Toddler Program
Ages 18 months - 30 months
“Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul.””
Our toddler program is thoughtfully designed to support children during this remarkable stage of growth, curiosity, and independence.
We recognize that toddlers learn best through hands-on exploration. Our program offers many opportunities throughout the day for the children to explore and engage with open-ended materials, loose parts, and sensory play.
As professionals, we know that children learn best when they are given experiences that are responsive to their interests, therefore our program focuses on child-led, interest based activities.
Strong, responsive relationships are at the core of our toddler classrooms. Through warm interactions and consistent care, we support children as they build trust, independence, and a growing sense of self. We see toddlers as capable, curious learners and are committed to creating an environment where they feel valued, supported, and deeply connected.
At our centre, we strive to create a learning environment that is warm, inviting, and provides a sense of calm to the children and families walking in. We want the children to feel safe and comfortable enough to explore, take risks, and develop confidence in themselves and their abilities.
Our Learning Areas
Building & Blocks
Through stacking, arranging and balancing blocks, children learn many fundamental skills!
They are beginning to understand cause and effect when they knock a tower over
They are practicing self regulation and learning to cope with frustration when their blocks keep falling over
They are developing problem solving skills when figuring out how to balance blocks on top of each other
We recognize how important this area of play is for children, so we offer a spacious block area in our toddler classroom. This area is stocked with multiple types of blocks and building materials, with special attention to the size and shape so as to protect the children from choking hazards.
Language & Literacy
Early exposure to literacy is crucial for a child’s language development
Did you know? At 18 months, a child should have a minimum of 20 words in their vocabulary.
For young children, language development isn’t just about the size of their vocabulary though, it is about how they express themselves, share their feelings, communicate their needs, and connect with the world.
We incorporate literacy into every day through songs, stories, conversations, modeling words, and introducing new words to expand their play.
We also believe in offering a literacy rich environment for children, and we do this by displaying labels, children’s names, signage and incorporating letters into other learning areas in the classroom!
Creative Arts
We believe that children are capable and competent. We also know that in order to foster creativity, independence and confidence in a child’s skills, we need to step back and let the child lead.
In our art area, we invite children to experiment with a variety of materials, textures, and tools, allowing them to create in ways that are meaningful to them. Our art experiences are open-ended, interest based, and support each child’s creativity and self expression.
Rather than focusing on a finished product, we value the creative process. When we give children the freedom to express themselves through art without rules or instructions, we are giving them an opportunity to develop their fine motor skills, problem solving skills, and to take pride in their work!
We love to display the children’s artwork around the centre so they can show off their masterpieces!
Imaginative play
An imaginative play area is often overlooked in toddler spaces, but this type of play is so crucial for young children.. Through pretend play, toddlers can begin to make sense of their world and and the people around them. They often mimic the people around, which is just them trying to understand how the world works.
This is why our toddler program offers an engaging dramatic play centre with realistic materials, that is intentionally set up to reflect the current interests of the children. These interests could be a hair salon because a child got a hair cut on the weekend, or a bakery to engage the child that loves to bake with mom. This is why our educators are always engaged with the children and observing their play. It is so important to offer these meaningful experiences to children to enhance their learning and support their understanding of the world!
Outdoors & Gross motor
Spending time outdoors is an essential part of our day! We spend a minimum of 2 hours outdoors daily, weather permitting. When we are not able to go outdoors due to weather, we ensure the children are given opportunities to move their bodies indoors, through yoga, dancing, obstacle courses, and gross motor equipment located in our classrooms!
Children are given plenty of opportunities, indoors and outdoors, to move their bodies, build strength, and develop coordination through running, climbing, jumping, dancing and balancing!
Gross motor play invites children to explore safe risks, develop coordination and agility, understand their bodies and abilities, and know their limits. It also encourages spatial awareness and the ability to navigate their bodies in relation to their environment and their peers.
Science & Sensory
Toddlers are constantly trying to understand the world around them. They are natural explorers!
Through sensory play with materials such as water, sand, light, sound, and natural elements, toddlers use their senses to explore cause and effect, make connections, and build early scientific thinking. These experiences support problem-solving, language development, and self-regulation as children test ideas, observe changes, and engage with their environment.
Our educators follow children’s interests and plan experiences that will engage and expand their learning. In these moments of exploration, children are building a deeper understanding of the world while developing confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
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“It’s the things we play with and the people who help us play that make a great difference in our lives.”