Children between the ages of 15 months and 24 months are slowly becoming more and more independent while still having a need for strong connections with their caregivers. They are curious, lovable, busy, and most of all, adorable! While in the Toddler Class, your children will go from being egocentric babies, happy to play by themselves, to almost two year olds who are beginning to engage with their peers in interactive play and cooperative situations. This age is monumental with both cognitive and physical development!

Children move into the Toddler room between 15 and 18 months, and stay until around the time of their 2nd birthday, when they transition into the Twos.  There are 9 children in each room, with 4 teachers.

Located in the classroom are “Daily Diary Charts” that are completed throughout the day by the parents and teachers. The top section of the chart is information provided by each parent when they drop of their child. This information includes how long your child slept the night before, how much the child has eaten, and any other information that is helpful in caring for your child that day. The remainder of the chart is information concerning your child’s day, and will be filled out by the teachers. For example, when your child had their diaper changed and what it was (bowel movement or wet), the amount of food consumed and when, and also a little extra information like songs that were sung that day!

The diaper changing area is located in the center portion of the classroom. Children are changed every two hours. However, we are always checking your little one for a bowel movement which requires immediate attention! Parents provide all of the diapering supplies, diapers, wipes, cream, etc., for their child. We will let you know on your child’s chart if you are running low on any of the supplies.

Every child is assigned a cubby. The cubbies are intended for extra clothes, diaper bags, hats, and any other garments that your child may need throughout the day. The refrigerator for any food brought from home is located in the room. All food that comes in should be labeled with your child’s name and all bottles and/or sippy cups need to have a lid.  Breakfast and snack are included in your tuition.  Our optional School Lunch Program (with catered food brought in from Mama Lucia’s Monday-Thursday, and Ledo’s pizza served on Friday) starts in the Toddler room and is $75/month, or $5/day.  If you do not participate in the School Lunch Program, you will need to send lunch for your child from home.

The Toddlers no longer sleep in cribs, and will now be sleeping on cots at naptime.  Parents will need to send bedding from home on Mondays, and it will be sent home every Friday to be laundered, then brought back to the School the following Monday.  Standard cribs sheets, a regular sheet, blanket, or nap roll all work great!  Please be sure you label any bedding brought from home.

The toddler curriculum has three vital components that are used throughout the day. The three areas are learning through play, thematic units, and a formal curriculum called The Creative Curriculum. Toddlers also enjoy a great deal of outdoor time working on gross motor skills.

1. Learning Through Play:

Children in the toddler room are still engaging in independent play and are just beginning to realize that their peers are available to interact with. Much of the time in the toddler room is spent learning appropriate social interactions, how to be a good friend, and the art of sharing. Also during play times the children are working on developing fine motor skills necessary for later writing skills. Though imaginative play has not begun to develop in children this young, they enjoy exploring and becoming familiar with their environment. Learning through play is a vital part of a toddler’s day.

2. Thematic Units:

Thematic units at the toddler age primarily focus on care of self, manners, basic academic foundation, seasons, and upcoming holidays. Examples of thematic units at this age include; proper hand washing technique, teeth brushing, identifying body parts, colors, and using polite words such as “please” and “thank you.” The themes are seen within the morning circle time, classroom craft projects, and the books presented to the children on a daily basis.

3. The Creative Curriculum:

The Creative Curriculum for Toddlers is a comprehensive program designed specifically with these busy youngsters in mind. The curriculum focuses on using daily routines to build positive relationships with children, promote trust, nurture their curiosity and guide them as they make increasing sense of the world. These routines include; hellos and goodbyes, diapering, toilet training, feeding, dressing and soothing children. In addition, the curriculum supplies carefully designed experiences such as; stories, art projects, music, and outdoor play, through which the children can explore and learn while constantly testing out new skills.

Daily Schedule:

• 7-8:50 Arrival Time & Free Play
• 9-10 Breakfast, Clean-Up & Diaper Changing
• 10-10:30 Circle Time, Story Time, Creative Activities & Centers
• 10:30-11:30 Outdoor Play
• 11:30-12:00 Lunch Time
• 12:15-12:30 Diaper Changing
• 12:30-3:00 Nap
• 3:00-3:30 Snack Time, Diaper Changing
• 3:30-4 Story, Songs, Creative Activities & Centers
• 4-4:30 Free Play/Outdoor Play
• 4:45-5 Snack Time
• 5-6:00 Outdoor Play/Departure

Please write your child’s name on his/ her belongings such as: bottles (please bring in bottles with caps), food containers (each piece), blankets and shoes.  Please provide us with a detailed note of any food allergies that your child has.  Always fill out the medication form if your child needs to have his/her medication at school (we are unable to give them without a written permission). If your child is given medicine at home, warn us about any reaction that may occur.  Please check to make sure that there are extra clothes in his/her cubby.  If you can, let us know if you plan to pick up your child early so we can reschedule his/her day accordingly.

1. Diapers
2. Diaper cream
3. Baby wipes
4. Blanket or sheet
5. Extra clothes
6. Sunscreen
7. Milk Cup/Sippy
8. Water Cup/Sippy
9. Summertime: Water shoes or sandals, swimming diapers, bathing suit & towel