ACE Montessori · Toddler Program

Toddler

12 months – 30 months

At ACE Montessori, our Toddler Program is thoughtfully designed around the wisdom and observations of Maria Montessori, who recognized that the first three years of life are among the most important in a child’s development. She emphasized on the fact that young children learn best through purposeful activity, movement, exploration, and meaningful experiences.

Our Toddler Program is active, self-paced, and hands-on, allowing children to learn through all five senses. Within a carefully prepared environment, children are introduced to the five areas of the Montessori curriculum; Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, and Culture. Through repetition, concentration, and independent/guided exploration, they gradually build confidence, competence, and a lifelong love of learning. As Dr. Montessori wisely stated, “The hands are the instruments of man’s intelligence,” emphasizing the importance of learning through direct experience.

A toddler working with a wooden animal puzzle at ACE Montessori.

Between the ages of twelve months and three years, children are in what Dr. Montessori called the Absorbent Mind stage, effortlessly taking in information from their surroundings. During this remarkable period, they are developing language, movement, order, coordination, independence, toilet learning skills, grace and courtesy, and refinement of the senses. Our classroom environment and materials are intentionally designed to support these natural developmental drives, allowing children to learn at their own pace while fostering self-confidence, self-discipline, and respect for others.

Our educators serve as careful observers and guides, preparing an environment where children can thrive independently. Through this approach, we nurture the whole child socially, emotionally, physically, intellectually, and spiritually, laying a strong foundation for future learning and personal growth.

What we focus on

Areas of development in the Toddler classroom.

Language

During the toddler years, children are rapidly building the foundation for language. They learn not only by listening to words but also by carefully observing the speaker’s facial expressions, mouth movements, tone, and gestures. Toddlers are naturally drawn to watching how sounds and words are formed, making meaningful face-to-face communication an essential part of their language development.

In our Toddler Program, we intentionally create rich language experiences throughout the day. Educators speak clearly and respectfully with children, ensuring they can observe the movements of the mouth and hear language used naturally in context. Rather than simply talking to children, we engage them in purposeful conversations about their experiences, actions, and discoveries within the prepared environment.

A toddler absorbed in a picture book at ACE Montessori.

To expand vocabulary and comprehension, we consistently name and describe objects, people, actions, and experiences in the classroom. This helps children connect words with meaning and develop confidence in their ability to communicate. We also foster a love of language through daily reading experiences, sharing carefully selected books with simple vocabulary, clear illustrations, repetitive patterns, and engaging stories that support listening skills, comprehension, and early literacy development.

Through these meaningful interactions, children gradually strengthen their vocabulary, listening skills, self-expression, and understanding of language, laying a strong foundation for future communication, reading, and learning.

Movement

Movement is one of the toddler’s most important pathways to learning. Dr. Maria Montessori observed that movement and intelligence develop together, and that young children learn best through purposeful activity and exploration. During the first three years of life, children are driven by a natural desire to move, explore their environment, and gain independence.

Some children begin walking before their first birthday, while others may take until sixteen months or longer. Every child develops at their own pace, and we respect and support each child’s unique developmental journey. Our Toddler Program provides a safe and carefully prepared environment where children can refine gross motor skills through meaningful experiences.

A toddler playing outdoors on a ride-on toy at ACE Montessori.

As toddlers grow, they develop body awareness, coordination, balance, and confidence as they:

Progress from taking their first steps to walking with increasing stability and control
Build strength through running, climbing, jumping, hopping, balancing, carrying, pushing, and pulling
Practice coordination and concentration through purposeful activities and daily routines
Imitate the meaningful work and movements they observe at home and in the classroom
Gain independence by learning to care for themselves and their environment

We recognize that young children are not designed to spend long periods sitting still. Instead, they learn through movement, repetition, and active engagement with their surroundings. Each movement a toddler masters strengthens neural pathways in the developing brain, supporting cognitive growth, language development, problem-solving abilities, and self-confidence.

By providing opportunities for purposeful movement throughout the day, we help children develop physical skills, independence, concentration, coordination, and self awareness.

