The development of the child during the first three years after birth is unequaled in intensity and importance by any period that preceds or follows in the whole life of the child.
MARIA MONTESSORI
The Stepping Stones program is designed for children as young as 21 months. Children do not need to be toilet trained for this program. The toddler program offers very young children a unique year of self-development in a tender atmosphere of special understanding, respect and support.
The toddler program also appropriately accommodates the very young child's sensitive period for language by offering creative and intriguing concepts to expand his/her growing vocabulary. Joining conversations, listening to stories, classifying objects and learning songs and poems all nurture their budding language skills. To help smooth their initial social interactions, the toddlers learn to use words for feelings they experience in themselves and others.
Many of the activities in the toddler program highlight the self-help skills that lead to independence. Children are gently urged to hang up their own coats and aprons and to problem solve rather than say "I can't". Since this is an age of very strong imitation, the teachers constantly model appropriate social skills, good manners and consideration of others.
The Stepping Stones classroom is thoughtfully set up foster an environment of freedom and exploration. Shelves, sinks, tables and toilets are all built at a comfortable height for small children. There is a max of 12 children in the class and the child-to-staff ratio is 4 to 1.
Children may be enrolled to attend 2, 3, or 5 days a week. Children need to be 2 years old by December 31st of the school year.
