A Day in the Life
Toddler Program
The Toddler classrooms at Riverbend include students from ages 18 months to 3 years. The daily routine in the Toddler program helps our youngest students build independence and confidence from an early age. The prepared environment of the Montessori classroom gives students access to fun, stimulating materials that help develop fine motor skills and social skills.
A wonderful alternative to daycare, Riverbend provides a home-like environment that eases a child’s transition to a school setting. Our highly-skilled teachers are nurturing, patient, and kind, and appreciate that every child has their own interests, needs, and skills. The day includes fun with friends on the playground, nature education, circle time, and other engaging activities that make children love coming to school!
Sample Toddler Program Schedule
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8:15-8:30am |
Arrival and Settle In |
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8:30-9:45am |
Work Cycle, Circle Time, Snack |
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9:45-10:05am |
Nature, PE, Spanish |
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10:05-11:00am |
Recess |
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11:00-11:30pm |
Transition to Lunch (Songs, Toileting/Diapering, Lunch Prep) |
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11:30-11:55am |
Lunch |
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12:00-12:15pm |
Half Day Dismissal |
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12:15-2:00pm |
Nap/Rest Time |
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2:00-2:45pm |
Work Cycle, Snack |
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2:45-3:00pm |
Dismissal |
Arrival
Students are dropped off at Children’s House, where a teacher helps them from their car into the building. They check in with their teacher, and take out their belongings they need for the day, while placing the rest in their lockers. Students put on their indoor shoes (often slippers), and choose activities in the classroom that piques their interest.
Morning Work Cycle
Toddler students have work cycles where they engage with Montessori materials. In a Montessori classroom, “work” refers to the purposeful activities children choose as part of their learning. Our expert teachers closely support students as they explore the materials at their own pace, often giving lessons or helping students complete an activity. Children are developing their senses of order and coordination, and often choose to repeat activities over several weeks to gain mastery. The Work Cycle period also includes circle time and snack.
Nature, PE, Spanish
Art, music, movement, and nature play are infused throughout the day in the Primary classroom. In addition, Toddler students enjoy a special class each day in nature, Spanish, or physical education. These classes give students the opportunity to uniquely focus on each subject area in a fun, engaging, hands-on way.
Recess
Toddler students enjoy about an hour of recess each day. They go outside on the playground in most weather and have fun playing together with friends on our engaging playground equipment. On days with inclement weather, students have fun in the indoor Children’s House playspace or our gymnasium.
Lunch
Toddler students have about 45 minutes for lunch, including transition time, songs, and toileting or diapering. Students eat with friends in their indoor or outdoor classroom. This is a special time for social skills development, and students work independently to open their lunch packaging and clean up after themselves. Teachers are always available to help if needed, but our Toddler students love saying “I did it myself!”
Rest/Naptime
Toddler students have an extended rest period after lunch each day. Teachers help students get to sleep, so the children can recharge and prepare to reengage with the class for the afternoon.
Afternoon Work Cycle
After naptime, there is a shorter work cycle in the afternoon for Toddler students. Children continue engaging in activities that capture their interest, working independently or with a friend. This work cycle period also includes snack time, diapers, and packing up at the end of the day.
Dismissal and After School
Many students stay for our After School program. At the end of the school day, teachers bring students to their After School teachers or to their caregivers in the car pickup line. Those staying after for the extended day participate in fun activities both indoors and outdoors.
Learn more about our Toddler Program here.