Toddlers (1-3)
Toddlers spend a large portion of their day in routines such as saying hello or good-bye, getting dressed, diapering, toileting and mealtime.
Our child-care environment reflects these important shared learning times. Toddlers also have a Primary Caregiver and hugs and cuddles are a big part of their day. The environment provided for our toddlers is welcoming and responsive to both children and their families. This promotes a sense of security for the toddler, which in turn, fosters trust among caregivers, children and families. Our toddlers have their own indoor and outdoor area with toys and activities age specific. Small and large muscle coordination is developed through outside and inside free play with age appropriate toys.
Toddlers are naturally curious, their environment allows for them to move freely about their space. This promotes critical motor development and learning. Our toddlers enjoy safe and protective surroundings to explore and develop new abilities. Toddlers are learning to explore the sights, sounds and textures of the world. Newly mobile toddlers want to take off in all directions at once, however they have a need to feel safe and secure in their environment so that they can continue to develop their love of learning. Toddlers learn by: Doing, Observing and Playing. A big part of their day is listening to stories, messy play, singing, and playing games.
We take into account toddlers own rhythms. We allow time for the child to realise what is happening and what will happen next. Then they can be prepared, anticipate and participate fully in the event. We then can begin this gracious dance of togetherness by verbally addressing the child before we do anything else. We then wait for a sign of readiness and cooperation. Eye contact is important as the toddler senses that this is going to be a time of togetherness and cooperation.