What to Expect in Your Child’s Montessori Toddler and Preschool Program

Choosing early childhood education is a big decision for every parent. You want a program that not only keeps your child safe but also nurtures their natural curiosity, supports healthy development, and helps them grow into confident learners. For many families in Richmond Hill and Oak Ridges, a Montessori toddler and preschool program strikes that balance perfectly. Montessori education is known for its child-centered philosophy and carefully prepared environments that support independence, exploration, and lifelong learning.

At EYES Childcare Richmond Hill Montessori, toddlers and preschoolers thrive in a supportive, stimulating, and beautifully designed learning environment that encourages them to explore at their own pace while developing important early skills. But what does a typical Montessori toddler or preschool experience actually look like? In this blog, we’ll walk through the key elements of a Montessori program and help you understand what you can expect for your child’s first years of early education.

If you want to learn more about how our programs support toddlers and preschoolers or schedule a visit to see Montessori learning in action, call (905) 773-1164 to speak with our team.

Montessori Toddler Program: Fostering Independence and Curiosity

A Child-Centered Philosophy

The Montessori toddler program is built around the idea that even very young children learn best when they are actively engaged in meaningful tasks. Instead of traditional group instruction, toddlers are given opportunities to explore materials that match their developmental interests and abilities. This supports essential skills like concentration, independence, coordination, and language as they move through the world at their own pace.

A Montessori environment is designed to be accessible and inviting. Shelves are low, materials are child-sized, and everything in the room is thoughtfully placed so toddlers can explore safely and confidently. These materials encourage young minds to observe, experiment, and learn through hands-on discovery, which often leads to deeper understanding and stronger engagement.

Daily Activities in a Montessori Toddler Program

Unlike traditional daycare, where toddlers might spend blocks of the day on group play or quiet time, Montessori routines are flexible and founded in purposeful movement and intentional tasks. Toddlers are encouraged to:

• Explore sensory materials that strengthen cognitive and motor skills

• Practice practical life skills, like pouring water or wiping tables

• **Engage with language through songs, stories, and vocabulary building

• Work on early problem-solving activities that support logical thinking

These activities help toddlers practice everyday life skills and integrate learning into natural routines, rather than separating play from educational experiences.

Movement and Sensory Learning

Toddlers learn through movement and using their senses. Montessori programs encourage safe and purposeful physical activity, such as walking with materials, pouring and transferring objects, and exploring different textures. These experiences help develop balance, coordination, and physical confidence — all foundational for later academic and social success.

Social Development and Autonomy

In a Montessori toddler class, children begin to observe and learn from each other. Even at this young age, they start building early social skills like taking turns, expressing needs, and participating in simple group activities. Because the environment supports choice and independence, toddlers can make small decisions on their own, which boosts self-esteem and teaches accountability.

Montessori Preschool Program: Nurturing Learning Through Exploration

Once children transition from the toddler stage into preschool (typically ages three to six in Montessori programs), the depth and range of experiences grow significantly. Montessori preschool programs are intentionally structured to balance freedom with meaningful purpose, giving children space to follow their interests while building foundational academic and life skills.

A Prepared Environment for Discovery

Montessori preschool classrooms differ from traditional preschools. Instead of desks and teacher-led instruction, you will see:

• Open spaces where children can move freely

• Shelves organized with materials from which children can choose

• Distinct learning areas for practical life, sensorial work, math, language, and culture

• Child-sized tools and materials that invite independent use 

This prepared environment helps each child feel capable and respected. Materials are arranged so children can easily see what is available and make choices on their own. Over time, children learn to select, engage, complete, and return materials independently, reinforcing order, responsibility, and focus.

Learning Through Hands-On Materials

Montessori learning is deeply hands-on and sensory-rich. Rather than worksheets or flashcards, children use tactile materials that make abstract concepts real. For example:

• Math beads and rods help children internalize numeric relationships

• Sandpaper letters support early literacy and phonetic awareness

• Sensorial materials refine visual, auditory, and tactile discrimination

These activities help children not only learn concepts but experience learning. This deep engagement builds confidence and curiosity, and encourages children to persist with challenging tasks — a key foundation for later school success.

Self-Directed Learning and Work Cycles

In Montessori preschool classrooms, children are given uninterrupted blocks of time — often ranging from 60 to 120 minutes — to engage with materials of their choosing. This approach, known as a work cycle, allows children to explore tasks deeply and develop sustained concentration without frequent transitions or interruptions.

During work cycles, a teacher may introduce a new activity when the child is ready, but otherwise allows the child to follow their interests and build mastery at their own pace. This fosters a sense of ownership over learning that is quite different from the more structured, teacher-led moments found in traditional preschool settings.

Academic and Life Skills Integration

Montessori preschool curriculum naturally blends academic learning with life skills. Children do not just practice letters or numbers in isolation. They learn reading and writing through storytelling and tactile materials, and they learn math through hands-on experiences that make numbers tangible.

At the same time, practical life activities — such as preparing snacks, cleaning up materials, and organizing shelves — help children develop independence, care for their environment, and respect for those around them. These activities mirror real life and help strengthen gross and fine motor skills, responsibility, and self-confidence.

Social and Emotional Growth in Montessori Programs

One of the greatest strengths of Montessori toddler and preschool programs is how they support social and emotional development. Unlike traditional group-focused preschool models, Montessori environments allow children to interact naturally through choice-based work and collaborative projects, which helps them:

• Build empathy and cooperation

• Practice peaceful conflict resolution

• Express emotions with supportive guidance

• Respect others’ work and space

Children in Montessori settings gain confidence not because they are praised for getting the “right” answer, but because they feel competent and capable in their own learning. That emotional foundation supports healthy social relationships and resilience.

Supportive Teacher Roles

In Montessori programs, teachers act as guides rather than lecturers. They carefully observe each child’s interests and developmental stage, offering individualized support and introducing new materials only when a child is ready. This personalized approach helps children feel understood and supported, while also encouraging independence and self-direction.

Outdoor and Practical Learning Opportunities

Montessori education recognizes that children learn best when they are engaged with their whole body and whole mind. For preschoolers, this includes time spent outdoors, where they can explore, run, jump, and use larger muscles while still learning. The prepared environment often includes outdoor play spaces and opportunities for outdoor learning that reinforce strength, coordination, and social play.

Parent Engagement and Communication

Montessori programs also involve parents as partners in their child’s learning journey. Regular communication between teachers and families helps ensure that each child’s unique needs and strengths are understood and supported. Building strong community among families and staff enriches the overall experience and strengthens continuity between home and school.

Conclusion: What Parents Can Expect

Choosing a Montessori toddler or preschool program means entering a learning environment where children are respected as capable individuals and encouraged to explore their interests at their own pace. You can expect:

• A thoughtfully prepared environment that nurtures independence

• Hands-on, multi-sensory learning materials

• Self-directed work cycles that build concentration and confidence

• Social and emotional growth through real interactions

• Academic foundations rooted in exploration rather than rote instruction

This child-centered approach supports a holistic development that prepares children not only for school, but for life.

At EYES Childcare Richmond Hill Montessori, toddlers and preschoolers benefit from a rich Montessori-inspired curriculum, licensed and nurturing spaces, and a team focused on each child’s growth. If you’re curious about what your child’s Montessori experience could be like, call (905) 773-1164 to learn more or schedule a visit.