TODDLER PROGRAM 18 Months through 3 Years
Breakfast, lunch, and a nutritious snack are provided.
Our main goal for toddlers is to help them balance their desire for independence with their need for dependence. Toddlers want to do things for themselves however, they do not yet possess all the necessary skills to do things for themselves.
Our program is designed to continue to foster the sense of trust in children which began in infancy, and to meet the autonomous drives of the toddler. Our philosophy of learning follows Piaget's theory of development and promotes learning through sensorimotor experiences. Each child is recognized as being unique in his or her development and The Creative Curriculum® for Infants, Toddlers & Twos is used as a curriculum framework and guide.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Children are given ample space indoors and outdoors to walk, run and climb. They gain confidence in using their large muscle skills while enjoying many activities. Small motor development is also enhanced through the use of eating utensils, toys such as large puzzles, blocks and pegs, and art activities which include painting and scribbling with crayons.
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Children are given the opportunity throughout the day to make choices appropriate to their age level. In addition, they are encouraged to do many things independently: help to feed and dress themselves, wash their hands, clean-up around the room, hang up their coats, and more. Accomplishing these self-help tasks provides the toddler with a sense of independence which they so strongly desire.
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT The focus of the cognitive development of toddlers is language acquisition. Children learn to use language to communicate their thoughts, to name objects and pictures, and to make conversation with adults and other children. Teaching staff promote language development while talking to children by asking questions, by describing actions, by reading books, and by singing songs.
To view WHSCDA, Inc.'s Toddler Handbook, click here.
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