The Inclusive Atrium

Tinies Atrium (0- 1.5 and 1.5-3 years)

A young child is pushing a wooden ring through a long slot so it comes out the other side and falls onto a peg.

The Tinies are quickly developing, and the child’s absorbent mind is learning the mechanics of their world.

We believe it is appropriate that the youngest among us spend their day with the jewel toned Good Shepherd stained glass window bouncing light around them.

Infants and Cruisers (0 to 16 months)

We know that from birth each child has the ability to hear the voice of God. Our goal is to offer ways for them to develop coordination, life skills, and become more and more aware of the love of God in this world.

Whether it is passing the child a grasping ring, demonstrating object permanence with a Montessori material, asking the child for permission before assisting them, or singing songs about the Good Shepherd, we believe that formation begins at birth.

Toddlers (16 to 33 months)

We provide the same Montessori materials that you might see in a traditional Montessori toddler environment – ones to assist the child’s language explosion, desire to acquire practical skills, and take care of themselves.

Our staff are trained to ask the child questions and wait for answers, narrate the materials, and model resilience and self regulation.

A young child in a white sweater and black pants carefully places a puzzle piece on the control mat. She is synthesizing the names of each of the items she sees in church.

We add developmentally appropriate lessons like Psalm 23 the Annunciation to Mary, the colors of the church year, and a weekly celebration at the prayer table. We assist the child to spiritually grow in the world their bodies are yearning to explore.

A young child with a pin hair bow and white shirt is washing a mirror using a squeegee and towel. Children learn skills to care for themselves and their atrium.

We also have an open door for families to talk with our guides and access to the Inclusive Atrium resources.

pregnancy and adoption

A family’s pregnancy and the adoption of an infant are filled with very important moments.

This season of preparation allows us to arrange ourselves and our environment for a gift. While the child is growing and developing physically, emotionally and spiritually, the Inclusive Atrium staff offers conversations, resources, and a kit which includes a prayer to guide you in your spiritual preparation for this child. We aren’t just a community that will celebrate your new arrival, we will be here and walk with you through fears and overwhelmedness, and even with the text asking what is with this weird poop.

A young child examines the flower choices when preparing to make an arrangement for the prayer table.

Care policies

  1. We have a robust Inclusion and Protection Policy. We’d be happy to share it with you.
  2. If we change your child’s diaper, we will let you know.
  3. We will call you if your child doesn’t become engaged in their work.
  4. We do not permit outside food or drink (except a bottle) in the Toddler Atrium due to potential allergies.
  5. When you pick up, we’ll let you know how they spent their time.
Two toddlers set up the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem floor rug map of the Holy Land in the time of Jesus. They have brought their Christ candle from the baptism work to join the birth – we wonder if this is a connection with the incarnation.