12 months-18 months
Waddler Program
"Waddler" is a term used for children transitioning from babyhood to early childhood, more commonly known as toddlerhood. Children's rapid brain development between the ages of 12 and 24 months causes amazing changes to happen - such as talking, walking and best of all remembering. Cognitive development is the children's ability to think, learn and remember. We at the PUMPKIN PATCH realize that Waddlers are starting to understand, imitate and begin pretend play at this stage of development and have created a curriculum to nurture and guide their need for independence and safe exploration. These tasks allow Waddlers to become confident and independent. Waddlers form strong emotional attachments at this age and their need for attachments and independence set the stage for conflict, confusion and breakdowns. Their needs are so high at this age and yet their language is only just beginning. Between the ages of 15-18 months Waddlers understand 10 times more than they can speak. This is very frustrating for them and our staff is sympathetic to these situations. As with infants, free play is encouraged to develop independence and exploration. We also begin some structure in this room with the inclusion of teacher directed art projects and themes.
Waddler Schedule
7:30-8:30 - Arrival and Free Play
Two or three choices of toys are given for the children. Discuss the child's night.
8:30-8:45 - Clean Up and Diapers
One teacher changes diapers and works on potty training. The co-teacher gets the children ready for snack time.
8:45-9:00 - Snack Time
At this time morning snack is served. This snack is provided by parents on an alternating basis.
9:00-9:30 - Music and Movement - Outside Prep
One teacher takes the children for interactive music. Children use props such as instruments, trampoline, parachute and other gross motor activities.
9:30-10:30 - Outdoor Play / Buggy Ride
Weather permitting, children are taken outside on either the playground or for a buggy ride. In case of bad weather free play activities will be arranged.
10:30-11:00- Lunch Prep / Diapers
Children are taken into bathroom one by one for diapers while other teacher preps for lunch.
11:00-11:30 - Lunch
Center provided luch is served
11:15-11:30 - Quiet Time
One teacher sits with children who finish lunch early and reads stories before nap. Co-Teacher cleans up from lunch.
11:30-1:30 - Nap Time
Each child's back is rubbed until sleeping. Soft music is played throughout nap.
1:30-1:45 - Diapers and Wake Up
Children begin to wake up and are taken for diapers.
1:45-2:00 - Snack
Center provided snack is served.
2:00-3:00 - Outside Time
Weather permitting children are taken outside for playground or buggy ride. Free play activites are arranged for bad weather days.
3:00- 4:00 - Free Play and Art
Children play at centers with one teacher while co-teacher takes children in kitchen are for art.
4:00-4:30 - Diapers
Children are taken for final diaper changes.
4:30-5:30 Parent Arrival
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 the following day.
