If you’ve worked in childcare, you’ve probably heard the word “Montessori” more than once. It’s one of the most well-known and widely practiced early childhood education philosophies in the world, embraced by daycares, preschools, homeschoolers, and, increasingly, families seeking Montessori-minded nannies.

But what does Montessori actually mean? And how can nannies integrate its principles into a home environment?

1) What is Montessori Education?

The Montessori philosophy was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator who became the first woman in Italy to earn a medical degree in 1896. Through her work with children—particularly those with learning differences—she discovered that young minds thrive when given structure, independence, and freedom within limits.

At its core, the Montessori method is about respecting the child as a capable, independent learner. It emphasizes:

• Self-directed learning
• Hands-on experiences
• Mixed-age environments
• Freedom within limits to explore with gentle adult guidance
• Purposeful, real-life activities over passive entertainment

Instead of traditional instructors, Montessori teachers act as guides, helping children follow their natural curiosities while building important life skills.

2) Why Montessori Works at Home

Montessori isn’t just for a school setting. In fact, its principles translate beautifully into the home, especially when supported by a thoughtful nanny.

Unlike formal educational settings, nannies have the advantage of:

• Small ratios: One-on-one or small group care means more tailored support.
• Consistency: Daily routines can reinforce independence and self-direction.
• Flexibility: Activities can be personalized to fit a child’s interests and developmental stage.

Many families today are seeking Montessori-aligned nannies who can reinforce what their child is learning in school or offer a Montessori experience even if they’re not attending a Montessori school.

3) Montessori in Practice: By Age Group

Montessori education is not one-size-fits-all. It grows with the child, and that’s exactly why it works so well across developmental stages. Here’s how nannies can apply the method for different age groups:

a) For Infants (0–18 months)

In Montessori, even the youngest children are viewed as active participants in their own learning. The focus here is on sensory exploration, movement, and fostering independence from the very beginning.

Simple ways to incorporate Montessori for infants:

• Create safe floor spaces for free movement and exploration
• Use low, open shelves for toys and books that the baby can access independently
• Offer sensory activities like water play or textured fabric swatches
• Read daily, use rich language, and describe what you’re doing to build vocabulary
• Introduce real-world materials like wooden spoons, soft cloths, and mirrors

b) For Toddlers (18 months–3 years)

This is a golden age for Montessori learning. Toddlers crave independence and love being part of “real-life” tasks. The Montessori method encourages this age group to practice practical life skills, engage in choice-based activities, and work at their own pace.

Montessori activities for toddlers:

• Set up “choice stations” with 2–3 simple options for play or learning
• Involve children in meal prep, like spreading butter, slicing soft fruits, or pouring water
• Encourage them to partake in self-responsibility, like to dressing themselves, brushing their hair, or cleaning up spills with guidance
• Introduce puzzles, simple sorting tasks, stacking toys, and creative art materials
• Allow time for outdoor exploration and natural play without rigid direction

c) For Preschool and Early Elementary (3–6+ years)

Older children benefit from Montessori’s emphasis on focus, creativity, and meaningful work. The aim is to help kids follow their passions, solve problems independently, and build resilience.

Montessori ideas for older kids:

• Offer hands-on academic activities (like counting with beads, nature-based science, journaling)
• Keep screen time minimal; encourage open-ended play and real-world tasks
• Promote imaginative storytelling, music making, or cooking
• Involve kids in maintaining their space, like cleaning, organizing, and preparing for the day
• Focus on self-correction and learning from mistakes, rather than punishment or praise

4) How Nannies and Families Can Team Up to Support Montessori at Home

You don’t need to recreate a full Montessori classroom in order to be effective. You just need consistency, communication, and a shared philosophy between parents and caregivers.

a) For families:

• Discuss your values: Do you want to lean fully into Montessori or adopt elements of it?
• Share any current Montessori routines or materials being used at school or home
• Provide your nanny with space and materials that encourage independent play and learning
• Be patient—it can take time to shift to a more child-led structure, but the results are worth it

b) For nannies:

• Observe more than you direct: Let children take the lead
• Offer choices and encourage independence with gentle support
• Learn basic Montessori vocabulary and practices (consider reading “The Montessori Toddler” or “How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way”)
• Communicate regularly with parents about progress, interests, and adjustments

The Montessori philosophy is deeply respectful of children’s abilities, autonomy, and natural love of learning. For families who value purposeful, child-led development, a Montessori-informed nanny can be a game changer, offering a daily rhythm filled with intention, independence, and wonder.

If you’re a nanny looking to expand your skill set or a parent hoping to bring more Montessori into your home life, starting with small, mindful changes is all it takes.