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• Center Programs - Toddlers
Young Toddlers (13 months - 20 months)
Our young toddlers are bridging from daily individualized schedules in the infant room to a more routine environment. The schedule in the young toddler room allows for a lot of flexibility. The young toddler staff are considerate of the varying emotional levels of the children in this age group and their need for an adaptable environment.
Mid Toddlers (20 months - 30 months)
This program was developed due to the great difference of the young toddlers and older toddlers. The toddler years are such an age of growth that we felt it necessary to offer a mid-age program, which is a mix between a structured schedule and a flexible schedule.
 Older Toddlers (30 months - 36 months)
Our older toddlers have a set daily schedule. This age group has more set time for "structured" activities. Short circle times and small group activities are planned through the day as well as free choice learning centers.
In providing for toddlers, our caregivers are prepared to be flexible and spontaneous. Toddlers are active explorers, they are eager to try new things and use materials in different ways. Our understanding staff will go with the lead of the child. Our toddler rooms have a flexible daily schedule, but we recognize the importance for routines. The caregivers consistently adapt the environment and activities to meet the changing needs of the children from day to day.
Our toddler classroom schedules are full of learning opportunities. Daily activities are planned to assist each child to grow verbally, socially, physically, emotionally and cognitively. Children and caregivers spend time "playing" together, which allows the caregiver to expand each child's individual emerging developmental skills. Playing with blocks can promote mastery of cognitive skills by counting blocks or labeling the shapes of the blocks. It can also aid in developing motor skills as they stack and build. Learning opportunities through play are consistently sought out by the NCDC staff.
Assessments are done 3 times a year. Our philosophy at NCDC stresses that children develop at their own rate and our goal is to assess where they are developmentally and use that as a a planning tool for our caregivers to form activities to master these emerging skills.. The role of the caregiver is to assist the children in mastering all developmental areas. The following is an example of the developmental skills that are generally exhibited with toddlers.
Social / Emotional
It is important that toddlers build a trusting relationship with caregivers. This enables them to become more independent and become more autonomous preschoolers. As they build trust with their caregivers, they are learning to trust the world as well. Along with building their self-esteem, the teachers are assisting the toddlers to become more self disciplined as they use positive guidance to help them deal with new and difficult social situations.
Motor Development
Toddlers are developing from new walkers to experienced runners. Our toddler rooms work on fine motor skills, such as stringing beads and puzzles as well. Gross motor skills, such as kicking a ball and propelling themselves on ride-on toys, are a major focus of this classroom.
Cognitive Skills
Through the toddler years, the children are gaining a vast amount of cognitive information. Developmentally, they are learning and exploring with matching, recognition of shapes and colors and simple sorting. The toddler rooms are full of opportunities to expand their cognitive ability.
Language Skills
The easiest way to learn language is to be consistently exposed to verbal opportunities. Our caregiving staff encourage toddlers to "use their words" as much as possible. Teachers are always involving the children in conversations and take many opportunities through the day to read and sing with the children.
| Young Toddler / Older Toddler Schedule |
| 6:30 |
to |
9:00 |
Drop off, Free choice |
| 9:00 |
to |
9:20 |
AM Snack |
| 9:20 |
to |
9:40 |
Diapering |
| 9:40 |
to |
10:15 |
Free Choice Activities |
| 10:15 |
to |
10:45 |
Outside /Gross Motor |
| 10:45 |
to |
11:30 |
Free Choice Activities |
| 11:30 |
to |
12:00 |
Lunch |
| 12:00 |
to |
12:20 |
Diapering |
| 12:20 |
to |
12:40 |
Story |
| 12:40 |
to |
1:00 |
Nap Prep |
| 1:00 |
to |
3:00 |
Nap |
| 3:00 |
to |
3:15 |
Nap clean up |
| 3:15 |
to |
3:30 |
Diapering |
| 3:30 |
to |
3:45 |
Snack |
| 3:45 |
to |
4:15 |
Outside / Gross Motor |
| 4:15 |
to |
6:00 |
Free Choice activities |
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