Early Childhood Program
Joyful Learning
Our Early Childhood Program provides a carefully designed environment for children 2.5-4 years old that blends Montessori principles with opportunities for imaginative, play-based learning. Children experience a balanced daily rhythm that includes both independent work and community activities, as well as a thoughtful combination of structured and open-ended experiences.
The Early Childhood Program operates as a distinct program within Waterford Ridge School, allowing each age group to be supported in an environment tailored to their developmental needs. Children also have opportunities to come together during outdoor play and shared school experiences, fostering a sense of community across the school.
Our Educational Approach
Outdoor Learning
Children spend time outdoors each day exploring our wooded campus, supporting movement, coordination, and independence. The natural environment encourages curiosity, confidence, and meaningful engagement through observation and play.
Enrichment
Our program includes imaginative play, creative work, and seasonal experiences such as baking, art, and handwork. Children engage with literature, poetry, and grace and courtesy lessons, supporting language development, social awareness, and a sense of community.
Montessori
Our classroom is grounded in Montessori principles, offering a prepared environment where children build independence, concentration, and problem-solving skills through hands-on materials. Multi-age groupings and extended work periods support deep engagement in practical life, sensorial work, early mathematics, and language.
Our Curriculum
Our Early Childhood program provides a Montessori-informed environment where children build independence, concentration, and early academic foundations. Through hands-on materials, practical life, sensorial work, and early language and math, children develop confidence and problem-solving skills.
A consistent daily rhythm, along with play, enrichment, and outdoor exploration, supports social development, self-regulation, and growing focus, preparing children for more structured academic work.
Curriculum Overview
Our Early Childhood program builds a strong foundation for reading and writing through a language-rich, hands-on approach.
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Develop vocabulary, listening, and expressive language through conversation, storytelling, poetry, and literature
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Build phonemic awareness and early word skills with Montessori materials
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Engage in sound games, sandpaper letters, and movable alphabet work
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Support early writing, storytelling, and confidence in expression
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Reading, Writing & Language Arts
Our Early Childhood program introduces mathematics through hands-on, concrete experiences that build a strong foundation for understanding.
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Develop number sense, one-to-one correspondence, and understanding of quantity, sequence, and pattern
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Engage in counting, sorting, matching, and work with hands-on number materials
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Explore early concepts of the decimal system, addition, and subtraction
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Build logical thinking, concentration, and confidence through meaningful practice
Mathematics
Our Early Childhood program introduces science and botany through hands-on exploration and observation.
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Explore nature through plant care, nature walks, and seasonal studies
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Learn basic concepts such as plant parts, life cycles, and classification
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Develop curiosity, observation skills, and responsibility for the natural world
Science
Our Early Childhood program supports early engineering and design through imaginative, play-based experiences.
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Engage in building, construction, and creative problem-solving
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Explore balance, structure, and spatial relationships through hands-on materials
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Develop creativity, persistence, and collaboration through open-ended projects
Engineering & Design
Practical Life activities build independence, coordination, and concentration through hands-on tasks.
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Engage in pouring, cleaning, food preparation, and care of the environment
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Develop fine motor skills, attention to detail, and confidence
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Build responsibility, self-care, and independence
Practical Life
Our Creative Arts program blends Montessori and Waldorf approaches, offering hands-on, process-based experiences.
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Work with watercolor, drawing, clay, and simple handwork
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Develop creativity, fine motor skills, and attention to detail
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Balance skill-building with imagination and open-ended expression
Creative Arts
Our Early Childhood program supports physical development and mindfulness through daily movement and a calm, structured environment.
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Build strength, balance, and coordination through play and activity
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Develop self-regulation through routines and gentle guidance
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Support focus, body awareness, and a sense of calm
Physical Development & Mindfulness
Our Early Childhood program introduces geography and cultural studies through hands-on exploration.
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Explore land, water, and continents with maps and globes
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Learn about cultures through stories, music, art, and celebrations
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Build curiosity, respect, and awareness of the wider world
Geography/
Culture
Waterford Ridge School includes daily guided choice to support independence and depth of learning.
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Choose reading, writing, art, handwork, or extended projects
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Build self-regulation, curiosity, and decision-making
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Receive guidance to ensure meaningful, focused work
Independent Inquiry & Guided Choice
A Day in The Life
A typical day in our Early Childhood program follows a calm, predictable rhythm that supports independence, exploration, and growing concentration. Children begin the day with a gentle transition into the classroom, preparing for work in a warm, welcoming environment.
The morning includes an uninterrupted Montessori work period, where children engage with hands-on materials in practical life, sensorial exploration, language, and early mathematics. Children work independently, receive individual lessons, and build focus through meaningful activity.
Following the work cycle, children gather for a brief group time with stories, songs, or poetry, and then spend time outdoors exploring our natural environment through movement, play, and observation.
The afternoon includes enrichment experiences such as art, baking, and seasonal projects, along with opportunities for open-ended play. Consistent routines and gentle guidance support independence, self-regulation, and positive social interactions throughout the day.
Contact Us
Admissions
Enrollment at The Waterford Ridge School is selective and limited. Admission is based on readiness for a structured academic environment and alignment with the school’s expectations.
Families are encouraged to begin with an admissions conversation to determine fit.
+202-550-3218