Toddler – 2 Locations In Mahomet & Manhattan, IL

Toddler Program – 16 Months Thru 24 Months

At First School, we recognize that the toddler years are a time of rapid development, exploration, and newfound independence. Children between 16 months and 24 months are naturally curious, eager to move, communicate, and begin asserting their individuality. Our toddler classrooms are designed to channel this energy in positive and purposeful ways, helping each child develop confidence, coordination, and a lifelong love of learning.

Inspired by Dr. Maria Montessori’s principles, our toddler program is more than just childcare, it is a thoughtfully prepared environment where children are respected, supported & encouraged to grow at their own pace. Our teachers guide toddlers through hands-on activities that strengthen motor skills, language development, social interaction & independence, all while ensuring a secure and loving atmosphere.

A Prepared Environment That Encourages Exploration

Montessori toddler classrooms are designed with the child in mind. Everything from the furniture and learning materials to the daily routine, is tailored to meet the developmental needs of toddlers. Our classrooms are bright, clean, and organized, offering a structured yet flexible environment where children feel free to explore, make choices, and build new skills.

Low shelves allow toddlers to choose their own materials, helping them develop autonomy and decision-making skills. Activities are developmentally appropriate, self-correcting, and rooted in real-life experiences. From sorting and stacking objects to pouring water and putting on shoes, every task contributes to the child’s physical, cognitive & emotional development.

This level of independence helps toddlers develop a sense of responsibility and pride in their accomplishments, building a strong foundation for academic success and personal growth in later years.

Building Independence Through Practical Life Skills

One of the core components of the First School Toddler Care program is the development of practical life skills. These are everyday activities that toddlers observe adults doing, such as dressing, cleaning, preparing snacks, or caring for the environment.

In our toddler program, which includes 16 months thru 24 months, our toddlers are given the tools, time & guidance to do these things for themselves. With a little help, toddlers learn how to wash their hands, use utensils, clean up spills, water plants & more. These tasks may seem simple, but to a toddler, they are exciting opportunities to feel capable and trusted.

Through these activities, toddlers not only build fine and gross motor coordination but also learn patience, concentration, and order, which are key traits that are critical for success both inside and outside the classroom.

Social, Emotional & Language Development

The toddler years are also when children begin to develop essential social and emotional skills. At First School, our Toddler Care program nurtures these milestones by fostering positive interactions and respectful communication.

Toddlers are taught to express their feelings, use words to communicate needs, and engage with peers in cooperative play. Our teachers model empathy, patience & kindness, setting the tone for a peaceful and respectful classroom community.

Language development is another key area of focus. At this age, toddlers are absorbing language rapidly. Our educators support this growth through storytelling, singing, conversations, and vocabulary-building activities. We encourage children to describe what they’re doing, name objects, and express their thoughts and emotions.

This immersive language environment helps toddlers expand their vocabulary, improve comprehension, and prepare for early literacy in the preschool years.

Respectful Guidance & Gentle Redirection

At the heart of the First School approach is the belief that even the youngest children deserve respect. In our toddler program, discipline is not about punishment, it is about gentle redirection, consistent boundaries, and modeling appropriate behavior.

Rather than controlling toddlers’ actions, our teachers guide them toward making positive choices. We help children navigate social situations, practice turn-taking, and resolve conflicts in peaceful ways. By empowering children to understand their emotions and behaviors, we set the stage for long-term emotional intelligence and self-regulation.

Why Choose First School Toddler Care?

Choosing care for your toddler is a deeply personal decision. You want a place where your child will be safe, loved, and intellectually stimulated. At First School, we provide more than supervision—we offer an enriched, respectful environment that encourages your toddler to flourish.

Benefits of Montessori Toddler Program Include:

• Child-sized furniture and materials that foster independence
• Hands-on learning activities that build coordination and focus
• Practical life exercises that teach real-world skills
• A language-rich environment for communication development
• Nurturing educators trained in Montessori methods
• Emphasis on grace, courtesy, and social-emotional learning
• Consistent routines that provide structure and security
• Individual attention and observation-based learning plans

Every moment in our toddler classroom is an opportunity for growth, learning, and joy. We meet each child where they are developmentally and celebrate every milestone along the way.

Schedule a Visit Today At First School – Mahomet & Manhattan, IL.

We invite you to tour our 16 month thru 24 month Montessori toddler classroom, meet our experienced educators, and see how our philosophy nurtures the whole child. Contact us today to schedule a visit and learn more about how our program can support your toddler’s unique journey of discovery and independence.