Toddler Community
The Toddler Community offers very young children, ages 16 months to 2 1/2 to 3 years, a unique opportunity for self-development in a tender atmosphere of special understanding, respect and support. The classrooms are special in that they provide a very specific structure that fulfills the social, physical, emotional, and psychological needs of children of this age. In these communities, there is space for movement, individual work, and group activities. Everything in the environment is proportional to the child's size and is designed to be safe and aesthetically pleasing for children. Children are encouraged to grow and learn through many practical life activities such as caring for the environment (sweeping, dusting, washing, polishing, watering plants, raking leaves, shoveling snow), caring for self (toileting, washing hands, dressing, preparing food) and taking care of others (grace and courtesy). These activities are simple and can be accomplished by each child. They offer repetitive cycles, which helps the child establish patterns of order and sequencing. These activities are real life activities, helping each child become grounded in reality and building the child's self-esteem through repeated successes. In addition, we provide activities in art, music, and movement and offer many opportunities for socialization. |
