Montessori Children’s Center Daily Schedule for Infants - (3 to 18 months) Room

Diapering occurs whenever the child is soiled or wet. Parents provide diapers, wipes, creams, lotions, or pastes. Infants who can stand are diapered standing in front of a mirror with the infant 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 infants to show our respect for the child. Sleeping and feeding times are based on each individual infant’s schedule and readiness. Infants wash their hands after toileting, coming in from outside, before eating, or whenever soiled. Infants go outside twice a day and will go out in most weather if parents provide gear. The Peace Room is also available if weather or air quality prevents outdoor play. Caregivers ensure the required ratio of 1:4 at all times. Parents are required to check their child in and out of the ProCare system to enter.

8:00-9:30 - Arrival

Infants arrive individually and are greeted warmly and given a daily health check. Children change at their cubby into their inside shoes with assistance in developing independence in taking off their coat, changing shoes, hanging bags, and putting on outdoor attire in their designated cubby. Children wash their hands upon arrival. Children are offered breakfast. Infants begin to explore the environment with self-chosen activities.

9:00-11:30 AM - Self-chosen Activities, Outside, and Morning Nap

Infants enjoy a variety of self-chosen materials and activities in the environment or outside on the infant terrace. Some children begin their first nap. Each infant follows their own schedule of napping, bottle feeding, floor play, tummy time, and interactions with other children and materials. Instrumental music or nature sounds may be played. Children flow between the inside and outside areas. Materials are always available and include a varied assortment of practical life, gross motor activities, sensory experiences, manipulatives, books, blocks, and heavy work. In the event of inclement weather, infants enjoy the Peace Room. Adults ensure the group remains in ratio at all times.

11:30-12:00 PM - Lunch

Children who are eating food enjoy a nutritious lunch. Children sit at a low table, family style. Once they are able, they are encouraged and coached to independently use utensils and open cups rather than sippy or straw cups. When finished, the child washes their hands. Diapers are checked. Bottles are heated in a bottle warmer (which does not exceed 180°F) and are always temperature tested before serving. Infants are encouraged to self-feed by holding their own bottle if able.

12:00-3:00 PM - Naptime

An infant’s individual sleep schedule determines their napping schedule throughout the day. Those children who take one nap per day have their nap. Awake children enjoy quiet activities with the caregiver. Infants sleep in low beds with sheets and one sleep aid (lovey) provided from home.  The bedding is sent home weekly to be washed on Fridays or whenever soiled. Beds are not shared and are cleaned on Fridays.

1:30-2:30 PM - Self-Chosen Activities and Outside

Infants begin to awaken and are encouraged to choose work. They may go outside on the terrace or on a walk with a caregiver to the Montessori Children’s Center park. Infants fall asleep and awaken on their own schedule. They are never woken up by caregivers but are allowed to sleep as long as they need. As they awaken, the older infants assist with putting away their bedding in their cubby.

3:00-3:15 PM - Snack

A nutritious snack is provided by Montessori Children’s Center or parents. Infants sit on low chairs around the low table and enjoy snacks family style.

3:15-5:00 PM - Activities

Each infant chooses work and organically explores the prepared environment. Group activities such as music, singing, bubbles, and reading may occur. Children are toileted and prepared for dismissal according to their family’s pick-up schedule.

5:00-5:30 PM - Dismissal

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