Learning Programme Birth to Three Years: The Nido and Infant Community

The Montessori Early Years Learning Programme from birth to three years focuses on the development of movement, language and independence. Attention is also paid to parent education, family support and community outreach.

The Nido, the Montessori environment prepared for infants who are not yet walking, focuses especially on the development of movement and language. Structured language activities and activities to promote independence and continued development of movement are a feature of the Infant Community, the Montessori environment prepared for toddlers. Development of movement continues to be very important in the Infant Community, particularly in the outdoor activities. There is also a focus on continued refinement of hand skills.

Overall, the Montessori Early Years Programme aims to provide infants and toddlers with learning environments in which they are valued and contributing members of a mini-community. Within this nurturing community infants and toddlers have the opportunity to develop confidence and a love of learning. In addition, the environment provides many opportunities for children to learn how to communicate with others in spoken language, and for early explorations of the wider natural, social and cultural world.

Click on a learning area to discover more about each one.