Toddler Environment
“Help me help myself.” – Maria Montessori
At Connections , our toddler environment is designed to nurture independence, emotional resilience, and a strong sense of belonging. Guided by the Montessori principle of “help me help myself,” we support each child in growing at their own pace—confident, capable, and deeply connected.
We draw inspiration not only from Alberta’s FLIGHT Framework, but from respected early learning philosophies from around the globe, including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Emergent Curriculum approaches. This blended model allows us to create dynamic, inclusive, and responsive environments that reflect the diverse needs of every child.
Order
We know toddlers thrive in predictable environments. At Connections, classroom materials, routines, and educators remain consistent throughout the year—creating a sense of security, emotional stability, and confidence for each child and their family.
Manipulation
Toddlers are active learners. Our classroom is filled with sensory and hands-on materials that invite curiosity and movement. When toddlers explore with their hands, they’re developing fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and a stronger sense of capability.
Repetition Builds Confidence
Each morning includes a 2–3 hour uninterrupted work cycle, giving children time to repeat and master tasks at their own pace. Personalized lessons with thoughtfully selected materials help toddlers build precision, focus, and confidence through repetition.
Communication & Connection
Language is essential to learning and connection. We nurture early communication through:
Sign language
Grace & courtesy lessons
Daily foreign language enrichment
These experiences support toddlers in expressing emotions, developing empathy, and forming meaningful relationships with peers and educators.
Respectful Exploration
Children in our toddler program are guided with respect and trust. They are encouraged to independently use the restroom, choose snacks, and engage in conversation—building self-awareness and confidence. Educators model kindness, patience, and emotional regulation, treating every child with dignity.
Growing with Purpose
Our toddler classrooms reflect the Connections philosophy:
Every child is resilient, capable, curious, and full of potential.
We provide responsive, nurturing care that fosters social-emotional growth, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning—laying the foundation for each child’s success in a rapidly changing world.