Montessori in Goleta
Toddler (18 to 36 months)
These very children reveal to us the most vital need of their development, saying: 'Help me to do it myself!'
At this age, your child wants to do it themselves
You've probably started to see it. Your child pushes your hand away from the spoon. They want to zip their own coat. This is a child reaching for independence, ready for real life skills.
Our Toddler room is made for this time. Everything is sized for small hands, and the adults watch, wait, and help only as much as needed so your child can say, "I did it myself!" This is the foundation of self-confidence that will serve your child for life!
A room your toddler can manage on their own
Everything in our toddler rooms is made for a child this size. Low shelves, small chairs, and real tools allow children to do things for themselves. We have two toddler rooms with 12 children in each, allowing each child to be known well by their Montessori-trained carers. Our play yard is developed specifically with toddlers' needs in mind, with right-sized structures and tools.
Everyday work that builds your toddler's independence
Our daily routines become our lessons.
Real household work. Toddlers set the table, help prepare and serve snacks, sweep the floor, and wipe the tables. Montessori calls this practical life, and it gives children the pride of being truly useful.
Caring for themselves. Children learn to wash their hands, put on their own coat, and keep their things tidy. Toilet learning begins here, too, at each child's own pace.
Being with other children. The adults model gentle ways of being together, and children practice the small courtesies of sharing a space together.
Words, music, art, and the outdoors. Songs, stories, movement, and art fill the day, along with time to concentrate indoors and time to explore outside.
Some of these activities may start to show at home! A child spills their water and goes to fetch a cloth to clean it.
All of it prepares your child for Primary, ages three to six, right here on the same campus.
A toddler day with the same shape every morning
Work comes first, while toddlers are fresh. Then come the yard, lunch, and a nap.
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 8:15 to 8:30 | Arrival and greetings. |
| 8:30 to 10:30 | Indoor/outdoor work period with Montessori activities, lessons, art, books, gardening, music and movement, food preparation, baking, morning circle, and community snack, which includes setting the table, washing hands, sitting down for snack together, and clean up. |
| 10:30 to 10:45 | Transition to outdoor play and exploration. |
| 10:45 to 11:30 | Outdoor play using the toddler yard with sandbox, wheelbarrows, balls, and climbing structure. Or going on walks exploring the big field on campus. |
| 11:15 to 11:30 | Transition to lunch and prepare half day children to go home. |
| 11:30 to 12:30 | Community lunch and transition to nap. |
| 12:30 to 2:30 | Afternoon nap/rest time. |
| 2:30 to 3:00 | Transition children from nap and prepare full day children to go home. |
| 3:00 to 3:45 | Snack and after school care with fun indoor and outdoor activities. |
| 3:45 to 4:00 | Final pickup time for extended day children. |
How you'll hear about your toddler's day
Ask a two-year-old what they did today and you may get one word: "Sand." At this age, most of what you learn about your child's day comes from the adults who spent it with them.
That's why we stay in close touch with families. Your child's teachers will tell you how the day went and will make time to check in as needed.
There are also natural touch points throughout the school year such as observations, conferences, and school-wide events to get to know your child's teacher and friends — and yes, our toddler communities really do make deep friendships!
Who spends the day with your toddler
Brenda
Toddler Program Teacher
She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education at Santa Barbara City College, then a bachelor's in Sociology at UCSC, and has worked with children for eight years.
Rosie
Toddler Program Teacher
Born and raised in Goleta, she found her passion for working with young children while studying at UCSB, and has worked in preschools ever since.
Alondra
Toddler Program Assistant
She is studying Psychology and Early Childhood Education at Santa Barbara City College.
Ana
Toddler Program Assistant
Originally from Colombia, she holds a law degree and a master's in international humanitarian law and the culture of peace.
Jade
Toddler Program Assistant
Born and raised in Santa Barbara, she has wanted to work with children for as long as she can remember.
Natalie
Toddler Program Assistant
She has worked with young children in daycare and early education settings for eight years, and she puts close communication with families first.
Peace of mind, in toddler parents' own words
The school has supported us as parents and helped my daughter at each milestone. Watching her become more independent and confident in the classroom and the world has been so rewarding.
School Parent Parenting certainly has its challenges, but finding SCM has brought my family reassurance and peace of mind; we are more than confident that we have made the best choice for our children's early education and growth.
School Parent Every time I walk away from school events (e.g., class observations or family nights) my heart is content knowing that my children are exactly where they should be - a place that prioritizes their safety, creativity, academics, and overall well-being.
School Parent
Days, hours, and tuition for your toddler, all year round
Toddler runs all year. The school offers a true 12-month, full-day program for students in Primary and below.
Tuition and financial aid
Choose 3, 4, or 5 consecutive days.
- Half day: 8:15 am to 11:30 am
- Full day: 8:15 am to 3:00 pm
- Extended day: 8:15 am to 4:00 pm
Toilet training, naps, and other toddler questions
What ages is the Toddler community for, and what comes after it?
Toddler is for children from 18 months to three years. It bridges the gap between our Infant program and Primary, which is for children aged three to six.
Does my child need to be toilet trained to start?
Toilet training is one of the self-care skills children work on in the Toddler community, along with learning to dress and personal hygiene.
How many children are in a toddler room?
Twelve. We have two toddler rooms, with 12 children in each.
Do toddlers nap at school?
Yes. Full-day and extended-day children have community lunch, then nap or rest time from 12:30 to 2:30.
Will the teachers tell me about my toddler's day?
Yes. Our toddler teachers and assistants make daily communication with families a priority, and they build a close relationship with each family. You can also see the classroom for yourself at class observations and family nights.
Is the Toddler program open all year?
Yes. The school runs a true 12-month, full-day program for students in Primary and below. You choose 3, 4, or 5 consecutive days, as a half day, full day, or extended day.
See what toddlers can do for themselves
An in-person tour shows you our campus and the toddler classrooms. Tours are for adults only.
Ready? See how to apply
