The Tadpole Toddler program serves children between the age of 16 months to 3 years. Sessions run every weekday morning (Mon – Fri) from 8:30am – 11:00am throughout the term.  Costs for the session can be found in the Fee Schedule. A family adult needs to be in attendance for every session.

This particular age group is an important transitioning time in the child’s life, only experienced again at puberty. The visible physical growth brings a need to move and to develop fine and gross muscle action. However, a more phenomenal transformation which is hidden from view is happening in this young explorer. Neural pathways in the brain are developing at a phenomenal speed and amazingly the child can focus for long periods.  They are also able to repeat over and over again any action to satisfy their own need for mastery. Independence is the subconscious goal for the child up to 3 years old. It’s our job to help them achieve this!

The young learners are introduced to an environment where materials are placed in a prepared manner on shelves.  These are accessible and visually alluring in order to entice the child to explore. The adult observes and then guides the young mind by presenting some of the activities.  The adult then slowly but intentionally removes themselves from the child’s proximity.  This is a deliberate action and is vital to provide space and time for the child’s personal experience.

Morning Routine:

8:30am Montessori work cycle starts

Toddlers are welcomed at the door. Each toddler places their belongings in the designated area and they then participate in an outdoor activity. The remainder of the session is led by the class director. Toddlers and parents are invited to discover new ways of growing their talents and capabilities through personalised presentations.

Morning Tea – This time is flexible depending on each child’s individual needs. Please pack your child healthy snacks checking with your teacher for foods that may not be allowed.

10:40am Pack Away Time – The children assist with bringing in the outdoor materials.

10:45am Group Time – Songs and story time

11:00am End of Montessori session

Guidelines for Parents

Every child learns through observation and repetition.

• Please silent your phone and only use for emergencies.
• Keep social chatter with other parents to a minimum. Focus only on your child in the work areas (circular tables and large mat). Use the eating area and couches for conversation.
• Please avoid calling-out to your child; instead go to them and speak in a soft voice at their eye level.
• Only demonstrate materials that have been presented to you first.  Most materials / activities have a precise cycle of activity.
• It is important that you do not intervene unnecessarily. Briefly show your child how to carry-out the activity and then allow your child to manipulate the materials their own way.
• Activities take place a table or on the floor; the chair is for the child, adults may kneel/sit next to them.
• Please use a floor-mat to define your working space in the classroom.
• All materials must be returned to the shelves in their original condition. If your child is not co-operating please role model and place it back yourself.
• If a material is being used by another child, please encourage your child to have patience until the item becomes available.

This toddler curriculum prepares both the child and the adult for independent functioning, motivation to succeed and a love of learning that remains for life.  For example, the environment for the Toddler community is carefully prepared to meet language learning.  Your child is encouraged to express feelings and to name whatever surrounds them. The adult uses language carefully and purposefully, providing beautiful songs, poems and clear sentences. This prepared space offers your child an intimate familiarisation with their own culture and the support of their family. One member of the family stays at all times with the child and learns with them. Mum or Dad, Grandparent or Carer is still an important element in the security of the toddler and having this nurturing partnership with the trained Montessori educator provides a holistic environment meeting the needs of your 0-3 year old.

This Toddler room is a safe space where socialisation happens for the first time in a structured way. Children may work side by side with each other and the adult supports their interaction if and when it happens by giving simple explanations to clarify expectations.

The Montessori materials in this environment offer a single idea or skill for the child to focus on. The subsequent activities will add more complex skills and develop a more comprehensive ability. There is only one of each piece of equipment in the room and children are taught patience in a less intrusive and more practical manner, by waiting and observing.

Ready to enrol?  Please click the button at the top of the page, complete the form and submit with a copy of your child’s Birth Certificate and vaccination evidence (if any).  Then you will receive a link allowing you to select your preferred morning(s) – depending on availability.  Your selected day(s) must remain the same throughout the 10 weeks of the term. You are required to re-enrol each term.