Assessing Readiness for the Montessori Toddler Curriculum (Ages 18-36 Months)
The toddler years are full of change, discovery, and newfound independence. If you’re exploring the Montessori toddler curriculum for your home or classroom, you might be wondering: Is my child ready?
Unlike traditional education models, the Montessori curriculum is designed to align with a child’s natural development, not just their age. That means readiness looks different for every child—and that’s okay. In this post, we’ll explore the developmental signs of readiness, clarify what Montessori readiness truly means, and help you confidently decide when and how to begin your Montessori toddler journey.
What Is the Montessori Toddler Curriculum?
The Montessori toddler curriculum is a thoughtfully prepared set of activities designed for children ages 18 to 36 months. It includes hands-on, purposeful work that supports development in language, practical life, movement, independence, and concentration. Naturally, topics like circle time, diapering, and poty training are included.
Unlike academic preschool programs, the Montessori curriculum for toddlers focuses on practical life skills, language arts, sensorial exploration, and early social-emotional learning. Children are given the freedom to move, choose activities that interest them, and repeat tasks as needed—all within a calm, structured environment.
Whether you're in a school setting or choosing a Montessori homeschool curriculum, understanding your learner's readiness is the first and most important step.
Signs That Toddlers May Be Ready
There’s no strict age requirement for beginning the Montessori toddler curriculum. Instead, Montessori educators observe a range of developmental milestones to determine if a child is ready to engage with the environment and materials meaningfully. Here are the key indicators:
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Walking independently: Mobility is central to the Montessori environment. A toddler who walks with some confidence can begin exploring their surroundings more freely and accessing materials without assistance.
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Speaking in short phrases: Verbal communication, such as stringing two or more words together (e.g., “more snack,” “go outside”), helps toddlers follow simple lessons and interact socially with guides or peers.
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Following 1–2 step directions: Tasks like “Put your cup on the shelf” or “Get your shoes and bring them here” demonstrate understanding and cooperation—essential for participating in daily routines.
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Using a whole-hand grasp: Gross motor control in the hands is needed for many toddler activities in the Montessori toddler curriculum, from spooning and pouring to building and cleaning up.
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Showing interest in activities: This is the most telling sign. If a toddler naturally explores their environment, mimics adult tasks, or shows curiosity about tools, trays, and real-world activities, they’re likely ready for the structure and freedom of a Montessori learning space.
Readiness ≠ Intelligence
One of the most important reminders to internalize regarding the Montessori curriculum is that readiness does not equal intelligence. Children develop at different rates, and that variation is not only expected but celebrated in Montessori education.
A child who isn’t yet speaking much or who prefers movement to focused work is not “behind”—they are simply on their own timeline. Between 18 and 36 months, development is especially diverse. Some toddlers may be using complex sentences, while others are just beginning to speak. Both are within the range of typical development. (And - spoiler alert - they all wind up in about the same place by age 9!)
The Montessori toddler curriculum supports children exactly where they are. It’s not about pushing academics, but about honoring each stage of growth and offering the right tools at the right time.
Adapting the Montessori Curriculum to Your Learner
If a toddler doesn’t seem to meet every “readiness” sign, that doesn’t mean you can’t begin. The beauty of the Montessori curriculum is that it’s incredibly flexible. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to observe and respond to their child’s individual needs, adjusting the pace and materials accordingly.
For example:
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If a child can’t yet transfer using a spoon, stick with and practice using hands.
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If they aren’t speaking in phrases, focus on modeling rich language and enunciation.
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If they struggle with following directions, simplify routines and use a visual schedule.
Montessori is all about following the child, not the curriculum. If something doesn’t fit right now, it’s perfectly acceptable to skip it and return to it later. Your job is to offer opportunities—not enforce them. And, a great Montessori homeschool curriculum will support this.
Following the Child: A Core Montessori Principle
“Follow the child” is a foundational concept in every Montessori curriculum. It means observing your student closely, tuning into their interests and abilities, and offering materials that meet them right where they are.
In practice, this might look like:
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Putting away an activity your learner finds frustrating
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Introducing new work when they show spontaneous interest
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Creating a calm, orderly environment that invites exploration
Whether you’re using a formal Montessori toddler curriculum or piecing together your own Montessori homeschool curriculum, remember: the curriculum is a guide, not a mandate. Your child is the true leader of their learning journey. And, you are their guide. You deserve a guide, too, so be sure to check out our complete Montessori toddler curriculum, which includes a semester of group coaching!
When to Seek Additional Support
While wide developmental variation is normal, you may sometimes have concerns about growth. If something feels off—whether physically, cognitively, or socially—don’t hesitate to consult your student's parents, caregivers, pediatrician or developmental specialist. Early support can make a world of difference, and the vast majority challenges can be addressed while continuing to honor Montessori principles.
Montessori Curriculum in the Home
One of the greatest advantages of the Montessori homeschool curriculum is the opportunity to integrate learning seamlessly into everyday life. You don’t need a full classroom setup or expensive materials to get started.
Start with simple, real-life tasks like:
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Pouring
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Washing hands
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Cleaning up spills
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Matching socks
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Transferring with a spoon
These activities build concentration, coordination, and confidence—core goals of the Montessori toddler curriculum.
The home becomes the classroom, and daily routines become moments for meaningful growth. Even without formal training, caregivers can provide a nurturing Montessori prepared environment simply by observing, preparing the space, and offering respectful guidance.
Final Thoughts: Trust the Process
Beginning the Montessori toddler curriculum is an exciting milestone, but it’s not about rushing ahead. Instead, it’s about pausing to observe and preparing an environment that truly serves each unique child.
Remember:
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Readiness is about a blend of developmental signs—not a fixed list.
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Interest and curiosity are your best indicators.
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Adaptation is part of the process.
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And most importantly, your learner will show you the way.
Whether you're implementing a full Montessori curriculum or simply incorporating Montessori principles at home, you’re laying the foundation for a lifetime of independent, joyful learning.
Follow the child, trust your observations, and let the journey unfold naturally.
Grab our free Montessori curriculum sample while you're here:
