Toddler Room
(15-24 months)
Our newly re-designed toddler room is perfect for your exploring toddler! With lots of room to move and play, children feel free to play together on the rocking horses, inside the play tent, and climbing up, down, on top and underneath the play house.
Children enjoy a daily routine filled with plenty of individual play, circle time, and time outdoors (weather-permitting). The separate eating area allows children to enjoy lunch and snacks family-style, while learning conversational skills and table manners.
A Peek into Your Toddler's Day:
Our toddlers begin their day with "free play," during which children interact with each other and with our teachers. This time allows for an easier transition from saying goodbye to parents, into a normal day of play and exploration. After snack time, "Circle Time" involves singing songs, learning names, exercising (jumping, spinning, etc.) and counting, before going outside to play on our safe playground (weather permitting).
During "Art Time," toddlers match art projects to their morning curriculum. For instance, if they sang The Wheels on the Bus in the morning, they may paste black circles on a picture of a bus during Art Time, to learn shapes and colors associated with everyday objects.
Following lunch time, books and one-on-one time, and naptime, toddlers enjoy yet another snack before finishing their day with more free play time before mom and dad arrive.
Easing Separation Anxiety
- Tell toddlers goodbye every time you leave.
- Help toddlers say goodbye, even if they resist. Use hugs, kisses, and a security item that is reminicent of you for comfort.
- Keep as consistent a schedule as possible. Predictability is a great comfort during this stage. It keeps toddlers from getting upset from anticipating transitions before they happen.
- When you have to leave the room and a toddler objects to your leaving, take a minute to hold her, connect with her, and assure her that you will be back. Then tell the child what you are going to do and when you will be back. When you return, go over it all again, reminding the child that you did what you said you would do.
- Prepare children for changes. Tell them what is going to happen before it happens. This helps children anticipate transitions and keeps toddlers from being upset or surprised by the change.
Taken from: Albrecht, Kay and Linda G. Miller. The Comprehensive Toddler Curriculum. 2000: Gryphon House, Inc, Beltsville MD.