Childcare centres offering a Montessori-based nursery program profoundly impact Australian children, giving rise to increased interest from caregivers across the country.
At A Country Garden, we wholeheartedly embrace the Montessori philosophy that seeks to awaken the joy of learning in every child, all while encouraging the physical and mental stimulation aligned with brain development in infants.
So, if you are interested in learning more about why a Montessori approach to modern ‘baby education’ may be the right choice for your family, as well as how it aligns with national standards like the Early Years Learning Framework, here is a comprehensive guide to get you started.
What is a Montessori Childcare Nursery Program?
A Montessori Childcare Nursery Program embraces principles that respect the learning process and understand that one’s journey begins from birth.
Unlike other ‘traditional’ forms of education, Montessori activities for babies and infants seek to prepare them with foundational skills for life, rather than focusing on simply getting through school.
Baby education centred around a Montessori approach allows educators and caregivers to recognise the power of learning through the senses and the positive impact of supporting their capabilities.
Montessori &The Early Years Learning Framework for Baby Education and Brain Development
The Early Learning Framework is a national curriculum to ensure a level of quality and consistency within early childhood education in Australia. The framework itself provides clear direction for educators and families to work together and better understand the different strengths, interests, strategies and support systems needed to help infants reach their full potential through physical, emotional and social development.
Montessori baby education only enhances the Early Learning Framework by providing children of any age with carefully constructed environments, materials, and support to help them in their exploration and learning journey. Ideally, this combination of Montessori activities and the Early Learning Framework in a nursery program will foster the development of real-life skills and a lifelong love of learning.
Baby Education with a Montessori Nursery Program
A childcare nursery following the Montessori ethos will provide a range of experiences and activities for children of ages typically between six weeks to 2 years of age, supporting body and brain development in infants.
Here are some examples of what can be expected for your child in a Montessori childcare nursery as they reach the 3-month-old, 1-year and 18-month-old age milestones.
Montessori Toys & Activities for Babies (3-Month-Old)
Using the environment as an educator, along with a brimming selection of Montessori activities and materials for babies, there are many excellent ways to introduce childcare nursery practices and promote infant brain development. A typical Montessori space for babies includes elements like calming colours, real-world imagery, play mats for floor time, mirrors, and a basket displaying age-appropriate books.
Free movement is an important part of the Montessori approach for a 3-month-old, encouraging them to stretch, explore their limbs, and practice rudimentary motor functions like reaching and grasping. Montessori toys for 3-month-old babies should be something that promotes this. Toys like play gyms can also be used for a 3-month-old baby’s aural development by helping them respond to sounds and stimulants, like a rattle or bell.
Montessori Toys & Activities for Babies (1-Year-Old)
1-year-old babies are learning so many skills at this age, from hand-eye coordination to basic communication signals.
By providing age-appropriate Montessori toys and materials for our 1-year-olds, we can help support infants' physical and brain development in fun, engaging ways.
Picture books, naming games, threading, knobbed puzzles, ball hammering and shape sorters are just some of the many Montessori toys and activities for babies who have hit the 1-year-old age mark.
Montessori Materials & Activities for Babies (18-Month-Old)
As infants reach 18 months old, they will have undergone some rapid development and be ready to tackle more advanced skills within a nursery program, such as independent walking, carrying heavier objects, pouring water, collaborating with others, and recognising routines in their lives.
Montessori materials and activities like stacking and sorting, posting boxes, opening and closing toys, and age-appropriate obstacle courses and games are fun, open-ended opportunities for infants around the 18-month age mark to further their brain development and explore the world around them.
Our Montessori-Based Childcare Education Programs & Baby Nursery
A Country Garden offers a wonderful program for baby education and development in our Nursery (6 weeks to 2 Years).
We know that the first six years of a child’s life are the most important for their future development, which is why we focus on providing a holistic approach so that our babies can learn from their earliest experiences. The Strawberry Patch childcare nursery program is where we provide a safe and nurturing environment for every child, carefully aligned with national standards and regulations like the Early Learning Framework.
For more information about our baby education and childcare nursery program, contact our team today by calling 07 3171 8469.