Handling Small Objects

Between twelve months and three years of age, children show a strong natural interest in working with small and detailed objects. During this sensitive period, they are developing fine motor skills, building hand strength, and developing hand-eye coordination, along with the precise pincer grasp that is essential for future writing, self-care, and precision.

In our Toddler environment, carefully prepared Montessori materials and activities are intentionally designed to support and extend this development. Through activities such as grasping, pouring, stacking, threading, and manipulating small objects, children gradually refine the coordination between what they see and how their hands respond.

These repeated, purposeful experiences help children develop precision, concentration, and control of movement while refining fine motor skills. As their skills strengthen over time, they gain confidence in their abilities and build a strong foundation for later academic learning and independence.

A toddler handling small wooden cylinders at ACE Montessori.

Sense of Order

From around six months to three years of age, children have a strong natural need for order in their environment, routines, and daily experiences. This sense of order helps them make sense of the world, build security, and develop early logical thinking as they begin to understand how things are organized and related.

In our Toddler environment, this developmental need is carefully respected through consistency, predictable routines, and a thoughtfully prepared space where everything has a clear place and purpose. Materials are arranged in an orderly and accessible way, allowing children to independently choose, use, and return items with confidence.

As children become familiar with the environment, they are able to orient themselves more easily within it. This familiarity supports smoother transitions, better adjustment, and a sense of security, helping to reduce fear or anxiety related to unfamiliar surroundings.

Through this structured yet inviting environment, children develop both external and internal order. They gain confidence, concentration, and independence as they learn to navigate their world with trust, comfort, and ease.

A toddler folding cloths at ACE Montessori.

Toilet Training

Toilet training is an important milestone in the toddler years and is supported in our environment as a natural extension of the child’s growing independence and self-awareness. In line with Montessori principles, we approach this process with patience, consistency, and respect for each child’s individual readiness.

The Toddler environment is carefully prepared to help children feel confident and secure as they learn this new skill. Children are supported step by step in developing the self-care skills needed for toilet training, including recognizing bodily signals, transitioning to the toilet, and managing hygiene routines. A key part of this learning is the handwashing routine, introduced through a clear six-step sequence that children practice consistently. This builds both independence and an understanding of personal hygiene.

Through repetition and encouragement, children gradually gain control, confidence, and pride in their achievements. The environment is designed to foster self-sufficiency, allowing children to succeed independently and reinforcing their belief in their own capabilities during this important stage of development.

A roll of toilet paper decorated with fresh daisies.

Social Skills

In the Montessori approach, social development is guided through what Maria Montessori referred to as “Grace and Courtesy.” The everyday practices that help children learn how to live harmoniously with others. These early experiences lay the foundation for respect, empathy, cooperation, and peaceful interaction within a community.

In the Toddler environment, social skills are not taught through correction, but through consistent modeling by adults. Educators demonstrate respectful communication, gentle tone, turn-taking, patience, and care in daily interactions. Children learn by observing these behaviours and naturally begin to imitate them in their own relationships.

Two toddlers playing together with building blocks at ACE Montessori.

Children are gently encouraged and supported as they practice greeting others, waiting for their turn, sharing space and materials, and expressing their needs with words and gestures. These experiences are repeated throughout the day in a calm, structured environment, allowing children to internalize respectful social habits over time.

Through this ongoing practice of grace and courtesy, children develop confidence in social settings, build positive relationships, and gain a strong sense of belonging within their community.

The daily routine in the Toddler environment is intentionally designed to reflect this age group’s need for movement, hands-on exploration, and active engagement with their surroundings, while still honoring each child’s individual pace, interests, and learning style. Every experience is purposeful, supporting the development of independence, confidence, and foundational life skills.

When children have completed their Toddler journey, they transition naturally into the Casa Program, where they build upon these early foundations and continue their Montessori learning within a more structured and expanded curriculum. This progression allows for continuity in development, ensuring that each child moves forward with confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of self.

Classrooms are very well organized with amazing activities to support child development.

Hamnah Iqtidar Toddler parent

Visit our Toddler classroom.

If you think your child would thrive in a Montessori environment, give us a call or join our waitlist. We’d love for you to visit and learn more.

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Or call 905 472 9899