Welcome Parent to the Toddler Classroom

We want this experience to be one that your child will enjoy and look forward to each day. This is a time in early development when many new skills will begin to emerge. Our goal is to support the child as they struggle to master these new skills.  We will encourage your child to become independent by supporting their self help skills, i.e. putting on and taking off their own coats and jackets, learning how to clean up at lunch and snack time, drinking from a small paper cup, picking up toys and helping teachers at clean up time. Teachers will also help children understand the need to share with their peers, (a huge challenge). Toilet training is also introduced while children are in the toddler room. Although children are moved into the pre-school at the appropriate time, our preference is to have at least attempted to toilet train before the move occurs.

 

Language development is a one of the many major mile stones that really begins to merge during this critical stage of the development. As with our older classes language is encouraged through reading story books, singing songs and reciting poems. Children are also helped and supported as they struggle to verbally express their feelings, needs and wants.

 

Sharing is a very difficult task for toddlers, especially when it involves the toys that they bring from home.  It is helpful in preventing unnecessary conflicts if toys from home are kept to the absolute minimum. Interestingly enough, toddlers do not seem to mind sharing books that the entire class can have read to them. It is always our pleasure to read books that a child may have brought to share with other children.

 

The teachers are always available to speak with parents about any concerns or answer any questions. It is hard for teachers to speak with parents at drop off and pick up time. As a sign of respect for the child we ask that you make an appointment to meet with the teacher. The appointment allows you and the teacher time to spend discussing any issues that may be of concern.