The first three years of life are a period of extraordinary growth. At Cobb, children begin building independence, language, and confidence from the very start—laying the foundation for everything that follows.
Welcome to Cobb School Montessori’s Toddler Program, our Young Children’s Community (YCC) in Simsbury, CT, where children ages 15 months to 3 years begin their Montessori journey and build the foundational skills that will support their growth in later stages of education. The classroom is carefully prepared to meet the developmental needs of young children and to invite purposeful activity throughout the day. Children move freely, choosing work that engages their interest and builds their skills, including:
- Practical Life Skills includes personal skills in dressing and undressing, tying shoes, toileting, and hand washing; care for the environment through watering plants, tending the garden, scrubbing tables, wood polishing, cloth washing, sweeping, flower arranging, food preparation and table setting.
- Control of Movement and Hand-Eye Coordination is developed through carrying exercises, spooning, pouring, folding, use of delicate materials like glass, and navigating the environment.
- Language is fostered through modeling conversation, rhymes, poems, stories, sound games, and vocabulary work.
- Art & Music is supported in the classroom with coloring, painting, pasting, cutting, musical instruments and molding work. Artwork and composers are featured from around the world.
- Grace & Courtesy includes learning how to be part of a community and showing respect for others and the environment.
Why Begin Montessori in the Toddler Years?
The toddler years are when the most important habits of learning are formed:
In our Toddler community, children:
- Develop independence through meaningful, real-life activities
- Build language and communication skills in a rich, responsive environment
- Form habits of concentration and focus through purposeful work
- Grow socially and emotionally within a calm, respectful community
The Toddler program is the beginning of a continuous Montessori journey at Cobb.
Children who start here carry forward strong habits of independence, curiosity, and concentration into Primary and beyond. This continuity allows each stage of development to build naturally on the one before it.
Program Details
Cobb Montessori Todder/YCC is 5 days per week either half-day or full-day.
Half-Day: 8:15am – 11:45am | Full Day: 8:15am – 3:15pm
Typical Toddler/YCC Classroom Routine
| 8:15 to 8:30 am | Arrival |
| 8:30 to 11:00 am | Work Cycle |
| 11:00 to 11:45 am | Recess |
| 11:45 am | Half Day Dismissal |
| 11:45 to 12:15 pm | Lunch and Nap Set-up |
| 12:15 to 1:00 pm | Community Lunch |
| 1:00 to 3:00 pm | Nap |
| 3:00 to 3:15 pm | Prepare for Home |
| 3:15 pm | Full Day Dismissal |
The growth we saw in our son when he moved from a daycare to a Montessori Todder classroom was astounding. His actions became much more intentional and deliberate. He learned to take care of himself and his surroundings with pride, and his confidence grew tremendously. The nurturing and purposeful environment made a noticeable difference in his ability to focus, communicate, and explore independently. We couldn’t be happier with our decision to join Cobb’s toddler program.
– Former Parent
“The child has a mind able to absorb knowledge.
He has the power to teach himself.”
The Unconscious Absorbent Mind: Dr. Montessori viewed the period from birth to age 6 as the “first plane of development,” a time of intense, foundational growth. Children in this age range, especially from 0-3, are in what Montessori called the “unconscious absorbent mind” phase, where they absorb information effortlessly and unconsciously from their surroundings. During this period, children have a heightened sensitivity for learning specific skills such as movement, language, and order. She believed developing independence at this age was critical, as children are driven to do things on their own. Our Toddler Guides support self-formation and exploration giving children freedom within a prepared environment that emphasizes the importance of movement and exploration in understanding the world.
Toddler FAQ
Community is at the heart of a Montessori toddler classroom. The strength of our community fosters a deep sense of belonging and collaboration among the children. The mixed-age classroom encourages empathy and allows younger children to learn through the modeled behaviors of older children. Throughout the year, toddler classrooms observe celebrations from cultures around the world and prioritize inclusion to lay the foundation for understanding, respect, and an appreciation of diversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering Cobb’s Toddler program, we encourage you to schedule a tour. Each tour is personalized based on your family’s questions and circumstances. Below are some frequently asked questions to review before your tour.
How does the Toddler program support social development?
Social development is a core part of the Toddler experience. Children learn to interact respectfully with their peers through guided activities and modeling from adults. Simple tasks like sharing materials, taking turns, and engaging in small group activities help toddlers understand empathy, cooperation, and respect for others.
What if my child has separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety is a common and natural part of early childhood, and we approach it with care and sensitivity. We recognize that beginning school is a significant step for both children and families. Our experienced guides create a warm, consistent, and responsive environment where each child feels secure and supported. We partner closely with families to develop a thoughtful, individualized transition plan, which may include shorter initial days or a consistent goodbye routine. With time, trust, and consistency, most children grow comfortable and confident in the classroom.
What are the requirements for my child to enter the toddler program?
Our Toddler program is designed for children ages 15 months to 3 years who is able to walk steadily and carry a work tray. Each child is unique, so we encourage an initial meeting to discuss your child’s readiness and to answer any questions about starting their Montessori journey.
Is potty training required for enrollment in the toddler program?
No, potty training is not a requirement for joining our Toddler program. In fact, our guides work closely with parents to support children in this important milestone. Our classrooms are designed to foster independence in all aspects of self-care, including toileting, so children gain confidence and autonomy as they grow. Each room is equipped with child-size toilets and sinks to help support potty-training.
How do you communicate with parents about their child’s progress?
We believe in maintaining open communication with parents. Our guides regularly share observations and updates on a child’s growth and development. Additionally, we offer parent-teacher conferences, observations, and opportunities to share information during pick-up.
What does a typical day in the Toddler classroom look like?
