Toddler Program
Toddler Program (Ages 1-2)
Text: Our mission at the YMCA Learning Center is to provide a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment where toddlers can explore, learn, and grow. We focus on creating a positive foundation for early development through a balanced approach to play, learning, and social interaction.
Program Goals:
- To support toddlers in reaching developmental milestones through age-appropriate activities.
- To foster a love of learning and curiosity about the world.
- To create a safe, supportive environment where children can explore and discover.
- To promote social, emotional, and cognitive development through structured and unstructured activities.
- To partner with families to support each child’s individual needs and growth.
Program Details
Curriculum Components
A. Developmental Milestones
- Social & Emotional Development:
- Learning to share and take turns.
- Developing basic self-regulation skills.
- Beginning to form friendships and understand others’ emotions.
- Cognitive Development:
- Exploring cause-and-effect relationships.
- Developing problem-solving skills through simple puzzles and games.
- Recognizing and naming basic shapes, colors, and objects.
- Language Development:
- Expanding vocabulary through songs, stories, and conversation.
- Encouraging simple sentence formation and comprehension of instructions.
- Engaging in verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Physical Development:
- Enhancing gross motor skills through climbing, walking, and outdoor play.
- Developing fine motor skills with activities like stacking blocks and drawing.
B. Daily Activities
- Sensory Play: Activities such as sand and water play, playdough, and sensory bins to stimulate the senses.
- Art & Crafts: Simple art projects to encourage creativity and fine motor skills.
- Music & Movement: Songs, dance, and instruments to promote rhythm, coordination, and expression.
- Storytelling: Reading books and engaging in storytelling to foster a love for literature and language.
Daily Schedule
Time | Activity | Description |
---|---|---|
6:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Arrival & Free Play | Children arrive, greet teachers, and engage in free play with various toys and activities. |
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Breakfast Time | Healthy breakfast provided in compliance with the Federal Food Program. Focus on self-feeding and social skills. |
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | Classes Separate | Toddlers say goodbye to their older friends and focus on bonding with only their classmates. |
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM | Structured Learning | Age-appropriate activities such as sensory play, art projects, and basic concepts (colors, shapes). |
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM | Outdoor Play | Supervised outdoor playtime for physical development and exploration. |
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM | Lunch Time | Nutritious meals provided in compliance with the Federal Food Program. Encouraging self-feeding and social interaction during meal times. |
11:15 AM - 1:30 PM | Nap Time | Quiet time for rest. Sleep routines include a calming environment and individualized attention. |
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM | Story Time | Reading books and engaging with stories to develop language skills and listening. |
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Wake Up & Free play | Gentle wake-up from nap followed by open-ended play with toys, books, and activities to encourage independent play and exploration. |
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM | Snack Time | A healthy snack approved by the Federal Food Program to give them energy for an afternoon of play. |
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Themed Activities | Engaging in themed activities based on weekly or monthly topics (e.g., animals, seasons) |
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Free Play | Unstructured playtime to let their imaginations run free. |
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Combine & Pickup | Combine into the other classrooms or outside as children are picked up for the day. |
Rates
- Toddlers – 1 Year Old: Member – $690 Non-Member – $740
- Toddlers – 2 Year Old: Member – $670 Non-Member – $720
- Drop-in rate: $67 per day
- Financial assistance available for qualifying families.
- ICCP Accepted