Toddlers Program

Our part-time toddler program provides care, socialization, and education led by three teachers for twelve children ages 18 to 30 months, or developmentally ready to enter the nursery school, each weekday. Our enrichment class is offered between 9:00 a.m. and noon with enrollment choices including Mon- Fri, Tues-Thurs, or Mon-Wed-Fri. There are also options for early arrival, lunch, and nap time before and after class as needed, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., at an hourly charge. We follow the traditional calendar and holiday breaks of San Diego City Schools. (Please see our calendar page.)

Our program addresses the particular needs of toddlers who are busy building language skills, defining small motor skills, becoming more social, beginning to use the bathroom, and building large motor skills for running, digging, climbing and riding. Each day they are presented quality literature, art and sensory experiences, snack and cooking experiences, music and movement activities, and a wide variety of materials and toys to challenge their imaginations both indoors and out. All the while they are building social skills and learning to listen, respond, and cooperate in a small group setting.

The program is very structured, but the children feel as though they are always playing. The art project and manipulative toys are set out on our two tables first thing in the morning. By 9:30 the materials are
cleaned up and changed to perhaps puzzles and fit-together building materials. Floor games, blocks, housekeeping, the easel, literature, and the sensory box are continually open and available at will.

While children play our three teachers roam, assist, see who needs changing, and make sure the children are treating each other respectfully.

Clean up time is between 10:15 and 10:30 when everyone helps.

Between 10:30 and 11:00 we have a lively circle time which might include felt board stories, singing, puppets, musical instruments, movement, and pocket apron rhymes. We also have hand washing followed by snack during this period before the children go outside to play. The playground is set upand ready for their arrival with a variety of sand toys, wheel toys, balls, bubbles, chalk, games and the climbing equipment, so children have many choices.

The toddler class has a focus each month. Some favorite topics have included Eric Carle stories and art, Children’s Favorite Rhymes, One – Two – Three! (Three Little Pigs, Three Bears, Three Billy Goats Gruff), or Under the Sea. Topics vary with interests of each group of children. Whatever the topic, it is presented through art, literature, music, games, activities and snacks (whenever possible).

At 12:00 the children have cleaned up, come inside, washed their hands and are ready to be picked up or have lunch with us. At 12:30 all children remaining in our care nap until shortly before 3:30 and their pick up time.

Open 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays:

• Serving up to twelve children with three teachers
• Ages 18 to 30 months
• Choice of groups 9.00 a.m. – noon based on a set monthly tuition
• Schedules: M – F, MWF, or TTh
• Optional additional care charge hourly
  8:30 to 9.00 a.m. and noon to 3:30 p.m.
• Helping toddlers enjoy their first school experience
• Learning to play together
• Sensory orientated good times