18 months- 36 months
Toddler Program
The toddler is an explorer. They learn all the time through everything that they do. He discovers gravity when he pulls himself up and falls down. He learns about opposites when he climbs over, and crawls through, under and around. One part of a toddlers day can not be distinguished as more or less educational then another. Socially, the toddler is an independent, self –centered being. His wants, needs, his space, his toys bear no interference from others. Sharing, waiting for a turn and cooperating are social skills which must be learned and are introduced and encouraged at Pumpkin Patch. Language development is crucial for toddlers as it helps them express feelings and needs related to other areas of development. The teachers in the room are willing to listen, elicit responses, talk to the children, ask questions and patiently answer the hundreds of questions asked of them. Motor development is ongoing within the toddler program. Children are provided with encouragement, appropriate space and opportunities to further develop large and small motor skills. Music and movement are done through out the day in addition to outside time where the children can just be children, because we feel that is the most important part of being a toddler.
Toddler Schedule
7:30-9:00 Arrival and Free Play
Two or three choices of toys are given for the children. Discuss the child’s night.
8:45-9:00 - Clean Up and Diapers
One teacher changes diapers and works on potty training. The co-teacher gets the children ready for snack time.
9:00 - Snack
At this time morning snack is served. This snack is provided by parents on alternating basis.
9:15-9:30 - Music and Movement/ Outdoor Prep
One teacher does movement activities with children while the other teacher prepares them for outside time.
9:30-10:30 - Outdoor Play
Weather permitting children are taken outside on either the playground or for a buggy ride. In case of bad weather free play activities are arranged.
10:30- 11:15 - Art and Centers
Children are split into two groups. One group works on the art project while the other group uses manipulative toys such as legos, puzzles or playdo. On days that art is not done some sort of sensory activity is done in it’s place.
11:15-11:30 - Diapers and Circle Time
Children begin to learn name recognition, shapes, colors, letters and numbers through songs and books. Co-teacher pulls children from circle to do diapers and potty.
11:30- 12:00 - Lunch
Center provided lunch is served.
12:00-12:15 - Quiet time
Teacher sits with children and reads stories before nap. Co-teacher cleans up from lunch.
12:15-2:30 - Nap Time
Each child’s back is rubbed until sleeping. Soft music is played throughout nap.
2:30-2:45 - Diapers and Wake up
Children begin to wake up and are taken for diapers and potty.
2:45-3:00 - Snack
Center provided snack is served.
3:00-4:00 - Outdoor play
Weather permitting children are taken outside on playground. Free play is arranged on bad weather days.
4:00-4:30 - Music and Movement
An interacive CD is put on and children use instruments, trampoline, parachute and other gross motor activites.
4:30-5:30 - Parent Arrival and Diapers
Children are given a choice of activities involving fine motor skills. Parents arrive. Teachers take the time to talk to the parents about the day. Daily sheets are reviewed and the room is prepared for following day.
