Have you noticed how naturally your child is drawn to different textures, colours, water play or exploring tiny details?
Sensory Mini is a development programme created for children aged 1–3 and their parents. Learning happens naturally through play, exploration and engaging all the senses.
Each session takes children into a new and exciting world. Together, we explore nature, farm animals, insects, marine life, pond creatures and much more. Each theme comes to life through rich sensory play environments where children can touch, pour, sort, explore and experiment at their own pace.
We believe that young children learn best when they have the opportunity to experience, experiment and discover things for themselves.
Our sensory development programme is designed to support children’s natural development through play, movement and a wide variety of sensory experiences. The programme is based on current understanding of sensory processing and is inspired by the principles of Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI®) – active participation, learning through play, offering an appropriate level of challenge and adapting activities to each child’s developmental needs.
Creative therapist Alissa Kiinvald has contributed her professional knowledge and expertise to the development of the programme.
Throughout the programme, we support children’s natural development by encouraging:
meaningful exploration through different senses;
fine motor development and practical hand skills;
language development and vocabulary building;
attention and concentration;
logical thinking and making connections;
creativity and problem-solving skills;
natural curiosity and the joy of discovery.
At the same time, parents gain practical knowledge and simple ideas for supporting their child’s development at home.
Each session includes:
rich sensory play areas;
a variety of natural and engaging materials, such as coloured rice, sand, chia seeds, agar-agar, water and other interesting textures;
opportunities to explore nature, animals and plants;
vocabulary-building activities using real objects and picture cards;
child-led exploration and discovery;
calm, meaningful quality time together with a parent.
All activities are age-appropriate, and the instructor supports each child according to their individual development, interests and needs.
The programme is designed for children aged 1–3 together with a parent or caregiver.
No previous experience is required.
Sensory play is much more than simply having fun.
When a child touches, pours, mixes, sorts, smells and explores, their brain is constantly processing information and building new connections. These hands-on experiences support the development of language, thinking, coordination, concentration and problem-solving skills.
Young children learn about the world through direct experience. Our role is to create a safe, inspiring and developmentally supportive environment where children can explore at their own pace and experience the joy of discovery.
Age: 1–3 years
Session length: 60 minutes, once a week
Group size: Small group, maximum 8 children
Participation: Child together with a parent or caregiver
Programme duration: One academic year, with enrolment by semester (autumn or spring semester).
This structure gives children time to become familiar with the environment, develop a sense of security and benefit from a consistent environment that supports their development over time.
Liise-Charlotte Kangur
Liise-Charlotte works as a childcare provider and continuously develops her knowledge in the field of child development and supporting young children.
She spent many years living in Scotland, where she also studied, giving her extensive experience of living, learning and communicating in an English-speaking environment.
In her work with children, Liise-Charlotte considers it especially important to recognise each child as an individual, build a secure and trusting relationship and create an environment where children can learn naturally through play, exploration and hands-on experiences.
She has completed several courses in creative and therapeutic approaches to working with young children and applies this knowledge in her everyday work.
Education and additional training:
Sensorimotor Play webinar – Alissa Kiinvald
Creative Therapeutic Approaches for Children Aged 1–6 – Alissa Kiinvald
Supporting Creativity in Children Aged 2–6 – Alissa Kiinvald
Monthly fee: €89
Upon registration, the first month’s programme fee (September or January) is paid. After that, payment is made monthly throughout the semester.
The monthly fee reserves your child’s place in the group. The fee remains the same each month regardless of whether there are four or five sessions during that month.
Sessions do not take place on public holidays or during school holidays, and the monthly fee is not reduced accordingly.
By joining the programme, your family also becomes part of the Monte Lapsed community and receives a number of additional benefits.
Free Open Play
From autumn onwards, all programme members can attend Monte Lapsed open play sessions free of charge.
Bring a Friend
Would you like to come and play together with a friend? You are very welcome!
As long as at least one family is enrolled in one of our programmes, their friend can join an open play session at the regular price of €16.
Community Morning
Once during the academic year, we organise a special community morning for programme families – a relaxed opportunity to play, spend time together and meet other families with similar values.
Special Benefits for Programme Members
Families participating in our programmes also receive:
40% discount on Monte Lapsed online courses;
access to our private Facebook community group exclusively for programme families, where we share useful information, partner discounts and special offers.
What ages are the programmes designed for?
Each programme is designed for a specific age group. You can find the recommended age range in the description of each programme. This helps us ensure that the activities are appropriate for the children’s developmental stage.
What happens if my child moves into the next age group during the programme?
The age ranges are primarily intended to help families choose the most suitable group when joining the programme.
If your child reaches the next age range during the programme, they can usually remain in the same group until the end of the programme period. The most important consideration is that your child feels comfortable in the group and that the activities remain appropriate for their development.
If preferred, it may also be possible to move to the next age group. Transitions take place twice a year – in winter and spring.
Does a parent participate in the session?
This depends on the programme.
In our baby and 1–3-year-old programmes, a parent or caregiver participates together with the child.
In programmes for older children, children participate independently with the instructor.
Does my child need previous Montessori experience?
No. All of our programmes are suitable for families who are completely new to the Montessori approach.
What does my child do during the sessions?
Activities vary depending on the programme and may include:
Montessori practical life activities;
sensory activities;
fine motor and creative activities;
movement;
early language and mathematics activities;
exploring nature;
activities supporting social and emotional development;
music and group activities.
How large are the groups?
We want to provide a calm and personal environment, which is why our groups are intentionally kept small. This allows the instructor to notice each child and support their development individually.
Groups have a maximum of 8 children.
What happens if my child misses a session?
We are unable to offer replacement sessions for absences. However, programme families are welcome to attend our open play sessions free of charge.
Can we attend a trial session?
We do not offer separate trial sessions for our development programmes.
If you would like to get to know Monte Lapsed before enrolling, you are welcome to visit us during an open play or sensory play session and experience our environment first.
Can we join after the programme has already started?
If there are places available and the instructor feels that joining at that point would be suitable for the child, it is often possible.
Please contact us and we will help you find the best solution for your family.
What should we bring?
Please dress your child in comfortable clothes that allow them to move and explore freely.
For some programmes, we recommend bringing a change of clothes. We will let you know in advance whenever this is needed.
Can children eat and drink during the session?
Drinking water is available at the centre.
If your child brings a small snack, we ask that it is eaten only in the designated eating area and not during programme activities.
Can I use my phone during the session?
We aim to create a calm and present environment for both children and parents. For this reason, we kindly ask that phones are used during programme sessions only when necessary.
What if my child does not want to participate at first?
That is completely normal.
We give children time to become familiar with the environment and never force them to participate in an activity. Most children gradually begin exploring and joining activities in their own time.
Is the programme suitable for a very active or more reserved child?
Yes. Our activities are designed so that children can participate according to their own developmental pace, temperament and interests.
Our instructors observe and support each child individually while respecting their needs.
Can siblings come along?
Registration covers only the child enrolled in the programme.
If you need to bring a sibling with you, please contact us in advance and we will see whether a suitable arrangement is possible.
Do I need to reserve a place in advance?
Yes. Advance registration is required for all of our programmes, as the number of places in each group is limited.
How does payment work?
After registration, we will send an invoice by email. Your child’s place in the programme is confirmed in accordance with our registration terms and conditions.
Can I cancel my registration?
Cancellation and registration conditions are outlined in our programme terms and conditions. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
How do I choose the right programme for my child?
If you are unsure which programme would best suit your child’s age, interests or developmental stage, please get in touch with us.
We will be happy to help you find the programme that feels right for your child and your family.