Toddler Program Aurora and Naperville

Our Programs

Toddlers

At Casa Dei Bambini Montessori School, our Toddler Program (15–35 months) offers a nurturing, developmentally rich environment that goes beyond traditional pre-k or daycare. Through Montessori methods, we lay the foundation for lifelong learning during this critical stage of rapid growth. Children build independence, social skills, and early academic readiness in a setting designed specifically for their developmental needs.

The Toddler Classroom at CDBM consists of children ages 15 months to 35 months with a 3 and 5 day program, either half day or full day. In this classroom, children engage in social experiences, self-eating and table habits, toilet learning, and independence. We also prepare them for introductory concepts in Language, Math, Sensorial, Practical Life, Art, and Music.

The young child’s mind is more like an acute observer or scientist who is eager to learn, explore, try new things, and master new skills. But most importantly, the earlier we begin a program of intellectual, physical, sensory, and artistic education, the more dramatic the results will be. Children demonstrate they can concentrate, observe and absorb, master new ideas, and develop new skills. This is a time of tremendous brain growth in all areas. During this period, when the mind is stimulated by a rich environment, the brain will literally develop a stronger and lasting ability to learn and accomplish tasks.

Language: Language development begins the moment a child enters the classroom. Teachers and peers greet one another by name, building recognition, connection, and community. Vocabulary expands naturally through songs, conversations, and hands-on activities. Children are introduced to letter sounds, phonetics, and sandpaper letters, preparing them for future reading, writing, and spelling.

Math: Mathematics is introduced through hands-on exploration and sensorial experiences. Children learn to count, associate numbers with quantities (0–10), and practice one-to-one correspondence, sorting, and patterning. Because Montessori math materials are concrete rather than abstract, children can touch, move, and see what numbers mean, building a strong foundation for understanding the decimal system.

Sensorial: Maria Montessori described the Sensorial materials as the “key to the universe.” In this area, children refine their senses of sight, touch, smell, taste, and sound, learning to classify and interpret the world around them. By isolating and exploring one sense at a time, children strengthen perception while naturally preparing for advanced math and science concepts.

Practical life: Practical life lessons form the heart of the Montessori classroom and provide skills that reach far beyond academics. Toddlers practice caring for themselves and their environment, pouring, cleaning, dressing, setting tables, and more. These activities build concentration, coordination, and independence while also developing fine and gross motor skills. Practical life work indirectly prepares children for future success in math, language, and writing.

Why Montessori Over Traditional Pre-K?

Unlike a typical pre-k or daycare program, Casa Dei Bambini’s Toddler Program integrates academics, independence, and life skills into every part of the day. Children learn habits of self-feeding, toilet learning, and table manners while also being introduced to early literacy, math, music, and art. Our Montessori-trained teachers provide individualized guidance, ensuring each child can move at their own pace and gain confidence in their abilities.

By combining intellectual, sensory, physical, and social development, the Montessori toddler classroom offers families an exceptional alternative to traditional pre-k, one that not only prepares children for school but also for life.