Independence Begins Here

TODDLER PROGRAM - 18 MONTHS TO 3 YEARS*

*by September 1

Toddlerhood is a time of extraordinary growth. Children are moving more, communicating more, noticing more, and beginning to say, in so many ways, “I can do it.”

At Gladwyne Montessori, that growing independence is supported with warmth, structure, and intention. In a carefully prepared classroom, toddlers practice daily routines, explore purposeful materials, develop language, build coordination, and begin to experience the pride that comes from doing meaningful work for themselves.

Here, independence is not rushed. It is guided.

A Prepared Environment for Growing Independence

The Toddler classroom is designed for children who are ready to move, explore, choose, repeat, and practice. Low shelves, accessible materials, child-sized tools, and consistent routines help toddlers begin to take ownership of their environment. Teachers observe carefully and offer just the right amount of support as children learn new skills.

Independence & Practical Life

From washing hands to preparing snacks, toddlers take pride in caring for themselves and their environment. These everyday tasks build confidence, responsibility, and a sense of belonging.

Language & Expression

Toddlers are in a sensitive period for language. Rich conversation, songs, stories, and naming materials help children expand their vocabulary and begin to express their thoughts and needs with clarity.

Movement & Coordination

Climbing, carrying, pouring, and balancing—movement is at the heart of the toddler experience. Our environment encourages purposeful physical activity that supports gross and fine motor development.

Social & Emotional Growth

With guidance, toddlers learn to express emotions, solve conflicts, and build friendships. Grace and courtesy lessons, along with consistent routines, help create a warm, respectful community.

A Day in the Life of our Toddler Program

A Thoughtful Rhythm to the Day

Each day in our Toddler program follows a thoughtful and consistent rhythm, designed to support growing independence, movement, and a deep sense of security. From morning arrival to afternoon dismissal, toddlers engage in meaningful work, active play, and peaceful rest—all guided by Montessori principles.

Toddler School Day

8:45 a.m. Drop Off

Morning Work Time and Lessons

Recreation and Gross Motor Play

11:15 a.m. Lunch

Lunch and snack times offer wonderful opportunities for children to develop fine motor skills and independence by using utensils, and to learn how to socialize with other children and adults during meal time, while practicing grace and courtesy skills while eating.

Children bring their own lunches (see Gladwyne Montessori’s Nut-Restriction Policy in the Family Handbook), including beverages. Napkins, utensils, and open cups are provided by the school.

12:00 p.m. Nap Prep or Dismissal Prep

2:30 Afternoon work time

3:00 p.m. Dismissal

[Optional Extended Day]

Toddler Program Elements

The Beginning of a Work Cycle

One of the important goals of the Toddler Program is helping children begin to develop a work cycle. Over time, toddlers learn to choose a material or lesson; bring it to a table or mat; work with focus and purpose; and return it when they are finished.

These early habits support concentration, independence, responsibility, and readiness for the Primary Program.

Language

Mathematics

Gross Motor

As the child transitions from infancy to toddlerhood and begins to achieve the developmental markers that lead to sturdily standing and walking or toddling, they are exposed to more stimulating works and opportunities for developing independence, language, and motor needs. When they show developmental readiness, children begin to operate on a more structured schedule, providing order and security for the young child who is beginning to see themselves as separate from the adult.

Practical Life

Sensorial

Behavior and Work

Behavior and Work Habits

Self Management
Self Awareness
Relationship Skills
Social Awareness
Conflict Resolutions

Throughout the year, your little one will develop confidence, a love of learning, and the skills required to communicate both with peers and adults in a nurturing and academic setting. One of the goals of the Toddler curriculum is to establish a work cycle within your child: he or she will choose a material or lesson, independently bring it to a table or mat, work purposefully with it for as long as they need, and put it away once they are finished. These initial skills and steps form the foundation of their academic journey and are instrumental in preparing them for their future experiences and success, both socially and academically.

Prepared Environment

Your child will practice independence in a safe and nurturing environment, known as the prepared environment. A child’s personal development is informed and enhanced by the environment that surrounds them, which includes the work of other students in the classroom. For example, as one child paints, another is learning to sort by color. Each individual child works at his or her own pace, but is continually learning and helping to guide another child. Each child can practice activities as much as needed, and is free to choose and explore beautifully prepared works. The foundation your child establishes in the Toddler Program lays the groundwork for remarkable success in the next level, our Primary Program.

