The Toddler Program

The Toddler 1 program consists of up to ten toddlers up to two years old with the ratio of one teacher to every five toddlers. The Toddler 2 program consists of up to ten toddlers ranging in age from two to three years with the ratio of one teacher to every five toddlers or one teacher to every seven children if they are all two years of age.

We strive to continue to develop and expand your child’s vocabulary and language skills by "using their words." In addition, we continue to teach basic sign language, which helps ease the frustration toddlers may feel when they are unable to communicate with words. We also begin to help the children get acquainted with the potty and to prepare them for potty training which begins in the Toddler 2 classroom. We have daily "circle" or group time during which we learn about animal sounds, the alphabet, colors, shapes, counting, body parts, and other age appropriate concepts through songs, wordplays, and books. We also begin with "folders" to work individually with children on age and developmentally appropriate skills in the areas of fine motor, gross motor, language, safety, and social skills. Independence is also encouraged, particularly in Toddler 2 where children will be encouraged to learn how to take their own coat and shoes on and off, pull up and down their pants during potty time, wash their own hands, and clean up after themselves at meal time and with toys. We have weekly themes and artwork, as well as music and books that revolve around the weekly theme.

TODDLER 1

Toddlers up to two years old. In Toddler 1, we start "folders," our learning curriculum. We continue using sign language and will start to emphasize using verbal language. We also start brushing teeth after meals and begin to introduce toilet training. We spend at least one hour outside every day, if the weather permits.

The children take their daily 12:30-3:00 nap on cots and sheets that we provide. Each child has a cubby, in which you will keep labeled extra clothing, shoes, etc. We ask that you bring a clean blanket every Monday and take it home on Friday for washing.

We feed children from the center’s menu (available in each month’s newsletter or upon request) and use sippy cups instead of bottles.

TODDLER 2

Toddlers ages 2 to 3 years old. We begin to emphasize toilet training before the transition to the preschool room. We play with new sets of toys every half hour and work on folders during the day. We spend at least one hour outside every day, if the weather permits.

The children take their daily 12:30-3:00 nap on cots and sheets that we provide. Each child has a cubby, in which you will keep labeled extra clothing, shoes, etc. We ask that you bring a clean blanket every Monday and take it home on Friday for washing.

We feed children from the center’s menu (available in each month’s newsletter or upon request), start using open cups and silverware when eating, and encourage use of good table manners.