Programs

Nido

6 weeks to 14 months

About

“Nido”, meaning “nest” in Italian, conveys Dr. Maria Montessori’s emphasis of warmth and security

At Highland Hills, we promote love and connection while respecting the baby’s natural journey of development. We value that infants must have time, space, and freedom to move, so they can practice each step necessary for successful development. We are dedicated to attentively working with parents to support the baby’s feeding and sleeping schedules, and growth through a healthy, collaborative approach.

“The child, making use of all that he finds around him, shapes himself for the future.” — Dr. Maria Montessori

The Environment

The Nido program accommodates both non-mobile, crawling and early walking infants in a peaceful environment. Our classroom gives children the freedom to safely explore and learn through discovery under the presence of loving caregivers. The classroom setting is calm, inviting, and homelike, with soft rugs and gentle colors inside the space to create a peaceful atmosphere. The infant classroom also contains low shelves that are easily accessible to children and toys in baskets to create a space that is organized, clean and uncluttered. The environment includes developmentally appropriate furniture and materials.

At Highland Hills, while our Nido babies have their own dedicated space, they often join with toddlers and older children throughout the day.

Fine Motor

At Highland Hills Montessori, we provide a nurturing environment that allows your child to explore and develop fine motor skills through picking up objects, using tools, doing artwork, and using utensils.

Social Development

Interaction with familiar people, reassuring and nurturing at all times, close attention to pertinent activities, verbal communication, and approval. We offer slow, simple, and nurturing interactions through song, rhyme, books, finger games, music, and real life experiences together as we go through the day together

Gross Motor

At this stage in life, young babies are developing at a very fast pace. Walking, climbing, running, jumping, and climbing stairs are some of the gross motor skills children will have opportunities to explore.

Language and Literacy

Our language and literacy program is designed to help children develop strong communication skills, a love for reading, and the ability to express themselves creatively. Children in our Nido classroom develop language through experiences, stories, poetry, and music.

Practical Life

At Highland Hills, we believe children are able to develop independence even as babies. Self-help skills such learning to eat with a utensil or washing hands are encouraged. Children also assist with simple care of the environment activities such as watering a plant or hand washing.

Parent/Guide Partnership

We proactively communicate and work with you to provide a warm and consistent experience for your child. Here are some ways we support this:

- Always open to you stopping by to visit or breastfeed

-Daily communications on diapers, sleep, feeding, activities, and development

- Able to accommodate both formula and breastmilk bottles