Toddlers

During toddlerhood, children learn through repetition, in which the toddler will repeat tasks over and over to develop an understanding of cause and effect relationships. This also leads to the discovery of new relationships through exploration and experimentation. Toddlers are also easily distracted and a new interest can catch their eye without warning. New toddlers may be beginning to develop their walking skills. Physical mobility, combined with their growing ability to experiment with objects makes for a fascinating stage of development. During the ages of 12-24 months the sounds that children have been imitating begin to turn into words. The ability to now be better able to communicate their needs is an exciting event, and every question is often answered with a "no", even if they really mean yes. As toddlers move closer to the age of two, words begin to string together into two or three word sentences.

Our toddler teachers prepare a weekly Lesson Plan that encourages the children to explore their environment and have experiences that will build upon each other and prepare your child for the next stages of development. Toddlers thrive on routine, and our daily schedule is planned with that in mind. Our daily schedule provides times for outdoor exploration, music and movement, creative experiences, and sensory activities, in addition to diapering, mealtimes and a nap.

Communication with parents is a top priority at Chesterfield Academy. Daily reports are written for each child and sent home at the end of the day. On our Daily report you will find information about how your child ate and slept, as well as documentation on all diaper changes and the learning experiences of the day. Pictures taken by our caregivers are sent via email for you to enjoy while at work! These photos are also used for portfolios and in the classroom to create an environment that is familiar to the children. We also hold Parent Teacher Conferences twice a year. During Parent Teacher conferences your child's teacher will discuss with you the developmental checklist for toddlers, go through your child's developmental portfolio, and be available to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Thank you for your interest in our Toddler Program! We look forward to the opportunity to build a lasting relationship with your child and family. If you have any questions please call or come by for a visit!

Sincerely,

Tracie M. King (Director)

Shannon Gilmore (Assistant Director)