Toddler Montessori Program

Ages 18 Months–3 Years

Between walking and talking, toddlers are driven by one powerful phrase: “I can do it myself.” At Meadow Montessori in Richmond, Texas, our Toddler classroom is built entirely around that drive — a prepared environment where independence, language, and confidence grow together. This is more than childcare; it’s your toddler’s first real steps toward becoming a capable, self-directed learner. Every material, routine, and interaction is designed to meet your toddler exactly where they are, building the skills and self-assurance they’ll carry into Early Childhood.

Toddler practicing pouring practical life activity as part of our Montessori Toddler Daycare in Richmond, TX

Why Ages 18 Months to 3 Years Matter

Between eighteen months and three years, children experience an extraordinary burst of independence. This is the age of “me do it” — when toddlers first discover they’re capable, separate people with their own will, ideas, and growing abilities.

In a Montessori toddler classroom, that drive isn’t managed — it’s honored. Children are given the freedom to choose their own work, practice real-life skills, and move through their day at their own pace. This carefully prepared environment channels a toddler’s natural intensity into confidence, coordination, and self-control.

Key Skills Developed During the Toddler Years

What Children Learn

Practical Life: Pouring, spooning, dressing, toileting readiness, and care of self and environment — building real independence.

Language: Vocabulary building, songs, naming objects, and early sentence formation as toddlers move from single words to short phrases

Sensorial: Materials that refine the senses — sorting by size, color, and texture

Mathematics: Early number awareness through counting songs, sorting, and hands-on quantity concepts

Science & Culture: Introduction to nature, animals, seasons, and the wider world around them

Art, Music & Movement: Creative expression through movement, song, and hands-on exploration

At a Glance:

Student Ages:

18 Months – 3 Years

Program Options:

Half Day, School Day, Full Day

Montessori Learning Hours:

8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Core Montessori lessons and work cycle take place during the school day.

Before & After School Care:

7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Montessori Certified Teachers

American Montessori Society Pathway School

Enrichment Included:

• Music
• Gardening
• Cooking

Low Student-to-Teacher Ratios

Individualized attention in a nurturing environment

Family-Owned and Operated Since 2014

Serving families throughout Richmond, Harvest Green, Aliana, Long Meadow Farms, Rosenberg, Sugar Land, and surrounding communities.

A Day in the Toddler Classroom

Each day at Meadow Montessori School is thoughtfully designed to build independence, language, and confidence during one of the most important stages of early development. Our Toddler program serves children ages 18 months to 3 years and lays the foundation for a smooth transition into Early Childhood.

Warm Welcome & Arrival

Children are greeted by caring teachers and settle into the classroom at their own pace. Morning routines encourage independence as toddlers learn to carry their own belongings and separate from parents with a consistent, comforting goodbye.

Montessori Work Cycle

The heart of the day is an uninterrupted work period where toddlers explore practical life activities, language materials, and sensorial work suited to their developmental stage. This freedom to choose builds concentration, coordination, and a genuine love of learning from the very start.

Enrichment & Special Programs

Throughout the week, children participate in music, library visits, gardening, and cooking activities. These experiences build creativity, curiosity, and a growing awareness of the world around them.

Outdoor Play & Movement

Toddlers enjoy outdoor time every day, weather permitting, on our dedicated Infant-Toddler playground. Climbing, walking, running, and active play build gross motor skills and coordination in a safe, age-appropriate space.

Lunch & Community Time

Lunch is an opportunity for toddlers to practice independence and self-help skills in a warm, supportive setting, progressing from assisted to independent eating as they grow more capable.

Rest

After lunch, toddlers settle into one long nap — a comforting, consistent part of each day that supports healthy development and growth.

Afternoon Exploration & Continued Learning

The afternoon brings more opportunities for hands-on work, language development, and social play. Toddlers build friendships, practice communication, and continue developing the independence that prepares them for their next stage.

Following Each Child's Own Pace

No two toddlers are ready for Early Childhood on the same timeline, and at Meadow Montessori, we follow the child, not the calendar. For some children, that means moving directly from Toddler into Early Childhood. For others, it means an additional bridge year in our Pre-EC classroom first, giving them the individualized support they need before making the jump to Early Childhood.

What Meadow Montessori Families Are Saying

Hear from families across every stage of their child’s Montessori journey.

