18-36 months
Some refer to this developmental period as “The Terrible Twos.” We disagree; toddlers are terrific. We love everything about them – their energy, determination and curiosity – and purposefully created a very special place for your toddler to learn.
Monday - Friday (5 days/week)
8:30am - 3:00pm
Where so many early childhood programs are chaotic and overwhelming, parents are often surprised to see the peaceful tone of our toddler classroom. The calm atmosphere and lack of distraction helps her to develop impulse control and concentration, planting the seeds for learning in this classroom and beyond.
Our students grow together into a close-knit, caring community. When children work, learn and grow together, they learn much more than any of them could learn alone!
Your child has a natural drive to be independent which we encourage by creating an environment where everything is just the right size for her to do things on her own. Child sized tools that fit her tiny hands allow her to prepare a snack and serve it to friends. A miniature broom empowers her to clean up on her own. She is taught the skills of self-care and toilet training. Your child learns a set of concrete life skills and self-confidence – but, more importantly, develops the belief that she can choose to make a genuine impact on her world.
Our bright and sunny toddler classrooms are specially designed for your child between the ages of 18 and 36 months. It is a world scaled down to your child’s size. Here, your child paints, cooks, waters the garden, sings songs with friends and plays with materials that develop fine and gross motor coordination.
We surround your child with rich and stimulating conversation to support this once-in-a-lifetime period of rapid language development. Your child, trying to blow bubbles, might be encouraged with “Blow! Can you make the air move just like the wind?” Your child’s mind effortlessly absorbs the new vocabulary, which plants the seeds for reading, writing and self-expression in the future.
Maria Montessori once said, “One test of the correctness of the educational procedure is the happiness of the child.” Take a peek into our Toddler classroom and you will see children who are happy, engaged and deeply connected to their friends and teachers. As a result, your child develops a deep affinity for school and a true love-for-learning.
Sometime between the ages of 2 1/2 to 3 years of age, your child’s language skills and self-expression will develop rapidly; he will express a growing confidence in independence and a keen interest in broader concepts; he will want to know what lies ahead, outside of the Toddler Classroom. At this point, he is ready to move up to the Primary program, for children from the ages of 3 to 6.
“Stepping stones was wonderful for our daughter Lux. She started at 3.5 months old and is still there today (7yr old in 1st grade). The staff treats our daughter as if she was their own and the bond created between teachers and child are very apparent in the fond way our daughter speaks of her teacher(s). She even cried finding out she was going to not have the same teacher as she got older. Highly recommend to anyone considering top rate care for their child.”
“Stepping Stones has made my son’s transition from staying home with me to attending child care as seamless as possible. The staff is very helpful and caring, they have been so patient as it has been a tough adjustment for him! From the front desk to his classroom, everyone goes above and beyond to make this a wonderful place for your children. I know he is learning new skills and getting more comfortable in his new environment due to the incredible dedication of everyone who works there. I have recommended Stepping Stones to friends and plan to continue to do so!"
“I like Stepping Stones because it has good teachers, good people, and good things." - Eight year old, Elementary
"My favorite part about Stepping Stones Montessori is the classrooms. They have some works!" - Three year old, children's house."
Main Campus
1110 College NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Middle school
1723 Pettis Ave NE
Ada, MI 49301
Stepping Stones Montessori School
Stepping Stones Montessori School