Support your child’s growth with enrichment programs, play spaces, and family-friendly experiences in NJ’s Gold Coast.
As parents, we want more than just childcare; we want meaningful, stimulating environments where our toddlers can thrive emotionally, cognitively, and socially. Enter The Village, a Montessori-inspired sanctuary for toddlers in Edgewater and Fort Lee, New Jersey, where early learning meets luxury.
This article will guide you through what makes our toddler programs unique, why Montessori principles matter, and how The Village is redefining toddler enrichment in Bergen and Hudson County for families in Edgewater, Fort Lee, and surrounding Gold Coast towns.
Why Montessori for Toddlers?
Montessori isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a proven early education philosophy backed by over a century of global success. Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, this approach emphasizes child-led exploration, hands-on learning, and respect for a child’s natural development
- Encouragement of independence and confidence
- Development of concentration and fine motor skills
- Early exposure to problem-solving and critical thinking
- Social-emotional learning in a peaceful, respectful environment
A study by Lillard & Else-Quest (2006) found that children in Montessori programs often outperform their peers in traditional classrooms in terms of academic achievement and social behavior.
What Makes The Village Different?
The Village isn’t a daycare. It’s a thoughtfully curated space that merges the warmth of a neighborhood café, the elegance of a Parisian boutique, and the effectiveness of Montessori principles into one unique concept.
Here’s what sets us apart:
| Feature | The Village | Traditional Daycare | Indoor Play Centers |
| Aesthetic Design | Montessori/French minimal style | Basic functional design | Bright, busy decor |
| Parent Involvement | Parent-child “Mini & Me” classes | Drop-off only | Limited or no parent participation |
| Learning Philosophy | Montessori-inspired | Mixed approach | Mostly play-based |
| Class Offerings | Academic, sensory, art, music, movement | General care and play | Recreational only |
| Event Hosting | Custom-themed birthday parties | Limited or unavailable | May offer standard packages |
| Community Focus | Boutique space for like-minded families | Varies | Rarely community-focused |
Our Montessori-Inspired Classes
We offer a variety of toddler learning classes at our Edgewater and Fort Lee locations, catering to curious minds and developing bodies. Each program supports holistic growth while fostering creativity and social connection.
1. Academic Enrichment for Toddlers
Our early childhood classes blend Montessori methods with modern pedagogy. Through engaging learning stations, hands-on materials, and gentle guidance, your child builds foundational skills in:
- Language development
- Early math concepts
- Practical life activities (pouring, sorting, cleaning)
- Science exploration
Perfect for ages 18 months to 3 years, these classes introduce routines and independence while still feeling like play.
2. Mini & Me Classes
Designed for parents, nannies, and caretakers to bond with children in a structured yet playful environment. Activities include:
- Sensory play classes
- Storytime and music exploration
- Movement and motor development
- Seasonal crafts
This is more than bonding time; it’s structured development disguised as fun. These are a favorite among stay-at-home moms and families with nannies in Gold Coast towns like Cliffside Park, Englewood Cliffs, and Tenafly.
3. Music, Art, and Movement Classes
Specialty enrichment programs include:
- Creative art sessions that encourage self-expression
- Rhythm and music classes led by early childhood music educators
- Sports and tumbling-style classes for active toddlers
These offerings help children build coordination, rhythm, and creativity while learning to work in groups and follow instructions.
Monthly Memberships & Drop-In Options
At The Village, flexibility is part of our luxury approach. Families can choose from:
Monthly Class Memberships
Unlimited access to scheduled classes across our Edgewater and Fort Lee locations
Drop-In Toddler Classes
Perfect for families with varying schedules or multiple caretakers
Half-Day Camp Options
Especially popular during summer and school breaks, this approach combines learning and play.
Indoor Play Meets Relaxed Luxury
Unlike noisy play gyms, The Village offers an indoor play space where both children and adults can feel at ease. Think: peaceful tones, open-ended toys, and stylish seating areas where parents can enjoy a cup of coffee or catch up with other families.
Our Indoor Amenities Include
- A toddler play zone designed with safety and aesthetics in mind
- Reading nook and imaginative play corners
- Family-friendly café-style seating
- Parent coffee space in Edgewater, NJ, and Fort Lee, NJ
Perfect for a rainy afternoon or a weekday playdate with other local parents from Weehawken, Leonia, or Jersey City.
The Village as Your Event Destination
Looking for a stunning, child-friendly birthday party venue in Fort Lee or Edgewater? We specialize in:
- Custom themed birthday parties (e.g., Pokémon, Princess, Jungle, Construction)
- Fort Lee indoor birthday party spaces with private rentals
- Fully managed party packages (invitations, entertainment, decorations, cleanup)
- Add-ons like sensory stations, music play, or art projects
Our children’s event spaces are Instagram-worthy yet stress-free. Families from Alpine, Ridgefield Park, and beyond book months in advance for our party rentals.
Targeted for Gold Coast Families
We’ve built The Village to serve high-net-worth families who value intentional parenting, high-quality education, and beautifully designed experiences.
Whether you’re from Hoboken, Guttenberg, West New York, or just across the bridge in Manhattan, our Edgewater and Fort Lee locations provide:
- A boutique, Montessori-inspired learning experience
- Convenient class schedules for busy parents and nannies
- Social connections with like-minded families
- A trusted environment where your child is seen, heard, and celebrated
Location Highlights
The Village of Fort Lee
Website: www.thevillagefortlee.com
- Ideal for residents of Fort Lee, Leonia, Palisades Park, and Cliffside Park
- Spacious class areas and a cozy café nook
- Available for drop-in toddler classes and birthday party rentals
The Village Edgewater
Website: www.thevillageedgewater.com
- Convenient for families in Edgewater, Hoboken, Weehawken, and West New York
- Thoughtfully curated Montessori play zones and learning materials
- Parent-child bonding classes and seasonal workshops are available
Why Now Is the Time to Enroll
Research shows that early experiences significantly shape a child’s brain development approximately 90% of brain growth occurs before the age of 5. Enrolling your child in an intentional, enrichment-based program now sets the foundation for future success.
Plus, with so many NJ programs focused on care rather than enrichment, The Village fills a critical gap for families who want more than just “babysitting.”
A Place Where Toddlers—and Parents—Thrive
The Village isn’t just another toddler center. It’s a community, a thoughtfully designed learning environment, and a place where childhood is celebrated.
We invite you to schedule a tour, attend a drop-in class, or join one of our monthly memberships. Discover why families from Jersey City to Tenafly trust The Village as the go-to destination for toddler enrichment.
Start Your Journey with The Village
Whether you’re a parent, nanny, or caregiver seeking meaningful toddler activities in Fort Lee or Edgewater, we’d love to welcome you.
Explore our programs:
www.thevillagefortlee.com
www.thevillageedgewater.com
Contact us to learn more about schedules, memberships, or to plan your next birthday celebration.