Infancy is a period of astonishing growth. What happens in these early months shapes the foundations of movement, language, attachment, and independence for life. An Infant & Caregiver class rooted in these principles gives adults concrete ways to see, understand, and support their babies’ natural development at home and in community.
Preparing the Environment to Support Your Infant
From birth, the infant possesses what Maria Montessori called the “absorbent mind,” taking in impressions from the environment effortlessly and using them to construct the personality. In practice, this means:
- Calm, orderly spaces scaled to the infant’s size, so the baby can move freely and safely explore.
- Adults who observe first, then respond, trusting the child’s inner drive rather than constantly entertaining or directing.
- Consistent, respectful care routines—feeding, diapering, sleep—that support secure attachment and self-regulation.
The Role of the Caregiver
Empowering caregivers learn how to observe, follow, and respond to their babies supports the entire family. When caregivers understand development, they can create home environments and daily rhythms that reduce frustration and invite cooperation.
Caregivers in the Chesterfield Montessori infant community are encouraged to:
- Slow down and watch for cues before intervening, allowing babies to attempt movements, grasp objects, and communicate needs in their own time.
- Use rich, precise language and real conversation, even with very young infants, to support early language development and connection.
- Offer just enough help—so the child experiences success and grows in confidence rather than dependence.
What Families Gain from an Infant & Caregiver Class
Parent–infant classes grounded in Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) principles give families both theory and hands-on practice in reading their baby’s needs and adapting the home environment. Families often report feeling more confident, calmer, and more connected after learning how to align routines, spaces, and expectations with their child’s stage of development.
In a quality Montessori Infant & Caregiver class, you can expect:
- Thoughtfully prepared materials that match your baby’s stage—supporting movement, concentration, and early coordination.
- Opportunities to ask questions about sleep, feeding, language, and independence in a community of other adults with infants.
- Gentle guidance from a trained Montessori expert who can help you “see” what your baby is telling you through movement, gaze, and behavior.
Infant Caregiver Class with Lakshmi Shekhar at Chesterfield Montessori School
Association Montessori Internationale was founded by Dr. Maria Montessori to safeguard the integrity of her discoveries and ensure high standards for training and practice worldwide. Chesterfield Montessori School is an AMI-recognized community committed to authentic Montessori in every classroom and level.
Lakshmi Shekhar:
- Is an AMI Trainer of Teachers at the Primary (2½–6) level and holds AMI certifications for 0–3, 2½–6, and 6–12, reflecting deep understanding across all stages of early and elementary childhood.
- Has nearly two decades of classroom experience and many years supporting guides, assistants, caregivers, and schools around the world, including service as a member of the Board of Trustees at Chesterfield Montessori School.
Learning directly from an AMI Trainer allows families to benefit from international best practices in infant development, brought into the local St. Louis context through a warm, relational class setting.
Class Details and Registration
The Infant & Caregiver Class at Chesterfield Montessori School invites families to experience these principles in action alongside their babies and other caregivers.
- What: Child development class for infants and their caregivers
- When: Wednesday mornings, 8:30–10:00 AM, Jan. 28–Mar. 23 (no class Mar. 11)
- Who: Infants from birth to walking and their caregiver; expectant parents are welcome, as are grandparents and other caregivers
- Where: Chesterfield Montessori School, in the Moon Room
- Tuition: 300 per family
Families will enjoy connecting and sharing with others while learning to see their infant in a new way, discovering simple strategies to support language and other aspects of development at home.
To register:
- Send 300 via Venmo to Chesterfield Montessori School, or
- Contact Jennifer Blasingame at jennifer@chesterfieldmontessori.org or 314-469-7150 to receive an invoice and pay by credit card.
Current CMS families may also pay via ACH by sending a request to Jennifer.
