Our Approach
At Tiny Vines Nursery, care is centered around the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers. We create a calm, child-led environment designed to support emotional regulation, sensory awareness, exploration, connection, and independence through play.
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Our program blends play-based learning with Montessori-inspired principles, offering purposeful materials, predictable rhythms, and responsive caregiving. We believe early childhood should feel safe, unhurried, and deeply respectful of each child’s pace.
What Child-Led Means Here
In the early years, play is learning.​​
Rather than rushing children toward academic milestones, we focus on building the foundations that matter most:
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Curiosity
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Problem-solving
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Emotional regulation
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Independence
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Secure relationships​ & attachment
Children are given time for uninterrupted exploration with thoughtfully selected materials. The environment is organized to encourage autonomy while remaining simple and calm.​​​
Montessori-Inspired Elements
While Tiny Vines Nursery is not a formal Montessori program, we incorporate key principles that align with infant and toddler development:
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Purposeful, hands-on materials
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Encouragement of independence and self-help skills
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Order and predictability within the environment
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Respect for each child’s developmental timeline​
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We value focus, repetition, and real-life experiences — such as pouring, tidying, caring for materials, and participating in simple daily routines.
Adults guide gently — modeling language, supporting social skills, and offering structure without overpowering a child’s natural drive to discover.​
We recognize that behavior is communication, particularly in infants and toddlers, and respond with patience, co-regulation, and individualized support.
Responsive & Relationship-Based Care
In the first three years of life, secure attachment is foundational.
Every interaction matters. We prioritize:
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Warm, consistent caregiving
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Emotional coaching and co-regulation
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Respectful communication
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Small group connection
Infants and toddlers are not expected to “fit into” a program. Instead, the program adapts thoughtfully to support each child’s developmental stage. We honor differences in temperament, sensory processing, communication styles, and developmental pace.
Our Daily Rhythm
Each day follows a gentle and predictable flow that supports security and confidence:
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Arrival & free exploration
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Shared snack and lunch times
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Outdoor play and sensory experiences
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A midday rest period
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Afternoon play and wind-down
Infants follow individualized feeding and sleep schedules, while toddlers transition into a consistent group rhythm with flexibility as needed.
The goal is consistency without rigidity — structure that supports children, not controls them.
Indoor & Outdoor Experiences
Indoor Experiences
Our indoor environment is calm, predictable, and intentionally arranged to support sensory comfort and focused engagement.
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Independent play
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Sensory exploration
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Early language development and pre-literacy skills
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Music and movement
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Practical life skills​
Materials are rotated regularly to maintain interest while preserving order and focus.
Outdoor Experiences
Outdoor time is an essential part of our program.
Children engage in:
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Free play and gross motor development
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Nature exploration
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Water play (with appropriate supervision)
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Climbing and balance activities
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Outdoor play continues year-round, with adjustments made for weather and safety.