The Nido Community, meaning “nest” in Italian, offers infants a gentle introduction to the Montessori environment, supporting their growing independence, movement and natural development.
At Hamilton Montessori School, our Nido Community is a warm, nurturing, and thoughtfully prepared environment designed to meet the unique needs of infants. Inspired by the Italian word for “nest,” Nido reflects the sense of comfort, security and belonging we want every child to experience from the very beginning.
Our environment provides infants with a calm and predictable home base where they can feel secure as they begin to explore, move, communicate, and discover the world around them. Through carefully selected Montessori materials, meaningful experiences, and responsive guidance from our educators, children are encouraged to develop naturally and confidently at their own pace.
Every milestone is celebrated as part of each child’s individual journey, fostering independence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
7:30 AM – 8:45 AM: Extended Care
Gathering in Infant Room
8:45 AM – 3:30 PM: Morning Routine
Outdoor Time
Snack Time
Bathroom Routine
Work Cycle
Circle/Gather time getting ready for lunch
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Lunch
Bathroom Routine/Brush Teeth
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Extended Care
Gross Motor Activities
Story Time
Bathroom Routine
Goodbye/Circle Time
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Extended Care
Note: The Infant program schedule is flexible and will follow the Infant’s rhythms and needs.
Our Infant program is for children between 12 months to 18 months (approx.) Please note, children transitioning into our Toddler program must have developed gross motor skills, be able to follow directions and be able to walk independently.
The ratio during programming is 1:3, for example: one teacher for every three children.
The maximum number of children per infant classroom is 10.
We currently only offer full time programs.
Yes, it is a ministry requirement that all children partake in the school Meal Plan. Fresh snacks and lunch will be provided by our catering company (Real Food For Real Kids – https://rfrk.com/our-food/) on a daily basis.
School hours are from 8:45am to 3:30pm. If your Infant is enrolled for extended care you may bring her/him to school after 7:30am and pick up before 5:20pm.
Yes, our school operates on an all-year round basis, excluding holidays and professional days etc., as published in our school calendar (provided upon registration).
Yes, your child may start at HMS on an individual nap/feeding schedule but will be transitioned to a firmer schedule once s/he is ready to be considered for transition to the Toddler room (approx. 18 months).
Infant children are excluded from the uniform requirement until they enter the Casa and Elementary programs. Policies and requirements will be provided upon enrolment.
HMS 2026
