August 17, 2026

Dear Families of Two-Year-Olds,

Welcome to the Green Hedges community! We are excited to welcome your child to our Two-Year-Old program this fall. Our Montessori program is designed to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where children develop physically, emotionally, cognitively, linguistically, and socially while building confidence and independence. We know that beginning a school year there can be lots of information, if you'd like to re-read some of our prior emails, they can be found on our Green Hedges website here.

As your child begins this new experience, we recognize that becoming familiar—and eventually comfortable—with separation from parents can take time. To support a smooth transition from home to school, we have developed a gradual phase-in schedule:

Wednesday, September 2 | 8:00–11:00 a.m.

Morning work period, snack, and outdoor play

Thursday, September 3 | 8:00–11:00 a.m.

Morning work period, snack, and outdoor play

Friday, September 4 and Monday, September 7 | No School in Observance of Labor Day

Tuesday, September 8 | 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Morning work period, snack, and outdoor play

Wednesday, September 9 | 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Morning work period, snack, and outdoor play

Thursday, September 10 & Friday, September 11

Half-Day Students: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Full-Day Students: 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Supporting a Successful Transition

The first step in establishing a positive school routine is developing a consistent goodbye routine for Arrival and Dismissal. We want to build a healthy separation process grounded in mutual trust and respect. Every child and family is different, and the separation period may last anywhere from a day to several weeks. Time, patience, and consistency are key elements of a successful transition. We are always happy to partner with you and answer questions as your child settles into this new routine. You will receive detailed instructions regarding Arrival & Dismissal procedures in the coming week.

Preparing for Montessori

A major focus of our Two-Year-Old program is helping children develop independence in everyday tasks. You can begin supporting these skills at home by encouraging your child to dress and undress independently, including putting on coats and shoes. Here are a few helpful examples:

The Montessori Coat Flip

Putting on Shoes

To support independence at school, we ask that children do not bring pacifiers, bottles, sippy cups, or toys to school. This Montessori approach to transitioning away from pacifiers may be a helpful resource as you prepare for this expectation.



You can also get a glimpse into the Montessori classroom experience through these videos:

A Glimpse into a Montessori Toddler Classroom

TCAPS Montessori Toddler Program

As a reminder, new this year is our Montessori 2-Year-Old Extended Day Program. Extended Day will be offered from 3:30 – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. You may sign up for 3 days or less per week or 4-5 days per week. Students who take advantage of this program will stay in the classroom with Ms. Tran (Montessori Extended Day Lead), where the program will run from. Pick-up from Extended Day will be either in the classroom, or outside on the playground, weather permitting. 

For the 2026-2027 school year, Extended Day will begin on: Thursday, September 10

The pricing for the school year is as follows:

• 1–3 days: $3,813
• 4–5 days: $5,651
• Drop-in: $65/day

Upcoming Dates

Montessori Back-to-School Playdate

Tuesday, August 18 | 4:00–5:30 p.m. | Green Hedges Montessori 2-Year-Old Playground

Join new and returning Montessori families for a relaxed opportunity to meet, connect, and play. We encourage you to stop by and say hello!

Welcome Back Conferences

Monday, August 31 | 12:00–4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 1 | 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Please sign up for a 20-minute conference to meet your child's teachers, share information about your child, and tour the classroom and outdoor environments. Directions for signing up can be found here, and you can select your conference time here.

Kyle Armstrong’s Installation Ceremony

Monday, September 14 | 8:15 a.m. | Green Hedges M.P.R.

We encourage you to join us as we officially install our new Head of School!



Montessori Back-to-School Night

Thursday, September 17 | 5:45 p.m. | Green Hedges

This adult-only event will provide an opportunity to learn more about the year ahead. The evening will last approximately one hour, so please secure your sitter early!

What to Bring

When you join us for your Welcome Back Conference, please bring the items your child will need for the school year. Please label everything with your child’s first and last name.



Two-Year-Old Program Items and Information

Some items require authorization for us to apply. If you would like us to apply diaper ointment, sunscreen, or insect repellent, please complete the authorization form before your child’s first day.

We hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer, and we look forward to welcoming your family to Green Hedges! Please feel free to reach out with any questions as you prepare for the start of school.

Warmly,

Evelyn Vargas

Lead Montessori Directress

Laila Nerway

Montessori Assistant

Mission

We inspire young people of talent and promise to develop clear values, a desire for wisdom, and an appreciation for all endeavors that broaden the mind and enlighten the spirit.

Read more about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives here.