Each day follows a consistent rhythm, which helps young children feel secure and understand what to expect. The day includes a blend of individual work time, group activities, snack time, outdoor exploration, and time for caring for the classroom environment. Children move at their own pace, choosing activities that align with their interests and developmental stage, guided gently by our experienced Montessori educators.
What is the application process for the Toddler Program?
To begin the process, we encourage you to schedule a visit to tour our school. This gives you an opportunity to see our environment and ask any questions you may have. From there, you’ll complete an application, and we’ll work together to determine the best start date for your child.
Will my child be able to continue into the Primary program?
Yes. Children enrolled in our Young Children’s Community (YCC) receive priority enrollment in our Primary program, allowing for a smooth and continuous Montessori journey at Cobb.
Our Toddler program is more than daycare
At Cobb, we do more than simply watch over your child. Our Montessori-based Toddler Program fosters independence, curiosity, and a life-long love of learning from the very start. Unlike a typical daycare where the main goal is supervision, our certified Montessori Guides create a carefully prepared environment that encourages self-directed exploration and hands-on discovery. By balancing freedom and structure, each child develops critical thinking skills, executive function, decision-making, confidence, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.
While Montessori represents a higher investment, the return is immeasurable: children gain not only academic readiness but also social-emotional growth, problem-solving abilities, and a solid foundation for future success. At Cobb, you’re choosing more than childcare…you’re choosing an enriched, nurturing experience that empowers children to thrive now and in the years to come.
Meet Our Toddler Montessori Guides
Our guides in the Toddler Program are experienced, Montessori-trained educators who are deeply committed to nurturing each child’s natural curiosity, independence, and joy in learning. With warmth, patience, and a profound respect for young minds, our guides create a safe and supportive environment where children feel valued and empowered to explore. They observe each child’s unique needs and interests, gently guiding them through new discoveries and skills, while fostering a strong foundation for lifelong learning and confidence.
What is the role of a Montessori guide in the Toddler classroom?
Montessori guides in the Toddler Program are trained to observe and gently guide each child based on their individual needs and interests. Rather than directly instructing, guides provide the right materials, guidance, and support to help each child explore, learn, and develop at their own pace, always in a warm, nurturing manner that respects each child’s uniqueness.
Jamie Gilbert
Judy Maloney
Sheryl MacInnis
Toddler Classrooms
"The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct his own experiences.”
Cobb Montessori’s Toddler classrooms are lovingly designed to nurture independence, exploration, and a love of learning in our youngest students. Classrooms are bathed in natural light from large windows that invite the beauty of the outdoors inside, creating warm, open spaces that feel both peaceful and engaging. Each Toddler classroom integrates an indoor-outdoor experience with direct access to a private garden, where children can freely explore nature, tend to plants, and develop a respect for living things.
Low, accessible shelves hold hands-on materials that foster early self-care skills, language, movement, and sensory experiences, all carefully curated to meet the unique developmental needs of toddlers. This serene, thoughtfully arranged space reflects Montessori’s belief that the environment should be a “prepared place,” inviting children to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace.
How is the classroom environment set up to support Montessori learning?
The Toddler classroom is a carefully prepared environment with child-sized furniture, low shelves, and materials that are within reach, allowing children to independently select and return activities. Large windows provide natural light, and each classroom has an adjoining garden that encourages children to connect with nature. Every aspect of the room is designed to be inviting, functional, and developmentally appropriate, allowing children to move freely and engage deeply in their activities.
How does the indoor-outdoor environment benefit my child?
Our Toddler classrooms each have an adjoining garden space, allowing children to move between indoor and outdoor learning environments. This connection to nature fosters a sense of wonder and responsibility as children explore and care for plants, observe animals, and experience the natural world firsthand.
“Watching our child grow in independence and confidence has been a joy.”
“Our experience with the Toddler Program at Cobb School Montessori has been nothing short of amazing. Watching our child grow in independence and confidence has been a joy. Within a few weeks, they were excitedly putting on their own shoes and eagerly getting ready for school each morning. The warm, caring environment created by the teachers helped them feel truly at home, and they came to see their classroom as a place of comfort and discovery. It’s clear how much the teachers love and respect each child, fostering a beautiful sense of belonging and trust. We couldn’t have asked for a better start to our child’s education, and we’re so grateful for the foundation they received in the Toddler Program.” – Current Toddler Parent
Parent Resources
We understand that parents of young children are eager to learn about and support the Montessori journey at home. To help, we’ve curated a selection of resources that offer insights into the Montessori approach for toddlers and ways to apply these principles outside the classroom:
Books on Montessori
- The Joyful Child: Montessori, Global Wisdom for Birth to Three by Susan Stephenson – An engaging introduction to Montessori for parents, this book covers the philosophy and practical activities to support young children.
- Montessori from the Start: The Child at Home, from Birth to Age Three by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen – A guide to bringing Montessori principles into the home environment.
- How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way by Tim Seldin – A well-illustrated book with practical ideas and activities that can help parents create a Montessori-inspired home.
Blogs and Websites on Montessori
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- Aid to Life – An initiative by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), this website provides straightforward advice on supporting children’s development from birth to three.
- Montessori Northwest Blog – Offers articles on the Montessori approach and advice for parents of toddlers.
- The Kavanaugh Report – A blog by a Montessori mom, sharing practical tips and activities for creating a Montessori-inspired home.
Videos on Montessori
- Montessori Guide – A collection of videos by AMI that demonstrate Montessori classrooms and activities, giving parents insight into what their child is experiencing at school.
- Montessori in the Home for Toddlers (YouTube) – Short, informative videos on setting up Montessori-friendly spaces at home, often by experienced Montessori guides or parents.
Community Support
We encourage parents to join our Montessori Parent Education Nights, where you can learn directly from our guides, ask questions, and connect with other parents on a similar journey.