Toddler

The Waypoint toddler community serves children from ages 14 months to 3 years old. All children must be walking steadily without aid to safely join this community. The children spend their day in a carefully prepared environment that is designed to foster independence, practical life skills, sensorial exploration, and language development. The program also introduces the youngest children to ways to investigate the natural world through gardening and nature walks. The children work on fine and gross motor skills, learning to care for themselves, their classmates, and the classroom and outdoor environments. Children learn to appreciate art and music as well as engaging in community experiences with songs, stories, and outdoor play.

The toddler environments are designed for the youngest children to move freely between lessons and activities. Tables, chairs, benches, and cabinets are all designed to be low to the ground for better stability and access. Montessori materials are specifically designed for this age group to help develop the care of self, to increase vocabulary, and to help the child build knowledge about the world around them. Children have social interactions throughout the day, building on life skills centered around independent and group work. The toddlers gain confidence and independence with support from the guides and assistants.

Toileting plays a big role in the work of child at this age as the guide partners with parents to provide a consistent approach both at home and at school. The child reconnects to their body through the use of cotton underpants and learns to use the toilet with the support of the guide and assistants. Children practice the coordination needed to dress themselves, gain skills through practical life lessons, and become independent in choosing work within the classroom environment.

Healthy snacks are available mid-morning for all toddlers, with a nutritious lunch, prepared by the Toddler staff, and afternoon snack provided for children staying until 3:30 pm or 6:00 pm. Menu items include fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains to help promote proper nutrition. Hydrating with water throughout the day and milk for lunch are also encouraged. Children gain the ability to sit properly at the table and to ask for additional portions using grace and courtesy lessons from the Montessori curriculum.

Each toddler classroom has a fully equipped kitchen, small sinks, bathrooms, and a large classroom. Small cubbies help the children learn where to put their personal items. The classrooms are designed to nurture the children in a safe and orderly environment. Plants, pictures, and decorative objects make the classroom feel like an extension of home. The outside environments have covered porches and a large outdoor play area with sandboxes. The Toddler playground has trikes, balls, and other gross motor activities designed for ages 14 months to 3 years. Small gardens and picnic tables covered by large trees create a beautiful space for the children to enjoy eating outdoors in warm weather. 

Waypoint offers two different options for toddler students. All programs are 5 days a week and begin at 8:00 am - 8:30 am. School day toddler children are picked up at 3:30 pm. All day toddler children are picked up by 6:00 pm. The children will nap (on cots or mats) for 1 ½ - 2 hours.