Meet Our Toddler Faculty

Lead Teachers

Lead Teachers

Elizabeth Palazzi

Dean of Students for Infant/Toddler Department

Elizabeth grew up in New Jersey and always knew she wanted to teach young children. Elizabeth taught kindergarten in Maryland before staying home with her three sons. She was first introduced to Gladwyne Montessori as a parent and happily joined the faculty in 2016. Elizabeth is the Toddler Department Coordinator, which allows her to work closely with the talented Infant and Toddler assistant and lead teachers who care for our youngest learners on a daily basis. Elizabeth has a deep passion for creating respectful connections with her students in an environment where her students grow their independence and emotional regulation at their own pace. Elizabeth also teaches the Positive Discipline Sessions, which give families real solutions they can use with their children.

In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys being active outside, especially playing tennis and hiking with her three children and dog, all of which help her be present and mindful when working with children.

Laura Connor

Lead Toddler Teacher

After five years of teaching internationally in Japan, Laura Connor returned to the United States energized and eager to deepen her teaching practice. She pursued her credentials as an Infant–Toddler Montessori teacher, spending the summer of 2011 at Princeton Montessori, fully immersed in Montessori philosophy and child development—her happy place.

The more she learned, the more confident she became that Montessori was the right path for her—and the absolute best way for children to learn, grow, and thrive. Her belief in the philosophy runs deep: both of her daughters have been in Montessori environments since they were 16 months old. They are now 11 and 8, and rising 3rd and 6th graders at Gladwyne Montessori

Her passion for Montessori extends far beyond the classroom. She’s seen firsthand the lifelong impact of fostering independence and practical life skills from an early age. More recently, she has shared her expertise with aspiring teachers as a faculty member in Chestnut Hill’s Montessori Teacher Training program.

With two decades of teaching experience—15 of them as a lead Infant–Toddler Montessori teacher—she doesn’t view Montessori as just an educational approach. For her, it’s a way of life.

Odalis Dyson

Lead Toddler Teacher

Odalis is a certified Infant/Toddler Montessori teacher through the American Montessori Society, having completed her training at the Princeton Center for Teacher Education. This rigorous and deeply enriching program was a transformative experience, aligning perfectly with her belief in individualized, respectful, and child-centered learning. It has profoundly shaped Odalis’ approach as an educator and strengthened her commitment to the Montessori philosophy. Now in her fifth year at GMS, Odalis feels privileged to guide children through one of the most remarkable stages of development. Toddlerhood is a time of immense growth, when children are discovering their independence, forming their identities, and experiencing the world with fresh curiosity. It is also a sensitive period for language development, when the brain is uniquely attuned to absorbing and understanding language. As a native Spanish speaker, Odalis is excited to incorporate Spanish into the weekly routines, enriching the classroom experience and nurturing this natural capacity for language learning. She believes exposure to multiple languages at an early age can enrich a child's learning and cultural awareness. Odalis strives to create a warm, thoughtfully prepared environment that supports each child’s natural development and encourages them to grow with confidence, joy, and wonder. Odalis holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the University of Houston and loves incorporating photography into her classroom activities as a way to spark imagination, encourage exploration, and help children see the world through a creative lens. Prior to joining GMS, Odalis spent many years in retail management, leading teams at Athleta and GapBody. The skills she gained in communication, organization, and team leadership have been invaluable in the classroom setting, allowing her to manage a dynamic and diverse learning environment with adaptability and care. Odalis is a self-proclaimed foodie who enjoys cooking, traveling, and riding her bike!

Bella Ashton

Lead Toddler Teacher

Bella joined the Gladwyne Montessori family because she believes in its encouraging and open environment that truly fosters the importance of children's education and well-being. She joined our community in the 2017-2018 school year, and looks forward to continuing her journey at this special school! In her free time, Bella enjoys practicing yoga, socializing with friends, traveling, spending summers in Ocean City, NJ, and walking her golden-doodle Fettuccini.

Carly Mattiola

Lead Toddler Teacher

Carly's passion for teaching began while working professionally in Theatre and Film, doing Education Outreach for Non-Profit Theatre companies around the Philadelphia area. With her background in the arts and experience as a pre-school teacher, Carly comes to Gladwyne Montessori with a belief in the importance of nourishing curious, independent, and creative minds in a positive and stimulating environment. In her free time, Carly loves music and enjoys playing the guitar and practicing new instruments. She likes staying active by hiking and taking classes at her local spin studio. She also enjoys working on DIY projects around the house, traveling, and spending time with her friends, family, and husband.

Emma Towne

Toddler Lead Teacher

Emma Towne is a proud Toddler Montessori teacher at Gladwyne Montessori—and a GMS alumna herself.

She holds a Bachelor's degree from Franklin and Marshall. Having experienced the power of Montessori education firsthand, she is passionate about guiding each child on their unique path to success. Emma is committed to nurturing independence, curiosity, and confidence from an early age, and finds great joy in watching young children grow and thrive in a prepared and supportive environment. Outside the classroom, she enjoys trying new restaurants, cooking, and spending time at the beach with her family. She is excited to be part of each child’s early learning journey.

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