Toddler/Older Toddler Program
The toddler/older toddler years are truly amazing. They are filled with magical discoveries, developmental achievements, and strides in independence. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring that not only your child’s needs are met in a stimulating and developmentally appropriate environment, but also to helping parents embrace and savor the wonderful adventures that their toddler/older toddler will lead them on. Thank you for letting us travel on this journey with you.
Expectations
Zion’s Toddler/Older Toddler Program expects parents to:
1. Be your child’s first teacher
2. Communicate any relevant issues with child’s teacher
3. Be involved Respect classroom schedule and needs of all the children in the class
4. Develop consistency between school and home
5. Attend Parent/Teacher Conferences
6. Adhere to Center policies
7. Ask questions
*Parents are an integral part of a child’s education- the quality of a childcare facility is related in part to the degree of parental involvement.
Parents can expect their child’s teacher to:
1. Be knowledgeable about child development
2. Be aware of the latest research in brain development
3. Be open to parent feedback
4. Treat each child as a uniquely important individual
5. Follow through with special instructions
6. Take all measures to ensure the safety of every child
7. Create and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum
8. Communicate with families
9. Assess child’s development-refer if necessary
10. Provide opportunity to conference about child’s development
11. Create a positive environment for all children in the class
Toddler Development
As infants enter the toddler years, they start to perceive themselves as separate from other people. They become more independent and able to do things for themselves. They are rapidly developing expressive language and becoming better able to relay their likes and dislikes to others. “Me do it” is a common response, even if the child is not fully able to do it. The gap between what the child wants to do and is capable of doing sometimes leads to the tantrums that are so common during these years.
At Zion Toddler/Older Toddler Program children at this age (1-3) are learning to:
1. Drink from a lidless cup
2. Sleep on a cot
3. Build expressive vocabulary of 200+ words
4. Self-feed with a spoon
5. Develop fine motor skills
6. Manipulate and gain an understanding of books
7. Explore the environment in a positive way
8. Engage in sensory activities
9. Become independent in toileting
10. Refine gross motor skills-balance/coordination
11. Express independence/autonomy
12. Enter beginning stages of cooperative play
13. Practice socialization skills
14. Gain an understanding of basic scientific/mathematic concepts- cause/effect, opposites, colors, shapes Label emotions and partake in conflict resolution
Daily Schedule
6:15 – 8:30 Flexible Arrivals, Free Play
8:20 – 8:45 AM Snack
8:40 – 9:15 Free Play
9:15 – 9:30 Gross Motor Skills
9:30 – 9:45 Diaper Change/Centers
9:45 – 10:00 Circle Time
10:00 – 10:15 Free Play
10:15 – 10:30 Craft
10:30 – 10:45 Fine Motor Skills
11:00 – 11:30 Wash Hands, Lunch
11:30 – 11:45 Music Time
11:45 – 12:30 Free Play
12:30 – 1:00 Story, Diapers/Restroom
1:00 – 3:00 Nap
3:00 – 3:20 Wake Up, Diapers, Snack
3:20 – 6:00 Flexible Departure, Free Play