Toddler Program

• Toddler children are defined as those between the age of 16 months and 32 months. These children are under direct supervision of a staff member at all times.
• The toddler program serves a maximum of 14 children. The toddlers are separated into smaller groups at various times throughout the day for projects, small group play and activities.
• The toddler program will be open Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm, except for holidays designated by the Child Care Board of Directors.
• The educational basis for our toddlers is based upon the assumption that children are naturally curious and eager to learn. As a result, teachers will be responsible for providing a learning/explorative environment to enhance this curiosity. Underlying all educational methods, stands the philosophy that enhancement of a positive self-image is crucial at this age. Therefore, it is the responsibility of staff to provide an environment where toddlers know that they are loved for their individuality.
• This program will enhance the physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development of Toddlers. Since children progress at an individual rate, each child will be allowed to progress at their own pace.
  1. Intellectual Development
     Children will be exposed to a wide range of educational stimuli through child directed, self-exploratory activities, and teacher directed activities. These activities will broaden the child’s sense of their world and offer opportunity for further learning.
  2. Social Development
     Caregivers will provide an environment that facilitates positive social interaction. Toddlers will be exposed to other age groups.
  3. Emotional Development
     Children will be encouraged to believe in themselves. The program will do it’s best to ensure that emotional growth and positive self-esteem is enhanced at all times. Staff will provide and environment that includes praise, hugs, and positive reinforcement.
  4. Physical Development
     Children will be given a variety of opportunities that will enhance physical strength, coordination and agility.
• Conferences will be held twice a year. Every aspect of the child’s development will be evaluated at that time.
• This program will provide activities that are both quiet, active, teacher directed and child initiated.
• The toddler program will provide for a variety of activities that require the use of varied equipment and materials, such as puzzles; puppets; cognitive toys; art activities; music activities; dramatic play; and small manipulative toys.

Toddler Room Staff Bios