~ Toddler Program ~
Table of Contents: Introduction to Toddler Program International Education for Life Four Basic Components of Our Montessori Program The Purpose of Our Curriculum Curriculum Overview Learning Environments Child Development School Lunch Program
Registration Physical Exams and Immunization Requirements Program Hours Tips for Parents First Day of School Parental Involvement (PTO)
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Introduction to Cosmic Montessori Toddler Program: Welcome! Cosmic Montessori School Toddler’s class is a rich educational environment full of activities that provide critical stimulation for whole body development. The environment offers very young children unique opportunities for self-development in a tender atmosphere of special understanding, respect, and support.
International Education for Life: Cosmic Montessori School allows students’ the opportunity to learn through an International Education. The purpose of learning in this way is: Allowing children to recognize and develop human values stimulates their curiosity, which fosters a spirit of discovery and an enjoyment of learning. By equipping children with the skills to learn and acquire knowledge, we teach them to apply these skills accordingly across a broad range of areas. Cosmic Montessori School Encourages diversity and flexibility in teaching methods, all the while providing appropriate forms of assessment.
Four Basic Components of Our Montessori Program: If you chose to register your child with Cosmic Montessori School’s Preschool & Kindergarten Program, you are allowing your child to experience the four basic components of our Montessori Program:
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1. Individualized Instruction:
Learning starts with the child. Our Montessori teachers’ observe the child’s interests and abilities and create an environment in which these can flourish. An integral part of our Montessori curriculum is that the teacher must respect and follow the child. The teacher’s ability to be effective in this role is enhanced by the extended three-year relationship they will develop and possibly started in younger programs within our school.
2. The Prepared Environment:
In a Montessori classroom, concrete materials that enhance and explain what they are studying surround the children. Our extensive Montessori curriculum allows the children in our program to discover, learn, and research at their own pace and in a hands on environment. Students are able to begin critical thinking at an early age, and our teachers’ carefully prepared lesson plans facilitate the child’s use of the different Montessori materials.
3. Multi – Age Grouping:
Every child works at his or her own level. Younger children learn through the observation of older children. Older children reinforce their own learning by helping younger children. Older children also have opportunities to develop leadership skills while serving as role models for the younger children. Cooperation and social responsibility are encouraged and a strong community develops.
4. Integrated Curriculum:
Our Montessori curriculum nourishes a sense of order. The curriculum is organized into a spiral of integrated studies, rather than a traditional model in which the curriculum is compartmentalized. The course of study uses an integrated, thematic approach that ties the separate disciplines of the curriculum together into studies of the physical universe, the world of nature, and the human experience. Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, History, and Fine Arts all compliment one another. This integrated approach is one of Montessori’s great strengths.
The Purpose of Our Curriculum: Cosmic Montessori’s curriculum helps develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills to live, learn, and work in a rapidly globalizing world. Our curriculum aims to ensure that all children develop the knowledge, skills and attributes that they will need if they are to flourish in life, now and in the future. By learning these skills the students will be able to go anywhere in the world having received an extraordinary international education. 2
Our curriculum will enable each child to be a: 1. Successful Learner:
- Enthusiasm and motivation for learning - Determination to reach high standards of achievement - Openness to new thinking and ideas - Creative and independent
2. Confident Individuals:
- Self respect - Secure values and beliefs - Ambition
- A sense of physical, mental, and emotional well being
3. Responsible Citizens:
- Respect for others
- An understanding of different beliefs and cultures
4. Effective Contributors to Society:
- Resilience - Self reliance
- Takes initiative to lead
Curriculum Overview: Montessori Toddler is a program that focuses on activities that promote personal independence. From washing hands to watering plants, arranging flower to preparing and serving snacks, each student is engaged in real-life practical activities that are designed to magnify physical development for this age group. These activities help your toddler achieve several meaningful goals: Development of strong neurological connections for later intellectual work. Development of the ability to concentrate and carry out a task in a sequence of steps. Development of the capability to care for oneself and care for the environment.
