Older Toddlers are taking a more sustained interest in their peers, and their play grows in complexity. Language skills and vocabulary continue to grow at an astonishing rate, and this facilitates peer interactions. We have two classrooms for Older Toddlers, each with twelve children and two teachers. The children will have had the same teachers since infancy.

Teachers pay special attention to the way they speak with young children in order to head off potential problems, help children identify their feelings, and problem solve with children when contentious situations arise. We use active listening to make sure children are heard and feel understood. As in the one-year old classrooms, there will be duplicates of the more popular toys to prevent undue frustration. Activity areas include a cozy library, dramatic play and dress-up, art, music, blocks, puzzles and table toys, as well as plenty of space indoors and out for moving. The Older Toddlers have their own playground space with swings, sand for digging and a small area for riding toys. In addition to the library area, books are placed next to other interest areas. For example, the play kitchen includes recipe books and next to the toy cars and trucks are books about vehicles.

Many children are becoming interested in toilet learning at this age. We will support efforts in a loving, matter-of-fact way. The bathroom for the Older Toddlers has child-sized toilets so children are more comfortable.

As in all programs, parents are invited to drop in anytime. Over the summer, the children will have a gradual introduction to the 3-5 year-old program, which they will join in August. All Older Toddler teachers will at that time begin over in the Infant/Wee Toddler room.

Ratio is 6:1 to 1 with a class size of 12.

We ask parents to provide diapers/pull-ups and wipes. We provide food, dance class on Mondays, a safe environment and a warm and caring staff.

Drop ins are welcome, for enrolled students, on an availability basis at a cost of $70 per day.

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