Transitional Program
Age 27 Months – 47 Months
The vista of human development between birth and independently using the toilet is vast! The acquisition of consistent self care skills is dependent on an array of factors, coming together at the individual child's own pace. Our school’s Transitional Program provides for a child's intellectual interests while supporting their real life safety and care needs. The Transitional Classroom includes appropriate learning materials and staff to guide students as they transition developmentally, reaching a place of confidence in self care and having the ability to practice the personal inhibition needed for the 3- 6 year old learning environment.
Montessori In Miniature
One key tenet of Montessori philosophy is the opportunity to observe and learn from others. Montessori found this is critical for the youngest of learners who are not yet verbal or mobile. Montessori advocated for 3-year age groups, so that learners could see the development of others and have the opportunity to practice newly acquired skills in service to peers. Montessori's first three-year grouping is comprised of children 6 weeks to 47 months. While safety regulations require strict student-teacher ratios to which we gladly comply, Bridges Montessori infuses each of our Early Years environments with opportunity for children to attach, observe and take positive action.
Our transitional program classrooms are inspired by the traditional Montessori model but tailored to meet the developmental and safety needs of younger children. The children in this program follow similar daily routines as the 3 to 6-year-olds in our Traditional Montessori classrooms. The more intimate space, combined with a higher student-to-teacher ratio, creates an ideal learning environment for this age group. With Montessori-based materials and a close-knit setting, the program fosters individual growth and learning.
Guided Exploration
Our classrooms provide students with learning experiences in areas such as self-care, social skills, environmental responsibility, art, sensory exploration, language, math, science, and geography. The materials in the classrooms are carefully chosen by the teachers and are adjusted based on students' interests, developmental needs, seasonal shifts, and the school’s outreach focus.
A distinctive feature of the Montessori approach is that students advance at their own pace, allowing them to learn in a way that meets their individual needs, while also benefiting from active participation in a vibrant, supportive social group. As children grow, they gradually take on more responsibility for themselves, others, and their role in the school community. This fosters a sense of independence, confidence in their ability to learn, and pride in their contributions to the group.
Children participating in our Transitional Program have enrollment priority and move easily into our school's Preschool/Kindergarten program.
Your Options
The Transitional program is available for four half days or five full extended days per week.
Before care options are also available to help meet a variety of family scheduling needs.