YOUNG CHILDREN’S COMMUNITY
“the greatest development is achieved during the first years of life, and therefore it is then that the greatest care should be taken.“
- Dr. Maria MontessoriPrime's Young Children's Community Program feeds the burgeoning need for independence, exploration, and socialization. It is a supportive extension of learning that has already begun at home.
Prime Foundation Montessori offers both full-day and half-day programs for all our young children. Both programs will begin at 8:45 AM; the half-day program will end at noon while the full-day program will end at 3:15 PM. Please note that Prime only offers PrimeCare as After School Care Program for our young children.
ycc curriculum
Our classroom is a specially prepared environment designed to meet the needs of children this age, allowing them to become independent and engaged learners. A Montessori community is really a microcosm of society. Young children go through sensitive periods of order and language and the Young Children's Community is designed with this in mind, allowing movement, exploration and socialization. Young children have a genius capacity for mental absorption and are encouraged to quietly and intently explore and discover.
In the Young Children's Community we work on
Language Development — communication and vocabulary
Socialization — referred to as Grace and Courtesy
Movement — fine and large motor skills
Practical life — food preparation and care of the classroom environment
Functional independence — care of oneself and bathroom independence
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Engaging AND Meaningful Activity
Our Young Children’s Community is designed to meet the needs of the ever inquisitive toddler. At this age, children learn best by doing.
Our thoughtfully prepared environments allow for plenty of hands-on activities that introduce new concepts and allow ample time for independent practice.
We are committed to providing our toddlers with engaging, meaningful activities which:
Provide experiences that stimulate the senses
Enrich the child’s vocabulary and understanding of language
Provide time for the child to repeat and master activities
Teach our children how to use tools in the environment such as eating utensils, brooms, sponges, etc.
Give children the opportunity to gain a sense of self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence.
We work collaboratively with parents to support toileting independence at home and offer parallels between home and school for the child. Students do not have to be bathroom independent to enroll in YCC.
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A TYPICAL DAY IN the YCC
The children arrive and are greeted by their teacher and friends before putting away thier belongings in thier cubbies and beginning thier morning work cycle.
During the morning work period, each child is offered an array of activities such as watering plants, slicing fruit, washing dishes, or manipulating puzzles.
They may engage in music, “read” books, or use a variety of art materials, which are always available. With each choice they practice movement, concentration, and develop self-confidence.
The entire group gathers together mid-morning for the Community Meal, prepared by the children with the guidance of an adult. The table is set with flowers, place mats and cloth napkins and everyone practices their best manners.
Daily outdoor time satisfies their need for large movement development and fresh air.
As is their custom, they will prepare for a beautiful Community Lunch, partake of what’s offered, tidy up, and then assemble their belongings for their afternoon nap.
There is a peacefulness in the routines and joy and excitement each day as the child’s personality unfolds and blossoms, revealing the person they will become.
“Every unnecessary help is an obstacle to development.’’
- Dr. Maria Montessori
what is the ycc’s DIFFERENCE?
The difference between the Young Children’s Community and traditional daycares is at YCC, our Young Children's Community faculty are certified and trained to support the social and emotional growth of children at this stage of development. Also, we focus on offering children functional independence, concentration and coordination of movement while they practice and refine practical life skills doing purposeful activities like dressing, cleaning, taking care of plants, preparing food and other daily tasks that they observe adults doing in everyday life. These activities make children have a sense of belonging and help them feel actively involved in community living as they collaborate to work with each other in a shared prepared environment.
