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This is a picture of a toddler on a slide.

West Shore
    CHILD
Care Center

Children transition from the Nursery at eighteen months into Toddler One and remain there until approximately 24 to 26 months of age before moving on to Toddler Two.  The Toddler  room has large waist to ceiling-high windows.  Children drink from lidded cups, not bottles, nap on cots and eat snacks and lunch together at their table, learning to use appropriate utensils to feed themselves.  Toddler One and Toddler Two combine for large muscle play, at the beginning and at the end of the day, but there are never more than six children with only one caregiver when combined.

Highlights of Toddler One

bulletToddler One is a group of seven children with their caregiver in a room with Toddler Two.
bulletFurniture, diapering, toileting and hand-washing facilities are age appropriate.
bulletActivity notes are filled out for each child every day so that parents are aware of important happenings.
bulletTwo snacks and a hot lunch provided at no additional cost
bulletPosted theme-based, age appropriate lesson plans

Program

Toddler One children are supported as they acquire skills during a balance of quiet and active play.  Teachers extend children's language ("Michele play" to "Michele wants to play with the stroller").  Teachers actively and frequently use open-ended questions in meaningful situations to help toddlers name and recall "Where is ...?"  Children are comforted when necessary, and acknowledged for their accomplishments and helped to feel increasingly competent and in control of themselves. 

You will see us...

bulletFollow time schedules that are flexible and smooth, dictated more by children's needs than adults'.  There is a relatively predictable sequence to the day to help children feel secure.
bulletSupport and positively encourage children's attempts to dress themselves and put on shoes.
bulletHang toddler's art work for them to look at.
bulletProvide a variety of books, photographs of family and familiar things to name and talk about
bulletComfort and nurture toddlers and let them know they are appreciated.
bulletModel the type of interactions with others that we want children to develop.
bulletHelp toddlers resolve their differences by using words to express what is happening and what the toddler is feeling.
bulletRedirect toddlers to help guide them toward controlling their own impulses and behavior.
bulletGive clear sanctions for overtly dangerous behavior.
bulletProvide a balance of indoor and outdoor gross motor play

How we play...

bulletCaregivers read, sing, do fingerplays with the children and play games inside and outside during large muscle play.
bulletWe provide children with daily opportunities for exploratory activity, such as water and sand play, painting, and playdough manipulation.
bulletSturdy books, simple puzzles, other manipulatives and lots of appropriate toys are on open shelves that the toddlers can easily access.
bulletPull and push toys are favorites and used inside and outside for fun.
bulletThe room has dress-up clothes and an unbreakable mirror for admiring oneself.
bulletThere is a housekeeping corner with appliances, dishes and pretend food.
bulletOur fenced-in playground has a special toddler climber, toddler slide, sand box, water tables and open space for running in the grass.