Montessori Program Mordialloc
Guided by Montessori-trained educators and set within a prepared environment full of authentic Montessori materials, children build independence, confidence and a genuine love of learning from their very first day with us. It's Montessori done the TLC way - thoughtful, hands-on and wonderfully real.
Our Integrated, Inclusive & Holistic Kindergarten Program
Developed over a century ago by Dr Maria Montessori, the Montessori Method is a child-centred approach to early childhood education that encourages independence, confidence and a lifelong love of learning. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all curriculum, Montessori invites children to choose their own ‘work’, move at their own pace, and learn through purposeful, hands-on activities.
At TLC Early Learning Mordialloc, we don’t just tick the Montessori box — we bring it to life alongside the Reggio Emilia philosophy and our funded Kindergarten programs, creating a rich and balanced learning environment that’s a little different from what you’ll find elsewhere.
Our classrooms are set up as true Montessori prepared environments, filled with authentic Montessori materials that children are free to explore, touch and use — think Practical Life activities, sensorial materials and hands-on resources designed to build real-world skills like concentration, coordination and problem-solving.
Where we do things differently is in the blend. Unlike centres that follow Montessori exclusively, TLC combines Montessori’s structured, self-directed activities with the creativity, inquiry and project-based work of Reggio Emilia. The result? Children get the best of both worlds — the calm, purposeful independence of Montessori, paired with the curiosity and big ideas that come from Reggio Emilia. It’s an approach that supports the whole child, setting them up not just for kindergarten and school, but for life.
Montessori Infant Program
From as young as six weeks, our Montessori-inspired Infant Program is all about trust, connection, and gentle discovery. Everyday routines like feeding, nappy changes, and rest times become genuine learning moments, helping your little one feel safe, secure, and deeply cared for.
- Nurturing Environment: A calm, sensory-rich space designed to support your baby’s natural pace.
- Freedom of Movement: Encourages babies to move, reach, roll, and explore independently.
- Strong Foundations: Builds early confidence and security as they take their first steps into early childhood education.
Montessori Early Learning Program For Toddlers
As toddlers become more mobile and curious, our Montessori program grows right alongside them. With a prepared environment scaled to their size, toddlers are encouraged to make choices and solve problems independently.
- Practical Life Activities: Hands-on tasks like pouring, sorting, and dressing build coordination and concentration.
- 'I Can Do It Myself' Mindset: Fosters a deep sense of self-reliance, autonomy, and pride in their abilities.
- Authentic Materials: Purpose-built Montessori tools designed to match their specific stage of development.
Montessori Preschool Learning Programs
In the lead-up to school, our Montessori Preschool program combines hands-on materials with our funded Kindergarten curriculum to give children a genuine head start on school readiness. It’s an approach that nurtures capable, confident learners who are excited about starting primary school.
- Self-Paced Core Learning: Structured activities across Practical Life, sensorial, language, and early maths tailored to each child.
- Reggio Emilia Integration: Project-based work encourages children to collaborate, ask questions, and explore their specific interests.
- Seamless School Transition: Develops independence, problem-solving, and confidence for a smooth transition to school.
Integrated, inclusive, and holistic
Montessori at TLC isn’t something that happens in isolation, it’s woven into a bigger, more connected approach to early learning. Our curriculum draws on the Early Years Learning Framework, Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophy, all wrapped up in an inclusive, intergenerational environment.
Through our JELLYFISH program, children even get to share activities with residents from TLC’s aged care community, learning empathy, respect and connection in ways that go well beyond the classroom. It’s early childhood education that considers the whole child and the whole community around them.
Why Our Montessori Program At TLC Early Learning Mordialloc
A day in our Montessori program is calm, purposeful and full of little wins. Children move freely between activities in our prepared environment, choosing hands-on Montessori work, sensory play, outdoor exploration and group experiences throughout the day. There’s plenty of room for self-directed activities, balanced with educator-guided learning and Reggio Emilia-style projects.
Add in nutritious meals, rest times and generous time outdoors, and it all adds up to a day where children are busy, engaged and genuinely enjoying themselves — without ever feeling rushed.
- For Your Child: Fosters a genuine love of learning, growing independence, and the confidence to try new things.
- Qualified Educators: Taught and supported by experienced, Montessori-trained educators.
- Parental Peace of Mind: Reassures you that your child is safe, nurtured, and thriving every day.
- Unique Community Connection: Connects children with our rich intergenerational environment for a truly distinct early learning experience.
Book a Tour
Looking for genuine Montessori childcare in Mordialloc? At TLC Early Learning, our Montessori program gives children the freedom to explore, discover and grow at their own pace. Schedule a tour today to experience TLC Early Learning Mordialloc firsthand and learn more about our leading curriculum.
Our Other Programs At TLC Early Learning
Reggio Emilia
Montessori is just one thread in TLC Early Learning Mordialloc’s rich curriculum. We also draw on the Reggio Emilia approach when it comes to learning.
Montessori FAQs
Montessori is an approach to early learning that helps children learn through hands-on experiences and real-life activities. It encourages independence, confidence and problem-solving from a young age — basically, it’s about helping children learn how to do things for themselves, at their own pace.