Montessori Children’s Center Daily Schedule for Toddlers - (18 to 36 months)

Diapering occurs whenever a child is soiled or wet. Parents provide diapers, wipes, and any creams, lotions, or pastes. Toddlers are diapered standing in front of a mirror, with the toddler assisting by getting their own diaper, opening the tab of the diaper, and helping to undress and dress themselves. We use factual terms when describing the toileting process while we change the toddler to show our respect for the child. The toddler is offered the option to use the toilet or potty. As toddlers become more toilet independent, they move away from diapers and use underwear (rather than pull-ups). Toddlers go outside twice a day and will go out in most weather if parents provide gear. The Peace Room is available if weather or air quality prevents outdoor play. Caregivers ensure the required ratio of 1:5 at all times. Parents are required to check their child in and out of the ProCare system to enter the building. Walking children are encouraged to walk to and from the Montessori Children’s Center building (rather than being carried) to assist in supporting independence.

8:00-9:30 AM - Arrival                        

Toddlers arrive individually and are greeted warmly, talked to, changed (if necessary), and given breakfast. Toddlers are each given a daily health check and are assisted to change into their inside shoes until they are able to change shoes independently. Toddlers remove their outdoor gear with assistance and will begin to hang it up as they become more independent.

8:00-10:30 AM - Self-Chosen Activities

Toddlers begin to explore the environment with self-chosen activities. They may work independently, with a teacher, or with a friend. Materials include a varied assortment of practical life, fine motor, gross motor, language activities, sensory experiences, manipulatives, and books. Toddlers are encouraged to be independent in their exploration of the environment, and a helpful adult is always present to assist. A food-tasting activity may occur during this time.

10:30-10:45 AM - Music and Movement

Children may choose to join a group led by the head teacher and enjoy a story, music, movement, or finger play in joyful group activities.

10:45-11:00 AM - Morning Snack

Toddlers share a nutritious snack family style and use language to talk about color, shape, taste, and texture. They smell and touch the food, using all their senses.

11:00-11:45 AM - Outdoor Activity

Children transition to their outside shoes and outdoor gear and then enjoy unstructured outside play on the Montessori Children’s Center park or terrace, supervised by staff. An assortment of large wooden blocks, scooters, see-saws, and balls are available, as well as a toddler-appropriate climbing structure with a climbing wall, steps, and slide.

12:00-12:40 PM - Lunch

Lunch is served family style, with children encouraged to independently use utensils and drink from open cups rather than sippy cups or straw cups. The children are assisted in serving themselves, and if their lunch is lunch supplied by their parent, the child will assist in transferring their meal to a plate or bowl, even if it is pouch food, so the child can use a utensil. Any leftovers of parent-supplied food are sent home. After finishing, the child carries their dish to the low basin and washes their bowl and plate.

12:45-3:15 PM - Nap and Rest

Toddlers sleep in low cots with sheets and lovies provided from home. The bedding is sent home weekly to be washed on Fridays or whenever soiled. Cots are thoroughly cleaned weekly on Fridays. Cots are assigned and not shared, and are placed two feet apart from each other. Teachers assist toddlers in falling asleep by rubbing or patting if needed. They are never woken up by caregivers but are allowed to sleep as long as they need. As they awaken, the toddlers assist with putting away their bedding in their cubby.

3:15-3:45 PM - Snack

Toddlers enjoy a second nutritious snack as they awaken.

3:45-4:30 PM - Outdoor Activity

Children play outside on the Montessori Children’s Center park, terrace, or Peace Room, supervised by staff.

4:30-5:30 PM - Self-Chosen Activities

Toddlers choose activities to engage in and explore. Group activities such as music, sound lotto, singing, bubbles, or reading occur.

3:30-5:30 PM - Dismissal   

Children are toileted and prepared for dismissal according to their family’s pick-up schedule. Final dismissal is at 5:30. Parents receive a daily sheet with the child’s sleep, eating, and toileting that day, as well as activities enjoyed and any items needing replacement. All children and families must exit the building by 5:30 pm.