Albany Montessori Education Center
Guided Pathway to Independent Learning

 
The Nesting House - Montessori Infant/Toddler program offers full and
part time care, in an amazing environment,
 prepared for the sensitive periods of this age group.  

 
During these crucial years, young children are provided a balance of physical, cognitive, social and emotional stimulation in order to reach their best possible individual level of development.  Our guided pathway provides even the youngest infants to follow their own interest and capture their passion.  Trust is an essential element in the selection of an environment for children of all ages.  For the infants and toddlers especially, this includes a secure relationship facilitated by consistent parent involvement and a slow and responsive orientation/transition to their new Nesting House family.
 

Infants:  6 weeks to 18 months

 

The atmosphere in the infant room is peaceful and calm and communicates unconditional love, respect and safety to both parents and infants.  It is the first prepared environment at AMEC.  Every child is on their own schedule, allowing each of them to establish their own rhythm for eating, sleeping and exploring.  There are no infant "containers" - children are not put into positions they could not get into or out of themselves.  For safety - Cribs are used for sleeping for the first nine months -  however, parents can then request their child be offered a bed. 
 
Every action and response taken by the teachers in the infant room is carefully calculated to provide opportunities for the teacher and child to interact in a positive way, affording even the youngest child the highest level of respect. 
 
 
 

 

Toddlers:  18 months to 2 yrs 9 months

 

The prepared environment continues into the Toddler room, where a nurturing, secure and calm atmosphere frees them to explore the environment through their senses and independence is gained through language development and movement,.  The child brings order to their environment through practical life and sensorial materials.  Teachers promote this process by allowing the children the freedom they need to fully develop self-confidence, self disciplline, and self-motivation.