Nido Infant Program

Ages 3-18 months

Every parent wants to know their baby is truly cared for — not just watched over, but known, loved, and supported as the unique little person they already are.

At Meadow Montessori, Nido means “nest” in Italian — and that’s exactly what we’ve built. Our infant program in Richmond, Texas is a thoughtfully prepared, home-like environment where every detail is carefully chosen to support your baby through each stage of infancy. Experienced caregivers follow your baby’s individual care plan, speak in gentle tones, and provide activities that nurture natural curiosity and development. Your baby is known, loved, and learning from day one.

Montessori preschool students in an early childhood classroom

Why the First Year Matters

A safe, loving environment is the foundation of everything we do in our Nido classroom. But at Meadow Montessori, we believe the first 18 months are far too important to stop there. These are formative years — babies are constantly observing, absorbing, and learning from the world around them. Our Nido classroom is language-rich and sensory-rich, designed specifically with infants in mind. You won’t find babies strapped in bouncy chairs or Bumbo seats. Instead, children have the freedom to move, explore, and discover — because the environment was built for them. This is infant care that goes beyond daycare — it’s your baby’s first Montessori experience.

Key Skills Developed During the Early Childhood Years

What Children Learn

Practical Life: Pouring, food preparation, self-care, responsibility, grace and courtesy.

Language: Letter sounds, phonics, reading readiness, writing, and vocabulary development.

Sensorial: Activities that refine observation, concentration, and critical thinking.

Mathematics: Hands-on materials that build a deep understanding of numbers and concepts.

Science & Culture: Nature, geography, science, history, animals, and world cultures.

Art, Music & Movement: Creative expression and enrichment opportunities throughout the week.

At a Glance:

Student Ages:

3 -18 months

Program Options:

Full Day only

Hours:

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

Montessori Certified Teachers

American Montessori Society Pathway School

Personalized Care Plans

Individual feeding, sleeping, and comfort routines

Procare App

Daily updates, photos, and feeding logs

Enrichment Included:

• Music & Songs
• Gardening (Nido II)
• Cooking (Nido II)

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 Early Childhood Classroom

Each day at Meadow Montessori School is thoughtfully designed to support independence, confidence, concentration, and a love of learning. Our Early Childhood Montessori program serves children ages 3 to 6 years and prepares them for kindergarten through hands-on learning, individualized instruction, and an authentic Montessori curriculum.

Warm Welcome & Arrival
Children are greeted by caring teachers and transition into the classroom at their own comfortable pace. Morning routines encourage independence as students unpack belongings, greet friends, and prepare for the day ahead.

Montessori Work Cycle
The Montessori work cycle is the heart of our school day. During this uninterrupted work period, children receive individualized lessons, practice previously learned skills, and choose meaningful activities based on their readiness and interests. This extended period of focused work helps develop concentration, independence, problem-solving abilities, and a genuine love of learning.

Enrichment & Special Programs
Throughout the week, children participate in enrichment experiences such as Spanish, music, library, gardening, physical education, cooking, and special classroom projects. These opportunities broaden children's experiences while supporting creativity, confidence, and cultural awareness.

Outdoor Play & Movement
Outdoor time is an important part of every school day. Children develop coordination, strength, and social skills through active play, nature exploration, and group games that support physical and emotional well-being.

Lunch & Community Time
Lunch provides an opportunity for children to practice independence, responsibility, and social skills in a relaxed and supportive environment. Children learn self-care routines while enjoying time with classmates and teachers.

Rest & Quiet Work
After lunch, younger children participate in a rest period while older children engage in quiet work, reading, lessons, and enrichment activities that support continued learning and focus.

Afternoon Exploration & Continued Learning
The afternoon provides opportunities for continued exploration through lessons, collaborative activities, outdoor play, and meaningful classroom work. Children strengthen friendships, communication skills, and independence while preparing for a smooth transition home.

What Meadow Montessori Families Are Saying

Hear from families who chose MMS for their child’s preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten years.

We’ve been going to MMS the past few years and our experience has been wonderful. The school’s focus on reading, math, and science continues to push the kids’ curiosity and love for learning. We’ve seen tremendous positive growth.

