Toddler Program
Our Toddler program, designed for children ages 18 months through 3 year of age, focus on a period of tremendous development and growth. During this stage, children develop 80% of their personality, enhance their mobility, improve their gross and fine motor skills, as well as learn they are separate individuals yet a vital part of a community. It is a critical time of development for a child. Working with the children’s natural tendencies shows them a respect for their childhood, and encourages them to enjoy learning.
Our teachers take great care in providing a nurturing, safe and comfortable atmosphere, while at the same time igniting the child’s natural curiosity in the many materials and activities offered in the classroom. Children are not required to be potty-trained to enter this program.
“A child needs freedom within limits.”
Toddler Curriculum Goals
The toddler stage can be seen as one of the most challenging (and rewarding) times. Toddlers are very mobile and active using all five senses to discover the world. Adults are challenged to provide a safe, but stimulating environment in which the child can grow. The toddler responds well to regular daily routine with set meal times, rest times and play times. Toilet training is best accomplished by taking the child to the toilet at the same times each day.
Important independence skills are being acquired during these years, including personal care such as toileting, feeding and dressing. Patience is essential as a toddler struggles to master skills (developing independence at this stage occurs after much repetition and encouragement). Realistic toys will enable children to engage in increasingly complex types of play and practice.
Toddlers are learning to produce language rapidly. They need simple books, pictures, puzzles and music, plus time and space for active play such as jumping, running and dancing. Toddlers are acquiring social skills, but in groups there should be several of the same toys because egocentric toddlers are not yet able to understand the concept of sharing.
