Nido (Infant)
6 weeks – 18 months
Nido means “nest” in Italian – a place that is safe, warm, and nurturing.
It All Begins Here
The first year of life is a period of extraordinary growth. Your infant’s mind is sensitive and rapidly developing. Every day brings new discoveries—first smiles, first steps, first words. In our Montessori Nido Community, this once-in-a-lifetime journey is supported with respect, love, and purposeful care.
Individualized, Loving Care
With a 1:4 adult-to-child ratio, your baby receives highly personalized attention. Teachers observe each child’s needs and follow their individual routines for eating, sleeping, and play.
A Community of Support
We partner with families to support safe, developmentally appropriate practices that align with Montessori philosophy and each child’s growing need for independence.
Exposure to Spanish
In the Nido environment, our infants are introduced to a second language through daily exposure to native Spanish-speaking staff. Early language experiences like this support brain development and lay the foundation for future fluency.
Why don't we use Pacifiers
This is a thoughtful decision based on the Montessori approach to supporting self-regulation and developing oral language. Pacifiers can:
- Interfere with early communication
- Hinder the development of sucking, chewing, and swallowing patterns
- Become a crutch for soothing rather than helping a child learn internal regulation
Instead, our teachers offer gentle, responsive care to help babies feel calm and secure. Emotional support, consistent routines, and strong adult-child bonds help infants build trust and resilience.
“We enrolled Sadie in Decatur Montessori. 2 years in, we have no doubts (a rare thing to be able to say about one’s parenting!). Since she started at Decatur Montessori, Sadie has been loved, supported and encouraged by her wonderful community here. She goes to school with confidence and joy, and comes home with questions and light. In a period of many changes and stresses (and as it turns out, they all are), Sadie has a constant source of stability, comfort and love, and for that we are so incredibly grateful. Love and thanks.”
- Rachel Bowser