Programs

The Montessori Method of education is based on observation and the principle of freedom in a Prepared Environment. The adult caregiver and educator; the Guide, understands the Montessori philosophy and is skillfully trained to present various Montessori materials when a child exhibits readiness.

At Lawrence Montessori School, we observe, guide and nurture each infant and toddler lovingly and communicate with the parents daily on the child’s growth and development. Each child follows a daily routine based on her/his natural development. Children who are tired can rest or sleep whenever they need to while others may be awake and happily engaged in purposeful activities. There is no "by the clock" activity, nap or eating routine in the Infant/Toddler community. Each child is nurtured at her/his pace and rhythm. We follow the child.

• The Sleeping Area is a quiet comfortable area. There is a comfortable floor mattress to provide easy, independent access to the child for sleeping and waking. There are no cribs in a Montessori Nido environment to respect the need for independence of the growing child.

• The Movement Area in the classroom is where children engage in various activities. The floors have soft mats for movement and are kept spotlessly clean to allow children to explore freely. Our caregivers have designed the classroom to assist the development of gross motor skills by incorporating activities for crawling, walking, jumping and climbing. Additionally, the classroom is laid out with activities for developing language skills, visual stimulation, eye-hand coordination, beginning fine motor skills, and visual, auditory and tactile stimulation.

• The Physical Care Area has an Eating Area and an area for changing and grooming the baby. The eating area is designed to aid independence by encouraging children to eat at child sized tables and on specially designed safe, low chairs. The child can sit independently and eat with a caregiver and also learn how to eat by him/herself. There are no high-chairs in a Montessori Nido environment.

At Lawrence Montessori School, the Nido environment is designed to meet the physical care and needs of the infant, to support neurological development by providing cognitive activities and to encourage movement for the rapidly developing motor skills. Additionally, we have designed a beautiful outdoor space complete with a small garden exclusively for our youngest learners of the Nido Room.