Infant and Toddler Programs, 6 Weeks to 18 Months.
A parent's guide to our Montessori programs for children from six weeks to three years.
The Infant and Toddler Programs room
In the Infant and Toddler room, the day moves at a child's pace. Babies reach for a wooden rattle, pull themselves up at a low bar, or study a mobile overhead. Teachers sit on the floor with them, naming what they see and waiting for a reply.
The room is set low and calm. Materials sit on open shelves a baby can crawl to. There are soft spots for resting and clear spaces for moving. Nothing is rushed. A teacher follows the child's gaze and hands, then offers the next small step.
From first smiles to first steps, children build trust that someone is near. They learn that needs get an answer. That is the work of this age: movement, sound, connection, and the quiet confidence to try. Parents can ask about the daily rhythm when they visit.
What to expect
TODDLER PROGRAM - 18 MONTHS TO 3 YEARS*
In the Toddler Program, children practice daily routines and explore purposeful materials. They wash hands, prepare snacks, and care for their classroom. Language grows through conversation, songs, and stories. Movement is at the heart of the day: climbing, carrying, pouring, balancing. With guidance, toddlers express emotions, solve conflicts, and build friendships.
Elizabeth Palazzi
Elizabeth grew up in New Jersey and taught kindergarten in Maryland before staying home with her three sons. She joined the faculty in 2016 and is the Toddler Department Coordinator. She works closely with the Infant and Toddler lead and assistant teachers. She also teaches Positive Discipline Sessions for families.
Laura Connor
Laura taught internationally in Japan for five years before returning to the United States. She earned her Infant–Toddler Montessori credential at Princeton Montessori in 2011. She has two decades of teaching experience, fifteen as a lead Infant–Toddler teacher. Both of her daughters attended Montessori from sixteen months old.
Odalis Dyson
Odalis is a certified Infant/Toddler Montessori teacher through the American Montessori Society, trained at the Princeton Center for Teacher Education. She is in her fifth year at Gladwyne Montessori. As a native Spanish speaker, she brings Spanish into weekly routines. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the University of Houston.
Bella Ashton
Bella joined the Gladwyne Montessori community in the 2017-2018 school year. She values the encouraging and open environment that fosters children's education and well-being. In her free time, she practices yoga, travels, and walks her golden-doodle, Fettuccini.
Carly Mattiola
Carly's passion for teaching began while working in Theatre and Film, doing education outreach for non-profit theatre companies in Philadelphia. With her background in the arts and experience as a pre-school teacher, she brings a belief in nourishing curious, independent, and creative minds. She also enjoys music and hiking.
What this looks like in practice
In a toddler room, children move more, communicate more, and notice more. They say "I can do it" in many ways. Practice daily routines like washing hands and preparing snacks. Explore purposeful materials that build coordination. Talk, sing, and name things to expand vocabulary. Climb, carry, pour, and balance. These activities support gross and fine motor development.
At home, you may notice your child wanting to do things alone. They may wash their hands, put on shoes, or carry their own cup. They use more words to express needs. These are signs of growing independence. The practical benefit is a child who builds confidence and responsibility through everyday tasks.