Infant & Toddler | Ages 2 months to 3 years
Building independent and confident learners.
Program
Research shows that the most important period in a human being’s educational and emotional development is in the first 3 years of life. Dr. Montessori recognized that the earlier we begin a program of intellectual, physical, sensory and artistic education, the more dramatic the results.
Why is it so important to expose your child to this type of program at this age?
For the Child
Our classes provide your child with a beautiful environment and stimulating materials to aid him or her in self-development. Infants and Toddlers exposed to the enriched environment at North Star demonstrate they can concentrate, absorb knowledge, master new ideas, and develop new skills, giving them a stronger ability to learn and accomplish later in life.
For the Parent
The goal is to help parents understand what your child is going through. We work in collaboration by providing you with the knowledge and tools to understand your child’s specific developmental patterns and abilities. This will allow you to best respond to your child’s needs and provide him/her the optimal environment at home as well.
Session times
8:50-10:20am
10:50-12:20pm
1:00-2:30pm
The Parent-Infant Program (2 to 16 months)
Offered Monday
The focus of this unique program is to assist parents of very young children in understanding child development and to provide the most effective strategies to help parents respond to the needs they observe in their infants. One morning each week parents and infants come together with the facilitator to explore and enjoy a Montessori environment prepared to encourage development of movement, acquisition of language, and refinement of visual, auditory, and tactile perception.
Free Activity Time: All children have free activity time for the first hour of the class. During this time, the facilitator will move around the classroom, introducing materials to each child depending on his/her age and ability. When your child is engaged in an activity, slowly pull back and observe. We want to encourage repetition and concentration as much as possible. When your child becomes disinterested or is finished with a material, it is returned to the shelf or put in the washing bin. During this time the facilitator will also do some small group lessons with the children and provide parents with open conversation regarding child development and the Montessori Method.
Snack Time: After the first hour, the children will sit for snack for approximately 15-20 minutes. The tables will be put together and we will set up a placemat, plate, glass for each child. Parents are required to bring their child’s own snack from home as we appreciate that each family’s weaning choices are different. Soft crackers and water are provided.
Circle Time: The last 10 minutes of class is spent as a group singing and playing instruments.
The Parent-Toddler Program (16 to 36 months)
Offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday (Option to attend multiple days per week)
Toddlers are curious. It’s this probing nature that drives them to discover the world in which they live.
North Star’s unique program encourages parents to give their child freedom to investigate independently in a safe, organized, and beautifully prepared environment. Our materials promote the development of fine and gross motor coordination, visual discrimination, acquisition of language, and meaningful participation in a community.Our classes allow parents to observe their child building relationships with other toddlers and provides insight into their child from a developmental perspective.
At the end of each class, children participate in a nutritious group snack and come together to sing songs and play instruments.
Free Activity Time: All children have free activity time for the first hour of the class. During this time, the facilitator will move around the classroom, introducing materials to each child depending on his/her age and ability. You are then encouraged to direct your child to the activities he/she has been shown. When your child is engaged in an activity, slowly pull back and observe. We want to encourage repetition and concentration as much as possible. When your child becomes disinterested or is finished with a material, encourage your child to return it to the shelf. During this time the facilitator will also do some small group lessons with the children and provide parents with open conversation regarding child development and the Montessori Method.
Snack Time: After the first hour, the children will sit for snack for approximately 15-20 minutes. The chime will sound and the children will finish their work and come and wipe their hands. The tables will be put together and the children will set up their own placemat, plate, glass, fork and spoon. The children will be served a nutritious snack provided by North Star. We ask that each week a different family bring 2 pieces of the same fruit; one cut up for snack and one for naming.
Circle Time: The last 10 minutes of class is spent as a group singing and playing instruments.
Parent Guide
Download our Parent Guide to view more information on the Infant & Toddler Program and application details.