My son has graduated from the Toddler room and is now in Cycle 1, and my DD1 is in the Early Learner's program. My experience is completely different to yours. Our Montessori school is a beautiful nurturing environment that allows each individual to direct their own activities and learning with minimal direction. Each time a child shows interest in a new activity they are initially shown how that activity is used, and after that they are free to use that activity when ever they want in the future. Most of the Montessori activities tend to "grow" with the kids, so as they grow and learn the activity becomes more complex for them. They are also mostly self-correcting, so when a child finishes an activity they will know if they have completed it correctly themselves.

The Directress in our Early Learners Program is an amazing lady. She loves the kids so much and they love her too. It makes our room so calm and industrious and just a joyful place for both the kids and the parent with them. If your program is not like that, then I would definitely suggest looking elsewhere, or at least see what the toddler room is like in case it is just an issue with one Directress.

Next term my DD1 might be moving up into Toddlers, and not long after that my DD2 will be starting Early Learners