The Early Learning Center: Toddlers 

We believe in establishing and maintaining open lines of communication with parents as a vital part of our approach to nurturing and educating the whole child.

We communicate continuously with parents in a variety of ways, including daily e-mails ("Center Highlights") and weekly e-notes, parenting workshops, parent association meetings, family events and goals conferences.

Our responsive staff are always willing to set up a mutually convenient time to discuss your child’s experience.

Our Child Care program hours are 6:30 am -5:30 pm. 

Arrival

Families arrive according to individual schedules and the classroom is set up for what is known as Open Center Play.  Students can explore the environment at their own pace and self select materials from the available learning areas.  This allows them the time they need to separate from family, transition into the classroom and interact with their environment (including their teachers and one another) before moving into the more scheduled part to the day.

Breakfast*

We typically sit down together around 8:30 am.  If your child has not already eaten at home, breakfast may be sent in and we will set it up and sit with the children as they eat.  We are happy to be flexible should someone truly need to eat sooner. If a child has eaten at home, they are welcome to sit and have one of our snacks should they choose to do so.  Anyone not interested in eating can continue to explore the center.  

Diaper Changes

There are four scheduled diaper changes throughout each day and bowel movements are changed as needed. The first scheduled change will take place soon after breakfast. 

Activity Time

Activities include but are not limited to circle time, music & movement, art experiences, sensory play, story time, outside play, and time in the sharing room or buggy rides are offered. The types of activities vary throughout the week but "Activity Time" always falls between breakfast and lunch. We like to head outside as often as possible and can often bring activities outdoors as well.  We'll make assessments daily about the weather and our general rule of thumb is that we remain inside if is colder than 30* or hotter than 90* (Fahrenheit.) 

Lunch & Rest Time

Lunch is typically served around 11:30 am.  Afterwards, we move to another scheduled diaper change and wash up before helping the kids find their cots and settle in for nap time.  We find that most of our toddlers fall asleep by 12:30 pm but this can vary.  At this age, we believe it's important for students to sleep as long or as little as needed, and as they wake, the children will have the opportunity to enjoy a buggy ride or the Sharing Room.

Afternoon Snack and Play

Snack is offered once everyone is awake, usually around 3:00 pm, followed by diaper changes.  We provide a variety of wholesome foods throughout the week, including organic whole milk. A modified afternoon "Activity Time" is offered, including more time outdoors.    

Departure

Families pick-up according to individual schedules.  A light snack is available around 5 pm for anyone that needs a little something to hold them over until dinner.  We have one final scheduled diaper change around 5 pm, and offer a few quiet materials to explore as we help prepare the majority of the kids to transition home.

We will provide snacks, organic milk and water throughout the day. We ask that families provide breakfast (if needed) and lunch.  Meals should be sent in as they are intended to be served- food should already be prepared and only require re-heating. Everything should be cut to size, including fruit. Toddlers will typically eat what what is sent in but as rule of thumb, we like to recommend that 3 to 4 healthful choices are provided. Meal time is a great vehicle for our self-care curriculum! Lunches should be sent into school in a lunch box along with a reusable ice pack.

Pizza Fridays for Toddlers!
Families in the Toddler classrooms have the option to buy pizza for their child on Fridays.  If participating, we bill families directly in September. 

We ask families to label all belongings/supplies with their child's first and last name.

Crib Sheet & Blanket or Sleep Sack

We ask that parents provide a crib sheet for your child's cot along with a blanket or sleep sack.  Over the years families have also opted to use a child-sized sleeping bag instead.  It really is a matter of personal preference.  We will send all items home at end of week to be laundered.

Travel Size Pillow and Pillow Case -- Optional

 

Pacifier or Comfort Item

If your a is particularly attached to a pacifier, blanket, stuffed animal or some other comfort item, we ask families to provide a duplicate or similar item.  While we work hard to keep track of individual belongings (or when appropriate – help a child keep track of his/her belongings), items do get lost from time to time.  Please note: students are not permitted to have anything attached to pacifiers. This includes small stuffed animals. 

Sippy Cup

Sippy cups are washed with soap and water.  We encourage families to take their child’s cup home to sterilize.

Diapers / Wipes / Ointments or Powders

In addition to diapers and wipes, families should provide any special ointments, creams or powders for our use.  These items will be stored by the changing table in each center.  We encourage each family to keep track of their child’s diapering supplies and replenish when necessary.  Currently, general diaper creams and sun block DO NOT require an authorization form from a health care practitioner. 

Clothes

We encourage all children to wear well-fitted comfortable clothing void of complicated buckles, buttons or fasteners.  Velcro type shoes are also recommended to help facilitate independence.

We ask families to provide 2 to 3 sets of clothes at all times, including socks.  We used to say "weather appropriate" clothing but these days, there is so much variation in the weather, it's best to be prepared for anything!  A range of clothing is helpful for layering. Items are stored in a bin labeled with each child’s name and picture. We encourage families to keep track of their child’s supply and replenish when necessary. 

Bottles & Formula

We recognize some students still receive a bottle or two during the day.  If so, please be sure to provide whatever is needed, including instructions regarding the amount, timing and contents of the bottle

In addition to diapers and wipes, we ask families to provide any special over the counter ointments, creams or powders that are used for their child. These items are stored by the changing table. We encourage families to keep track their child's supplies and replenish when necessary.

General diaper creams and sun block do not require an authorization form from a health care practitioner.

ALL medications, remedies, supplements and aids, both over-the-counter and prescription, require proper authorization before anything can be applied or administered by teachers.