INFANT/NIDO
Prepared Environment
The classroom is carefully prepared to meet the
developmental needs of infants. It is a safe and calm
space with soft lighting, soothing colors, and natural
materials. The furniture and materials are child-sized
and accessible to encourage independent exploration
and movement.
Movement Area
An important feature of the
infant Montessori classroom is
a dedicated movement area.
This space allows infants to
move freely, crawl, roll, and
develop their gross motor
skills. It may include soft mats,
low ramps, crawling tunnels,
and age-appropriate
equipment to support their
physical development.
Interaction
In the infant Montessori
classroom, the emphasis is on
creating strong bonds
between caregivers and
infants. Trained Montessori
teachers, often referred to as
guides, provide gentle and
responsive care, fostering a
sense of trust and security.
They engage in meaningful
interactions, including eye
contact, gentle touch, and
verbal communication, to meet
the individual needs of each
child.
Language
Language-rich environments
are crucial for supporting
early language acquisition. In
the infant Montessori
classroom, teachers engage in
conversations with infants,
sing songs, read books, and
use appropriate vocabulary to
enhance language
development. They also
encourage the use of sign
language and gestures to
facilitate communication.
Peaceful Sleep
Infants need ample rest and
sleep throughout the day.
Montessori classrooms
typically have a designated
peaceful sleep area where
infants can nap or sleep
comfortably. Each child has
their own sleep space with a
cozy crib or mat, ensuring a
calm and restful environment.
Observational Approach
Montessori teachers observe infants closely to
understand their individual needs, interests, and
developmental milestones. They use these observations
to tailor the environment and experiences, providing
appropriate challenges and support for each child’s
growth.
Parental Involvement
Montessori education encourages strong partnerships between parents and teachers. Parents are often invited
to participate in the classroom, attend parent-teacher
conferences, and engage in open communication with
teachers to foster a collaborative approach to the child’s development.