Toddler Program

The Toddler Program is both a transition to a school setting as well as means to further a healthy separation between parent and child.  Successful separation transfers the child’s trust from family to school.  The results are a happier first experience in autonomy for the child and a sense of security for the parent.

Morning Toddler group represents the younger birthdays in the class while Afternoon group is comprised of the older children.  Ages will be mixed as the Early Childhood years progress.  In Elementary School students are mixed each year so that children in an entire grade get to know each other well over their 10 years at The Center.

The Toddler Day

The Toddler day centers around learning to meet individual interests and needs while learning to live in a group or community. 

The day begins with playtime on the Toddler Yard.  Parents are encouraged to stay with their children until each child is comfortable with their parent’s leaving.  There is a Parent Lounge across from the Toddler classroom for parents who wish or need to wait until their child is comfortable with the parent’s departure until dismissal.  

In their classroom, toddlers experiment with art materials, choose from activity centers that house blocks, dolls, trucks, dress-up clothes and more.  Learning how to sit in a group, listen to a story or learn about the seasons or days of the week are challenging activities for a toddler.   Circle time is a very important time for the child and the teacher, who remains conscious of each child’s developmental stage.

Even learning to sit for snack, serve yourself and use the restroom are critical activities in the toddler day.  At The Center toddler may enter using diapers.  There is no toileting requirement or timetable during this year.  Neither morning nor afternoon session includes naptime.  Parents are advised to begin adjusting the child’s nap schedule well before school begins in September.

By dismissal, there is joy in the air as children greet eager parents.  Every day is filled with new adventures and a measure of achievement in the Toddler program at CEE.

For more information about the curriculum in our Early Childhood Program, click here.

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