The word NIDO means nest in Italian, and that is exactly what this program provides for Southside Montessori’s youngest learners. A warm, carefully prepared space where babies and toddlers from birth to three years explore the world at their own pace.
Our youngest programs
Our youngest children begin their Montessori journey with a parent alongside them. Children start in NIDO as babies and move into the Parent Toddler Program as they grow, before continuing into Pre-Primary.
NIDO, birth to 18 months
Our youngest program, for babies from birth to around eighteen months. Children attend together with a parent, in a calm prepared space that supports movement, connection and the very first steps towards independence.
Parent Toddler Program
As children grow into toddlers, they continue to attend alongside a parent, exploring a rich prepared environment that nurtures language, movement and a growing sense of independence.
The environment
The NIDO environment is designed around the developmental needs of children in the first three years of life. Natural materials, soft light, low shelving and open floor space invite movement, exploration and independence. Educators follow each child’s natural rhythm, supporting development without rushing it.
What children work on
- Gross and fine motor development
- Language acquisition
- Sensory exploration
- Social awareness
- The beginnings of independence: pouring, dressing, caring for the environment
Moving into Pre-Primary
Children in our 0 to 3 program move into the Pre-Primary classroom when they are developmentally ready, usually around age three. Because they already know the campus, the staff and the rhythm of the day, that transition is gentle.