Growing up together

Welcome to Steps Toddler Community

A warm, welcoming space for children ages 1 to 3. Rooted in the Montessori approach, we nurture growth through music, movement, and meaningful connection.

“Let the children be free; encourage them; let them run outside when it is raining; let them remove their shoes when they find a puddle of water; and, when the grass of the meadows is damp with dew, let them run on it and trample it with their bare feet; let them rest peacefully when a tree invites them to sleep beneath its shade; let them shout and laugh when the sun wakes them in the morning as it wakes every living creature that divides its day between waking and sleeping.”

-Maria Montessori

Our mission is to support toddlers in growing into their authentic selves: creative, confident, secure, and kind.

  • A Home Away From Home

    At Steps your child will find a home away from home, where they will make friends and learn skills to become more independent.

    We believe in the importance of sharing meals together and creating meaningful rituals around mealtime. We provide all meals and snacks for your child, allowing us to prepare and enjoy them as a community. Meals are served family-style, encouraging connection and conversation. Children take part in food preparation and table setting, building routines while fostering a sense of pride, independence, and belonging. These experiences also support sensory exploration as children discover new foods and flavors.

  • Skilled Educators

    Our program is co-led by an AMI Montessori-certified teacher and an Early Childhood Music & Movement Educator, blending principles from Montessori, RIE, Waldorf, and Outdoor Education to create a rich, well-rounded learning environment.

    At Steps we have created a prepared environment with specialized materials that allow our toddlers space to explore and learn at their own pace. Our space is intentionally designed with furniture at the child's height, artwork at their eye level, and materials that are accessible and ready for discovery.  Our play space encourages curiosity, creativity, and self-directed learning.

  • Welcoming

    At Steps, we strive to create brave, inclusive spaces where children feel safe to take risks, express themselves, and explore their artistic and personal identities. We deeply value and support families from all backgrounds, including but not limited to LGBTQIA+ families, families of color, and nontraditional family structures. We are committed to fostering a community where everyone feels seen, respected, and included.

  • Safety Inside and Out

    Safety, cleanliness, and hygiene are paramount in our program. We take extra care to ensure that each day begins with a thoroughly sanitized and welcoming space, ready for children to engage and explore freely.

    Bodily autonomy is integral to our approach. We support children in learning to listen to their own needs, communicate them to us, and practice the fundamental skills of giving and receiving consent—a key part of building meaningful friendships. We teach them to recognize their body’s signals, whether it’s asking for a hug, expressing a need for space, or using the bathroom. This focus extends to encouraging toileting independence, helping children gain the skills they need—such as dressing and undressing—so they can transition successfully to preschool.