Sally

Parent of Early Childhood students

For the past 6 years, Meadow Montessori School has educated all our three children. I have friends whose kids attend other schools and the difference is like day and night. I love their focus on the development of each student.

Michael

Meadow Montessori parent

My oldest daughter started reading at the age of 3. This school has the perfect balance of caring teachers, a structured, but fun environment, as well as a great education. I can’t say enough positive things about this school.

Rachel

Parent of Early Childhood student

Is Meadow Montessori Right for Your Family?

See why families choose Meadow Montessori for their child’s preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten years. Schedule a tour and we’ll show you around, answer your questions, and help you find the right program for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between your Early Childhood program and a traditional preschool?

In a traditional preschool, all children follow the same lesson plan at the same pace. In our Early Childhood program, each child works individually with Montessori materials chosen based on their developmental readiness. Our certified teachers observe and guide each child's unique learning journey rather than delivering one-size-fits-all instruction. The result is deeper concentration, stronger academic foundations, and genuine confidence.

What academic skills will my child develop in the Early Childhood program?

Children in our Early Childhood program build strong foundations in language arts, reading readiness, phonics, writing, mathematics, science, and cultural studies — all through hands-on Montessori materials. Because every child learns at their own pace, progress looks different for each student. Our Montessori certified teachers observe and support each child's individual journey, creating an environment where academic growth happens naturally and with confidence.

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

Most children transition beautifully into our Early Childhood program, even those with no prior school experience. Our teachers are trained to support each child's individual adjustment, whether that takes a few days or a few weeks. We use consistent routines, warm greetings, and a calm, prepared environment to help children feel safe and confident from day one. We also communicate closely with families during the transition period so you always know how your child is settling in.

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

Our Half Day program runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and includes the full Montessori work cycle. Our School Day extends through 2:30 p.m., adding lunch, rest time for younger children, and afternoon lessons for older students. Full Day runs from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and includes before and after school care. All options include the same Montessori curriculum and enrichment programs — the difference is simply the length of the day to fit your family's schedule.

How do I know if my child is ready for the Early Childhood program?

Children are generally ready for our Early Childhood program around age 3, though readiness looks different for every child. We require that children are toilet trained and able to manage bathroom needs independently before entering the Early Childhood classroom. We also look for the ability to separate from a parent, follow simple directions, and sustain focus on an activity for an age-appropriate period of time. If you're unsure whether your child is ready, we recommend scheduling a tour so we can talk through your child's development and help you find the best fit — including our Pre-Early Childhood program, which is designed specifically for children who need a little more time before transitioning to Early Childhood.

How does kindergarten fit into the Early Childhood program?

At Meadow Montessori, kindergarten is not a separate program — it is the third and final year of our Early Childhood cycle. Children ages 3 through 6 learn together in the same prepared environment, with kindergartners taking on natural leadership roles as the oldest students in the classroom. This three-year journey is how Montessori was designed to work, and kindergarten is where it all comes together. By the time our kindergartners graduate, they are academically prepared, emotionally confident, and ready to thrive in elementary school.

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

We believe strong communication between school and home is essential. Families receive weekly updates through the Procare app, including photos and notes from the classroom. We hold formal parent-teacher conferences twice a year to discuss your child's developmental progress in depth. Our teachers' first priority is always the children in their care, so parent communication is handled through our administrative team. Teachers have dedicated time each day to return calls and address any questions or concerns. You will never feel out of the loop about your child's day or development at Meadow Montessori.

How do I enroll my child in the Early Childhood program?

Enrollment begins with a school tour. After your visit, families complete an application and a classroom readiness visit is scheduled before your child's first day. We recommend reaching out early as class sizes are intentionally small.

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

What does it mean that your teachers are Montessori certified?

Montessori certification means our lead teachers have completed specialized training in Montessori philosophy, child development, and the use of authentic Montessori materials. At Meadow Montessori, our lead teachers are certified through MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education) accredited programs,
and receive ongoing professional development. This means your child is guided by educators who deeply understand how children learn, not just what to teach them.