Our toddler room has 9 children, and 2 EEC certified teachers, as well as an assistant that floats between the toddler and infant room.
What do we do in our Toddler Room all day? We engage them in conversations, we listen, we share our feelings, we jump and dance, we play outside. We explore water and sand and many other sensory materials. We read stories and sing songs every day, we dress “weather frog” each day for the type of weather it is that particular day. We offer appropriate materials and activities; puzzles, building, doll play, dress up, painting are some favorites. Toddlers are great explorers they love to touch, squeeze, poke and rub to find out about a toy or an object. We provide opportunities for them to explore and express their emotions in a classroom which is loving, safe, understanding and consistent. We also offer a hug whenever it is needed!
Language Toddlers’ vocabulary start to expand from single into multiple-word phrases. Our teachers continually model language and engage toddlers in rich conversations by providing a language-rich environment that encourages your child’s progress toward achievement of two-way communication. We give your toddler the opportunity to:
Participate in conversations with teachers and their friends
Follow one step direction
Develop an appreciation of books through stories
Increase short term memory and recall
Use writing tools and make purposeful marks such as scribbles on paper
Art Art encourages creativity and innovation in toddlers. Our teachers encourage creativity and innovation by engaging children in artistic experience that allow them to explore art with their senses. We give your toddler the opportunity to:
Explore sensory materials – play dough – textured sponges and scented paint
Experiment with colors
Play, shake and strum instruments
Dance with scarves to a variety of music
Participate in pretend play
Play with puppets
Health and Wellness Our Toddler Program focuses on child nutrition, safety and wellness and lays the ground work for a life time of healthy habits. Our toddler teachers develop healthy habits and a positive attitude about wellness, they also enable children to understand how their bodies work, what they need, and how to protect them by helping children:
Practice small muscle skills; drawing, writing and cutting
Identify healthy foods
Practice proper hygiene
Follow simple safety rules
Our Toddler Program fosters positive attitudes in toddlers towards others and the world. Toddler teachers encourage children to reflect on themselves their friends, and the world they live in by:
Talking about feelings
Encouraging play between friends
Expressing compassion and empathy in books and daily interaction
Encourage and appreciate appropriate behavior
Parent Communication We like to keep parents in touch with their child’s day. The Parent Information Board posted in the classroom details your child’s learning experiences and daily activities. This information board is where important postings can be found also. Parent Teacher Conferences may be scheduled at your request at any time of the year and are also offered twice a year as an opportunity to review your child’s progress report. Regular phone calls and emails are also an important part of this communication.