Help me manage independently
TODDLER PROGRAM 18 months - 2.5 years old
Our program creates a nurturing, warm, and stimulating environment that encourages children to develop their sense of self and build foundational skills, fostering their journey toward independence.
This early development lays a strong foundation for success in our Casa program, equipping children with the readiness to understand more complex concepts and complete more advanced tasks as they grow.
Nurturing the Future
For many AMS students, the Toddler Program is their first introduction to our values of independence, respect, and curiosity in learning. Each day, our skilled educators guide our toddlers through essential developmental activities:
Practical Life Skills
Toddlers are encouraged to mimic everyday activities like pouring, spooning, mopping, and self-care fostering independence and self-esteem.
Manipulative Exercises
Activities designed to strengthen fine and gross motor skills, control and coordination of movement, help develop the pincer grip and other fundamental skills that lay the foundation for writing and other future tasks.
Language Development
Through vocabulary cards, songs, stories, and poetry, children develop early language skills and a love for communication.
Sensory Exploration
Experiences like food preparation, cloth washing, finger painting, and engaging and caring for plants help children refine their senses and learn through touch and movement.
Gross Motor Development
The spacious outdoor playgrounds and gym provide opportunities for toddlers to build strength and coordination as they engage with balls, tricycles, riding toys, balance equipment, stairs and outdoor play activities.
Independence
At AMS, we empower children to dress and undress themselves to go indoors and outside, eat independently, care for their surroundings, and begin toilet learning, fostering a strong sense of autonomy and self-confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions - Toddler Program
How will parents be kept informed about their child’s activities?
Teachers greet their students and families at the start and end of each day. Parents engage with the child's classroom on Edsby where teachers share daily reminders, photos and parent education.
What are the hours of the Toddler Program?
The Toddler Program hours are 8:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Are snacks and lunches provided to students?
Toddler students must be enrolled with Kids Kitchen for their lunch and snack program. This Ministry mandated program includes a daily hot lunch and 2 snacks. Payment is made directly to Kids Kitchen. Students with dietary restrictions and/or allergies may bring their own lunch and snacks.
Do you have an extended care program?
What is the class ratio of students to teachers?
How does the school support toilet learning?
Teachers are very experienced in toilet learning and provide support for families with their child’s toilet learning needs. These supports can include sharing of information and resources about toilet learning with families when their child is ready to start on this journey.
Knowing the signs of toilet learning readiness, the teachers provide a consistent routine, and encouragement, while the child receives incentive to learn from their peers.
In partnership with families, teachers develop a toileting plan for each child taking into consideration the readiness of the family, as well as certain preferred practices that families may use at home when toileting. Parents are encouraged to share their routines and strategies so it can be supported at school. Teachers have open daily communication and have a toileting log to keep families informed of their child’s toileting progress.
How much outdoor learning and play do students get to experience?
Toddler students at AMS enjoy the various outdoor spaces twice a day, weather permitting. Our 14 acres allow for exploring nature and going on walks, while the Butterfly and Courtyard playgrounds allow the students different areas to play and learn. On warmer days, the teachers may take Montessori work materials outdoors to extend the Toddlers’ learning while enjoying the outdoor environment.
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