Welcome:
Thank you for choosing Mountain View Montessori
Velcro or slip-on shoes are easiest for your Toddler to
put on by himself. Sun hats are great for summer/fall weather
and winter hats are necessary for winter! Also, proper
School for your child. We look forward to meeting and getting
snowsuits, two sets of good mittens and good winter boots
to know all of your wonderful children, and you as well. This
are essential come winter...we will be going out!
handbook, along with the school's general handbook, will
provide information for you to better understand and prepare
your child for a successful school experience.
We are a school, not a daycare. We strive to meet each
child's developmental needs by providing a warm, safe, child
sized environment that facilitates the independence and
growth of each student.
What to Pack For Your Toddler:
Packing at least two changes of clothes each day your
child attends will ensure they have enough clothes. If using
diapers, they will need at least 3 per day. Most parents find it
easiest to bring an entire sleeve with them to leave at school.
A pack of wipes to leave at school and a tube of diaper cream
How to Dress Your Toddler For School:
Toddlers move a lot! It is imperative that they wear
is always a good idea.
In the warmer months it's good to leave sunscreen and
bug spray for your child. You are welcome to pack extra
clothing they can move in, get dirty in and be comfortable in.
food/snacks for your Toddler. A water bottle that can stay at
We also encourage each child to dress/undress themselves.
school is great too!
Some children are more sensitive to certain types of clothing
than others. Their range of motion should not be inhibited by
Please label all of your child's belongings.
their outfit. For example jeans/stiff pants with snaps, can
make it a challenge to climb. Dresses can get hung up and
cause a child to get injured trying to climb/swing/slide.
Cotton pull over shirts (long/short sleeved), Stretchy
How to Separate From Your Toddler:
This will vary from child to child. For some, this is
pants/sweatpants, cotton socks, zippered jackets/sweatshirts
their first experience separating from mom and dad. It is
are all great choices for your child's time here.
recommended that you come and visit with your child, at least
once, prior to starting. Allow them to see the indoor and
outdoor environments, meet the other children and their
teachers. If possible their very first week should be limited to
Food:
We provide all snacks and lunches for the Toddler's.
half days, with pick up happening before lunch. This allows
We keep the menu simple with grains, protein and a heavier
the child time to adjust without becoming overly stressed. If
focus on fresh fruit and vegetables. We provide organic whole
you can accompany them their first couple of days, this will let
milk with our morning snack and lunch. We have morning
them see that you are comfortable and will ensure them this
snack at 10:00, lunch at noon and an afternoon snack at 2:45.
place is safe and fun!
The children use real dishes, glasses and flatware when
We realize this does not work for all families and some of you
needed. Toddlers are also shown how to set and clear their
cannot take the time to do this...this is why your child is
places after each meal.
coming to us! That is okay. We will ensure your child has the
smoothest transition possible.
This transition can take anywhere from a few days to a few
weeks but, the more comfortable and confident you are in
your decision to send your child to us, the quicker and easier
the transition will be for your Toddler.
Outside Time:
We try to get out every day with the Toddlers, in all
types of weather. We head outside between 10:30 and 11:00,
depending on the season. During the Winter months dressing
takes a bit longer, and we tend to have a shorter period
Class Time:
The school day begins at 8:30, with drop off time
outside.
Children are encouraged to explore the play ground at
their leisure. There are push bikes, pedal bikes, cozy coups,
between 8:30-8:45. It really helps to be consistent with your
trikes, sand, climbing structures, slides and swings! Just to
drop off times and please arrive at the designated time. Not
name a few of the things your Toddler will enjoy doing
only for the sake of your child's need for consistency and
outside!
routine, but the rest of the Toddler's, as well.
The "work period" commences from drop off until
snack time at 10:00.
Nap:
Communication With Your Child's Teacher:
Nap time begins after lunch around 12:45. If your
Taking care of your children is something I put a lot of
child has a special blanket, lovey or pacifier they use to sleep
time and thought into. I thank you for choosing us to send
please feel free to pack it for your child.
your precious ones to! However, if there is ever anything that
Napping in a large group takes time for some to adjust
to. If your child is not napping as well or as long as you think
they should, please give them a few weeks to adjust to their
new surroundings. If after that, they are still not, I would be
happy to discuss some new ideas/strategies to help your
Toddler have a successful nap time.
Diapering:
We check and change the Toddlers diapers at least
three times every day. The first time is after morning snack,
then after lunch and once more after the afternoon snack.
Diapers are changed in our classrooms bathroom where there
is a toilet and a small sink for hand washing. Toddlers are
encouraged to stand for their diaper changes as I have found
this method the least invasive and they are more apt and able
to "help" us change their own diapers. When ready, your
Toddler will ask to sit on the potty, and this is often a fun
activity for them. Sometimes they even use the potty!
comes up, happens or you hear, please come talk to us and let
us know. I'm always thankful for parents who are willing to let
us know there concerns and it helps us to provide the BEST
care possible for your Toddler.
Toddler Handbook
Mountain View Montessori School
P.O. Box 495
Intervale, NH 03845
(603) 356-3272
MVMontessori.com