Toddler Care
2 - 3 Years

Our Toddler Program is a play based program which focuses on the child’s language skills, social skills, and self-help skills as well as providing each child with the foundation for a positive self-image. The program uses developmentally appropriate practices incorporating structures and unstructured activities and positive discipline techniques to reach these goals.

Social-Emotional
Development includes the child’s experience, expression, and management of emotions and the ability to establish positive and rewarding relationships with others.

  • Almost totally egocentric
  • Likes to be noticed; loves an audience
  • Lacks inhibitions
  • Insists an own way, assertive
  • Likes doing things by self
  • Independent, has self-identity*
  • Adapts easily
  • Plays by self in playpen
  • Refers to self by name
  • Laughs loudly at peek-at-boo
  • Cries when left alone
  • Curious*
  • Relates to adults better than children
  • Active, eager
  • Talks mostly to self
  • Usually friendly
  • Strong sense at ownership
  • Mimics adult behavior*
  • Experiences and shows shame*
Language
Development includes a wide range of specific competencies that preschool children will need support to learn including listening and speaking, reading, writing.

  • Same two-word phrases
  • Enjoys vocalizing to self
  • Babbles in own jargon
  • Uses “eh-eh” or “uh-uh” with gestures
  • Names closest relatives*
  • Repeats adults’ words*
  • Paints to communicate needs, wants
  • Shakes head “no” to respond*
  • Responds to directions to fetch, paint
  • Obeys verbal requests
  • Asks “What’s that?” or “Whassat?”*
  • Understands simple phrases
  • Uses 5 to 50 words
Physical-Motor
Development includes balance, loco motor skills, manipulative skills, body awareness, spatial awareness, directional awareness, and active participation.

  • Awkward coordination; chubby body
  • Tottering stance
  • Creeps when in a hurry
  • Walks with increasing confidence
  • Walks with feet wide apart, arms but, head forward
  • Finds it difficult to turn corners
  • Goes up and dawn stairs holding on
  • Backs into chair to sit down
  • Can squat for long periods of time
  • Motor-minded: constant motion
  • Loves to pull/push objects
  • Runs with stiff, flat gait
  • Uses whole-arm movements
  • Carry and dump becomes a favorite activity
  • Scribbles
  • Turns pages two or three at a time
  • Zips/unzips large zipper
  • Likes holding objects in both hands
Cognitive
Development focusing on child’s ability to process information, conceptual resources, perceptual skill, language learning, and other aspects of brain development.

  • Points to objects in a book
  • Matches similar objects
  • Fits round block in round hole
  • Loves opposites: up/dawn, yes/no*
  • Imitates simple tasks
  • Interest shifts quickly
  • Short attention span
  • Follows one direction
  • Gives up easily but easily engaged*
  • Conclusions are important: closes doors, shuts books
  • Thinks with feet; action-oriented
  • Builds tower of three or four small blocks

*Key cultural awareness of identity characteristics

During the first years of life, babies and young children acquire the skills that are necessary for healthy growth and development, setting the stage for later success in school and life. These skills are acquired in the context of relationships with family members as well as with other important caregivers. Children need nurturing, responsive and loving care to inspire their initiative, curiosity and hunger to learn. They also need help from their parents and well-trained professionals when they are struggling. Not all children develop at the same rate and the above guidelines may not apply to your particular child. Consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns.

Families may come in for a tour, without an appointment, between the hours of 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Please ensure you bring your child so you may prepares him or her to transition into a new environment.