Nido (Sunflower)

A Cozy Home Away from Home
6 weeks to 18 months

The Infant, or Nido Program as we like to call it (ages 6 weeks to 18 months), is centered upon establishing order and security for the children. In our Nido program, we find it vital to the child’s development that they have a strong sense of trust in their care givers. While parents adjust to letting go of their child, we work very hard at building a strong rapport with each family agreeing that safety, warmth, kindness, and expertise in child development are essential tools for this age group's success. Free exploration in an environment that is trustworthy, gentle, and nurturing is necessary for their developmental progress.

Close Communication with You

Crawling. First words. Walking. What was impossible yesterday seems easy today. We celebrate these milestones and keep in close communication with you to ensure we are always doing what is best for your child’s development.

Adults: 1, Children: 3

Infants can never have too much love, care and affection. To ensure your child receives personalized attention, our infant program provides one adult for every three children.

Peace of Mind

No need to worry – your infant will be nurtured in a beautiful, safe and clean environment. From rigorous background checks for teachers, to CPR/First Aid Training for all staff, to a comprehensive school emergency plan, rest assured that we have thought of every detail to protect your child’s well-being.

Early Morning and Late Afternoon Program

Magnolia Montessori School opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM. From science to crafts, to music and time on either of our two playgrounds, children stay engaged throughout their day at school.

A baby is sitting on the floor playing with a toy

“Tough to put into words the appreciation we have. It's amazing to see what Reina has learned from the Nido teachers. The baby signs such as more, and hand motions from songs are fantastic. The level of identification of animals and their sounds is fantastic. We know everyone has her best interests in mind there and we feel so comfortable sending her so that we can work and take care of things we need to. We can't wait to get Reina back so she can continue to grow and we know she misses all her friends”

- Nido Room

Well Trained Professionals

Infant classrooms are led by trained Montessori teachers. This training program is a thorough education in child development from birth to age three and prepares the teacher to create an optimal program for your child. More than just a job – our Montessori teachers have a career of choice because of their love for infants, their interest in Montessori education and their unwavering commitment to do what is best for children.

An Environment Optimized for your Infant

Our classrooms are designed entirely around the needs of your child. A low rail anchored to the wall provides support as your child pulls himself up from the floor. A soft mat cushions falls. Custom floor beds allow your child to choose to sleep when tired. Infant size shelves display beautiful materials designed to stimulate your child’s senses. Teachers speak in gentle tones and the decor is understated and homelike. Your child will feel right at home in an environment created just for him or her.

Trust through Consistency

Your infant is sensitive to change and routine, and we make every effort to ensure consistency to help your child feel safe and comfortable. Our program is offered on a five-day schedule only, so she will be with the same children and adults every day. Sleep and eating schedules are based on your child’s individual needs, which are carefully observed and documented for communication with you when you return.

Part of a Larger Educational Community

At around 18 months of age, your child is ready for greater challenges. Our school provides a continuum of Montessori education and your child will have a seamless transition to the Toddler classroom. Planned well in advance, this process is designed to make both you and your child comfortable. A meeting with the new teacher and brief classroom visits in advance of the move facilitate the transition.

A baby is sitting at a table playing with toys.

Parent/Infant Classes

Baby & Me



A community to bond and bloom.

Learn More

The Nido, which means “nest” in Italian, serves as a safe, warm, nurturing environment for your growing infant. Children are allowed to move freely and explore every material in the space. The room and everything in it is intentionally designed with the needs of infants in mind. From the low shelves and tables to the climbing apparatus and pull up bars, we use the knowledge of child development and the Montessori method to inform the way that we prepare the classroom.


The Sprouts Program, which will all take place in the same space, is designed to meet the needs of our 12-18 month old friends. This curriculum is designed for young toddlers who are ready for more challenges, structure and independence. We support their growing self-care skills and foster a sense of responsibility for the environment and community. They become leaders in the room, helping to clean up or bring a toy to a non-mobile friend. The mixed age grouping allows the young babies to watch their older peers as they learn to walk and teaches the older infants to be gentle and cautious around their younger friends. It is so beautiful to watch them grow during this stage!

If you think your child would thrive in a Montessori environment, give us a call or schedule a tour online. We would love for you to visit our school and learn more.