General Information and Schedule for Toddlers:
Our toddlers are divided into two rooms, Toddler 1 and Toddler 2. Children may move into the Toddler 1 room when they are 12 months old and walking independently. Toddler One children have special plans and activities that they are invited to participate in every day. They are also evaluated twice a year (and as needed) using the Developmental Checklists developed by the Early Childhood Direction Center in conjunction with the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Children move to Toddler two when they are 24 months old, or at the teacher and parent’s recommendation. In Toddler Two, plans are more formalized, with more teacher directed circle time and activities. Toddler one and two classes have planned themes every two weeks, and children are encouraged to stretch and grow in their readiness to tackle the big job of learning. Children move out of this room when they are three, and into preschool!
As they are able, they are encouraged to participate in group reading and craft times. They also spend time in our indoor playground, a roomy 1,000+ square foot open, carpeted, sunny room with many wheeled toys and small climbing gyms.
When children approach their 2nd birthday, they are evaluated for graduation to our Toddler room (24-36 months), which depends on our mutual assessment of their readiness and our staffing and space availability. In Toddlers, childre nbegin having weekly lesson plans, while still having plenty of time to explore and play, all while preparing themselves for our preschool experience.
Food & supplies: You will need to provide lunches, but we will provide snacks (mornings & afternoon) for your wobbler & toddler. We will also provide a drink at lunch, although you may pack one if you wish. Generally, we serve juice with our snacks and 2% milk with our lunches. As they become able, wobblers may participate in our Tues & Fri hot lunch pizza days; toddlers may always participate. We will give you a supply list at the start of your time in wobblers & toddlers, but generally, you will need to supply diapers & wipes, changes of clothing and a crib sheet (to fit over our mats or cots). You will receive a written note at the end of each day, noting your child’s activities, eating and sleeping pattern and diapering/potty experiences.
Staffing: We employ a specially trained Toddler Group Leader and trained aides to staff our room at a ratio of 1:5. Our staff is carefully chosen with complete background checks performed. We maintain on-going education, conduct regular staff meetings and compensate our teachers at an above average level, which all allows us to attract and keep an excellent staff. There are no more than 10 wobblers in our program on any day. In toddlers, we maintain a ratio of 1:7, but our room is also limited to 10 children per day.
