills and self-expression will develop rapidly and you will see an increase in their confidence and independence, as well as developing a keen interest in broader concepts. At this point, once your child is toilet independent, they are prepared to transition to the Primary program. A Primary classroom is designed for children from the ages of 2 1/2 to 6 and prepared to meet their development needs and readiness.
“My wife and I visited over 5 preschools for our both sons under 3 about 2 years ago. Spondeo was finally the school that checked all the boxes on our must have list. If you are looking for the Best Montessori Preschool; it's Spondeo."
Mesut D.
“My granddaughter started at Spondeo when she was 18 months old. She has grown so much in her vocabulary, socializing skills, education, and care from all the staff. The owner comes from a long line of family owned Montessori schools. You couldn't ask for a better school to entrust your children to!!"
Lori G.
“The school prepared her for Kinder and taught her so much about kindness, respect, and how to treat others.1000% recommend Spondeo.”
Elena S.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Toddler Program
How is Montessori different from a traditional preschool toddler classroom?
Montessori is child-centered, focusing on self-paced, hands-on, and collaborative activities, while traditional settings are often more teacher-led with a rigid schedule.
What are children learning in a Toddler classroom?
Children in our Montessori Toddler classrooms are learning a lot about self-care (dressing, toileting, nose blowing, etc.), care of the environment (picking up their work, pushing in chairs, throwing away garbage, etc.), development of fine and gross motor skills, and social guidelines (sharing, being kind to friends, etc.). Language is also a large part of the toddler classroom and children are always learning the nomenclature of their surroundings and the world around them.
What are the main goals of the Montessori Toddler classroom?
a. Developing basic language skills
b. Problem solving
c. Visual discrimination
d. Physical coordination
e. Concentration
Is toilet independence part of the toddler curriculum?
Yes, Toddler educators begin introduction to the toilet as soon as a child shows interest. This can happen as young as 18 months. Children are never forced to use the toilet, they are simply encouraged and it becomes a part of their daily routine.
What do you offer parents to support their child’s toddler experience?
Parent education nights are held a few times a year and include toileting, what to do at home for your toddler, Positive Discipline for toddlers, Independence in your toddler and more.