Our daughter has been attending MMS since she was a toddler, she started in the toddler room and now she's in one of the EC classrooms, it's been almost 3 years since then, we moved to this area because of this school, teachers are experienced and Montessori certified.

Ana

Parent of Toddler & Early Childhood Student

Our daughter has been attending Meadow since she was 2, and this is her third school experience. Compared to other schools, the head teacher in each class is Montessori certified, with 1–2 assistants. This school is worth the extra bells and whistles provided.

Jenny

Meadow Montessori parent

We Love Meadow Montessori School, They go above and beyond to care for our children while we are working. Our kids have learned so much in the years they have attended. I love the camera system and I love the openness of the classrooms.

Mason

Meadow Montessori Parent, Infant through After School

Is Meadow Montessori Right for Your Toddler?

See why families choose Meadow Montessori for their toddler’s earliest years of independence and discovery. Schedule a tour and we’ll show you around, answer your questions, and find the right fit for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between your Toddler program and a traditional daycare?

In a traditional daycare, toddlers are cared for, but not necessarily taught. In our Toddler program, every material and routine is designed around real independence — pouring, dressing, cleaning up — not just supervised play. Our certified teachers observe each child's development and adjust activities to meet them exactly where they are. The result is a toddler who isn't just occupied during the day, but genuinely growing in confidence, language, and self-sufficiency.

What skills will my child develop in the Toddler program?

Your toddler will build a strong foundation across every area of development. In language, children expand vocabulary and begin forming phrases and sentences. In practical life, they practice real self-help skills like pouring, dressing, and caring for their environment. Sensorial materials refine their understanding of shapes, sizes, and colors, while early math concepts introduce sorting and matching. Gross and fine motor activities — walking, climbing, holding a crayon, painting — round out a program designed to meet every part of your child's growing independence.

My child has never been in a school setting before. Will they adjust okay?

Yes, and it's completely normal for this to take some time. Most children need about 30 days to settle into a new routine and feel truly comfortable. Our teachers are experienced in supporting toddlers through this transition, using consistent routines and a warm, predictable environment to ease any anxiety. We also recommend a simple, consistent goodbye routine at drop-off, the same words or gesture each day, which helps your child know exactly what to expect.

What is the difference between Half Day, School Day, and Full Day options?

Half Day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., without lunch at school. School Day extends to 2:30 p.m. and includes morning snack, lunch, and nap. Full Day runs from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with morning and afternoon snack, lunch, nap, and before/after school care included. Each option gives your family flexibility while keeping your toddler's classroom routine consistent.

How do you approach toilet learning?

Toilet learning is a big milestone, and we treat it as a true partnership between home and school. We begin by encouraging children to practice removing their own clothing and diaper and sitting on the toilet independently. When your child shows signs of readiness, like staying dry for longer stretches, we'll talk with you about introducing underwear or training pants at school. Consistency between home and school is essential, so we work closely with families every step of the way.

How do I know when my child is ready to move to Early Childhood?

We follow the child, not the calendar. Readiness depends on a combination of factors, including age, social-emotional maturity, and developmental milestones, not a fixed timeline. For some children, that means moving directly into Early Childhood. For others, it means an additional bridge year in our Pre-EC classroom first, giving them extra time to build confidence and readiness before making the jump. Either path is a natural next step, never a delay. [Learn more about Pre-EC →]

How do you communicate with parents about my child's day?

We use the Procare app to keep you connected throughout the day, along with a monthly newsletter covering classroom themes, events, and parenting tips. Parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year, and our Director maintains an open-door policy for any questions or concerns in between.

How do I enroll my child in the Toddler program?

The first step for families looking for a Montessori toddler daycare in Richmond, TX is scheduling a tour so you can see our classroom and meet our teachers. From there, we'll walk you through enrollment forms, required medical records, and a classroom visit for your child before their first day. Our team is happy to guide you through each step, just reach out to get started.

Learn more about our enrollment process → (link to Admissions page)

What does it mean that your teachers are Montessori certified?

Our teachers are trained and certified in the Montessori method, meaning they understand not just what to teach, but how children learn best at each developmental stage. This training equips them to prepare a classroom environment that supports independence, observe each child's individual readiness, and guide learning without disrupting a child's natural pace and curiosity.