Toddler House

Age 15 months-3 years

Half-Day Program (8:30am-11:45am)

Full-Day Program (8:30am-3:00pm)

All-Day Program  (7:30am-5:30pm)

The Toddler House Program

When young children are stable walkers and at least 15 months, they are ready to join the Toddler Community, which consists of up to 13 toddlers, an AMI Montessori trained guide and one trained Assistant.  Toddlers, in their preschool age, are curious, active learners who use their senses to gain information about the world around them. It is a goal of the staff at Creo to develop partnerships with the families and caregivers as we develop a strong sense of community.

Language

Developing spoken language and learning how to communicate with others is an important part of the toddler's environment. At this age, the child has a natural burst in language. We support this through many different language materials and activities that encourage learning vocabulary and participating in conversations. Every day the children enjoy poems, books, songs, and finger play together. The Toddler Community Lead Guide and/or Assistant speaks to the children in her native language of Spanish providing the children with a bilingual learning environment.  

Motor Skills

There are many ways that the child is provided opportunities to develop his or her fine motor and large motor skills.  Indoors, there are fine motor activities including puzzles, stringing beads, using scissors, playing musical instruments, etc.  Children also develop their fine motor skills through many art activities such as painting at the easel or with watercolors, working with clay, gluing, etc. 

The child will also have opportunities each day to spend time outdoors to enjoy a variety of large motor activities such as riding tricycles, playing with balls, walking on a balance beam, enjoying time in the sandbox, etc.  Creo also has a multi-purpose room for additional opportunities to enjoy large motor movements.

Practical Life

The Toddler Community is divided into several areas in which the children move freely throughout the day. Practical Life activities include sweeping the floor, dusting, caring for plants, shoveling, etc. These activities develop a strong sense of order, self-confidence, concentration, and helps to promote the child's need for independence.  

Self Care and Toilet Training

The children also learn to care for themselves. In the beginning, loose fitting, easy on and off clothes that are free of zippers, snaps, and buttons, help the children develop their ability to do it themselves.  Children are often observed helping on another put on a sock or slipper as they work together to get dressed.  

Learning to use the toilet independently is another important part of the child's independence.  Many children develop an interest through observing other children. When children are showing signs of readiness, we work closely with the child and family to support the child with a stress-free approach. 

The Environment

A beautiful, safe and orderly environment has been specially prepared to meet the young child's need to move freely, to explore, to make discoveries, to develop language skills and to grow in independence.  The children are drawn to the attractive materials equipped with small tools that provide successful experiences. They often exclaim, "I did it myself!" which expresses their joy and sense of accomplishment.

Morning and afternoon snack are served, with children bringing a healthy, balanced lunch from home. For children who attend the full or all day program, there will be an opportunity to nap.