Toddler Program

Each of our Toddler Classrooms are licensed for nine children with 2 teachers. Children are offered plenty of opportunity for exploration, discovery, and learning on their own terms through free play—paired with a structured play-based curriculum.

9 children / room 2 teachers / room Free play + structured curriculum
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Classroom Age Ranges

Our toddler program is grouped to match each child’s stage of development.

Classroom Age Range
Infant–Toddler 15 months – 2 years old
Toddler 2 years old – 2.6 years old
Toddler–Preschool 2.6 years old – 3.3 years old

Program Details

In our Toddler Program, children are offered plenty of opportunity for exploration, discovery and learning on their own terms through free play.

Through free play, we promote interaction and social skills through socialization with peers, playing in a group, and sharing and taking turns.

In partnership with free play, children also learn through a structured play-based curriculum where they engage in literature, sensory, dramatic play, art, STEM, and movement activities to learn about a subject that teaches children more about themselves, others, or the world around them.

Through a combination of structured play and free play, children enhance development, while also growing independence, self-esteem, and confidence.

Free Play Exploration, discovery, and learning on their own terms
Social Skills Group play, sharing, taking turns, and peer interactions
Structured Curriculum Literature, sensory, dramatic play, art, STEM, movement
Confidence Building Independence, self-esteem, and confidence

We also ensure to

  • Review classroom rules daily
  • Encourage and reward appropriate behavior to further boost self-esteem and confidence
  • Provide an environment that is stimulating, yet safe and not overly challenging

Toddler Daily Schedules

Our toddler classrooms follow a predictable rhythm with flexibility to meet each child’s needs. Below are the daily schedules by classroom.

Infant–Toddler Schedule

  • 7:30–8:30Arrival & Free Play
  • 8:30–8:45Snack Time
  • 8:45–9:00Diapering
  • 9:00–9:15Circle Time
  • 9:15–10:00STEAM Project & Free Play
  • 10:00–10:30Outside Time
  • 10:30–11:15Structured Play / Music & Movement
  • 11:15–11:30Diapering
  • 11:30–12:00Lunch Time
  • 12:00–2:15Nap Time
  • 2:15–2:30Diapering
  • 2:30–2:45Snack Time
  • 2:45–3:45Structured Play & Tabletop Activities
  • 3:45–4:15Outside Time
  • 4:15–5:00Free Play & Pick Up

Toddler Schedule

  • 7:30–8:30Arrival & Free Play
  • 8:30–9:00Snack Time
  • 9:00–9:15Diapering / Potty Time
  • 9:15–9:30Circle Time
  • 9:30–10:00Outside Time
  • 10:00–10:30STEAM Project & Free Play
  • 10:30–11:15Structured Play / Music & Movement
  • 11:15–11:30Diapering / Potty Time
  • 11:30–12:00Lunch Time
  • 12:00–2:15Nap Time
  • 2:15–2:30Diapering / Potty Time
  • 2:30–2:45Snack Time
  • 2:45–3:15STEAM Project & Free Play
  • 3:15–4:15Structured Play & Tabletop Activities
  • 4:15–4:45Outside Time
  • 4:45–5:00Free Play & Pick Up

Toddler–Preschool Schedule

  • 7:30–8:30Arrival & Free Play
  • 8:30–8:45Snack Time
  • 8:45–9:00Diapering / Potty Time
  • 9:00–9:30Outside Time
  • 9:30–9:45Circle Time
  • 9:45–10:30STEAM Project & Free Play
  • 10:30–11:15Structured Play / Music & Movement
  • 11:15–11:30Diapering / Potty Time
  • 11:30–12:00Lunch Time
  • 12:00–2:15Nap Time
  • 2:15–2:30Diapering / Potty Time
  • 2:30–2:45Snack Time
  • 2:45–3:15Structured Play & Tabletop Activities
  • 3:15–3:45Outside Time
  • 3:45–4:15STEAM Project & Story Time
  • 4:15–5:00Free Play & Pick Up

Toddler Room: Things to Bring

Please label all belongings (especially sippy cups, clothes, blankets, etc.).

  • Blanket
  • Crib sheet
  • 2 sets of extra clothes
  • Lunch
    Parents can buy lunch at the center.
  • 2 sippy cups
    Water, milk, or juice.
  • Bibs
  • Diapers and wipes
  • Toothbrush

Thank you,
First Step

Please label all belongings including sippy cups, plastic bags, blankets, bibs, clothes...etc.

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