Learning Environments: Each classroom is organized into several curriculum areas which provide students the opportunity: To encourage intrinsic motivation, spontaneous activity, and self-education. To provide sensory education for intellectual development. To develop confidence and competencies through repetitive concrete exercises and experiences. To encourage cooperative learning through peer teaching and social interaction. To provide learning opportunities through physical activity and outdoor activity for gross motor development. To provide learning activities for creative expression.
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Child Development: While in the toddler program the child will experience growth: Toward independence and problem solving. Toward the enjoyment of learning. Toward the development of order, concentration, and control of movement. Toward skills in oral communication. Towards respect for oneself and others. Towards responsible group membership.
School Lunch Program: Cosmic Montessori School offers fully organic nutrition and emphasizes good nutrition with organic produce. Menus are available online for your convenience. Each month we will post the appropriate menu online. Some families prefer to bring their children’s lunches to school and we are fully able to accommodate this as well. Plates, cups, and silverware are provided.
Registration: On your enrollment contract each year, we ask that you seriously consider your commitment to your child's 3year experience in the classroom. The end of the "Third Year", when a child is typically 6 years old, is a natural time to consider matriculating or staying with Cosmic Montessori School for the Elementary Program. When a child is registering at Cosmic Montessori School for the first time, a parent or guardian must provide proof of identity and age by providing one of the following documents: Original or certified copy of a birth certificate
Valid passport, or
Other record recognized by a court of law
Physical Exams and Immunization Requirements: Cosmic Montessori School follows the mandates of the Illinois Department of Public Health with regards to required immunizations for our students. Students who are entering the Toddler Program must present proof of the required State of Illinois immunizations and examinations (physical, dental, and vision).
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Toddler Program Hours: Our Preschool & Kindergarten Program runs from 9:00 a.m. until 3:35 p.m. Before and after school care is available if requested.
Tips for Parents: Before the first day of school getting off to a great start is very important! Speak positively about new experiences, the teachers, the school, and learning. Build on this so that your child is excited and looks forward to school with fun anticipation of learning new things and making new friends. Explain that it is perfectly natural to feel nervous about starting school and remind them that the teacher is very nice and it is ok to ask questions or ask for help. Encourage creativity and constructive play. Do arts and crafts, puzzles, and educational activities together. Encourage your child to express wants and needs and to be a good listener and friend. Students should wear comfortable, practical clothing. Label everything! Make home a place for learning. Designate a special spot for practicing skills together, displaying schoolwork, and putting important school information and calendars. Read to your child frequently simply for pleasure! Look at books and magazines together. Remember that it is normal for your child to be nervous and there will be an adjustment period. At Cosmic Montessori School we are always there for both parents and students whenever they may need us.
First Days of School: The first day of Toddler Program will be ________________________________. Allow plenty of time to get ready and travel so that your child doesn’t feel rushed. It is recommended that you begin your normal routine on that day. Separating from you may be hard for your child. Provide plenty of reassurance that you will be back at the end of the school day. Make drop-off quick, give them a hug and kiss and go. Most of the time the children are just fine as soon as their parents are out of sight. There will be plenty of staff on hand to assist your child in making the adjustment.
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Parental Involvement (PTO): School-family-community partnerships continuously plan, participate in, and evaluate activities that enhance the success of students. Cosmic Montessori Parent Teacher Organization (CMPTO) recognizes that a student’s education is a joint responsibility shared by schools and parents as part of the larger community, and that these participants directly impact learning. Cosmic Montessori School has an active PTO. The CMPTO works to provide information, and support parents and students in a variety of ways. Parents and guardians of students are given information about the CMPTO and meeting times. Let us know if you are interested in joining! Below are some ways parents can become involved… Assisting in the classroom, helping the teacher with clerical tasks and special projects Working with small groups and individual students. Reading with students. Speaking to the class about an area of expertise that may be of interest and/or connected to the curriculum. Chaperoning field trips.
We hope you will consider Cosmic Montessori School for your child’s education!
1310 Waterford Drive, Aurora, IL 60504 (630) 585-8881
info@cosmicmontessoricommunity.org www.cosmicmontessoricommunity.org